Goodbye to Berlin, Section 5 Summary

"The Landauers"

This story is set in October of 1930, "about a month after the Elections..." It narrates the relationship between Christopher and a wealthy Jewish mercantile family, the Landauers, a relationship centered around the spoiled and imperious eighteen year old daughter, Natalia (it's unclear what brings Christopher and Natalia together, but it would be reasonable to assume that Christopher is ostensibly with the family to help Natalia learn English). Natalia is naïve and prudish, reacting negatively when Christopher introduces her to Sally Bowles (see "Goodbye to Berlin) and thereafter neglecting their friendship for months. Eventually Natalia leaves to study art in Paris.

The other Landauer with whom Christopher becomes closely involved is Bernhard, Natalia's cousin and the manager of the Landauers' store in Berlin. Bernhard, who speaks perfect English, is quiet and reserved, and like Natalia...