Summary

Chapter 1 opens in Lübeck, 1891. Thomas Mann has four siblings: Heinrich, Carla, Lula, and Viktor. Their mother, Julia de Silva-Bruhns, is the kind and alluring wife of a senator. She frequently hosts parties. Her sons often ask her to tell them stories of her native Brazil. The people of Lübeck are captivated by her, but some resent the showy way she brings her children to church.

Where Thomas’ siblings are always eager to hear their mother talk of Brazil, Thomas claims to be fonder of his father’s stories about Lübeck. Thomas is ashamed of his tendency to daydream, as he knows people expect him to take over the family business someday on account of Heinrich’s clear preference for literature. As Thomas grows older, it becomes more difficult for him to hide his disinterest in the business along with his...