Chapter 35, Firestones and Tombstones Summary

In Dusseldorf, the family lives with Maria's sister. Guste was engaged to Ktzster when was sent to the Arctic front, and the couple married on furlough. They have only spent a few nights together. Although the war is over, there is no word of Ktzster. Guste insists he is a prisoner in Russia and there will be big changes when he returns. She is referring to the highly profitable black market operation Maria and six-year-old Kurt conduct, selling ersatz honey and flints. Oskar also objects to the illegal activity, but he has a prodigious appetite due to his growth, and the extra money buys food.

Wandering the city, Oskar befriends Korneff, who owns a stonecutter and sells headstones. Soon, Oskar is working as his apprentice. Maria continually harangues Oskar, urging him to find a black market source...