Chapters 8 and 9 Summary

In Chapter Eight, John receives a letter from his former prison guard, Karl-Heinz, who says he's working in the film industry and invites John to visit. John decides to accept the offer and sets out, leaving Sonia alone with their young son and expecting their second child. John promises to send for Sonia as soon as he's settled. John is unable to secure work in the film industry and is soon working as a doorman at the Hotel Windsor in Berlin. Karl-Heinz's roles are usually as non-speaking extras but he is working. John feels as if he's on holiday from his responsibilities and enjoys the time away. He notes that the "strong affection" they'd developed while John was in prison is quickly reestablished.

After about four months, John gets a job with Duric Lodakian, an Armenian who made his fortune in...