Summary
On a warm summer morning, Herman Broder is startled awake by tumultuous dreams, momentarily disoriented as he wonders if he is still in Nazi-occupied Poland. For a fleeting moment, he imagines himself in the hayloft where Yadwiga, his family’s servant, once hid him to save his life. Reality soon asserts itself, and he finds that he is in his Brooklyn apartment, living with Yadwiga, whom he married after believing that his wife and children had perished.
Deceptive Pursuits
Pretending to Yadwiga that he must take an overnight train for work, Herman actually stays in New York City. By day, he writes for Rabbi Milton Lampert as a ghostwriter, and by night, he spends time at the apartment of his mistress, Masha Tortshiner, and her mother, Shifrah Puah Bloch, both Holocaust survivors. Masha is aware of Herman’s marriage to Yadwiga, but her mother remains in the dark, pushing Masha to divorce her husband, Leon, and marry Herman instead.
Unexpected Reunions
Shifrah Puah one day directs Herman’s attention to a newspaper notice urging him to call a certain number. Upon making the call, he is stunned to discover that Tamara, his first wife thought dead, is alive and in New York. When they meet, Herman is struck by her newfound beauty and agreeable nature, prompting a desire to maintain relationships with both Tamara and Masha.
Mounting Tensions
Masha grows suspicious of Herman’s frequent absences, unaware of Tamara’s return. Herman hopes to appease Masha during an Adirondack Mountains getaway, but the plan backfires when Masha reveals she is pregnant. In a rash moment, Herman promises to marry her, further complicating his tangled web of commitments.
Complications Multiply
Despite Herman's existing marriage to Yadwiga, Masha pursues a divorce from Leon, disregarding Herman's marital status. Simultaneously, Herman's relationships with Tamara and Yadwiga become increasingly complex. During a Catskills outing, he and Tamara unexpectedly rekindle their intimacy. Meanwhile, Yadwiga decides to convert to Judaism and have a Jewish child, believing it will strengthen her bond with Herman, who begrudgingly consents despite his reluctance to bring a child into such a harsh world.
Cracks in the Facade
Although Herman manages to keep his three relationships separate, he is increasingly anxious about being discovered, knowing exposure could cost him his job and possibly lead to imprisonment or deportation. His marriage to Yadwiga is legally justified under the assumption of Tamara’s death, but marrying a third wife would be indefensible. Just as he grapples with these decisions, Leon Tortshiner offers an unexpected escape by revealing Masha's infidelities and her unfaithful dealings during their marriage.
A Web Unravels
Herman attempts to sever ties with Masha, but she persuades him that Leon is lying, and they proceed with marriage. As winter sets in, Herman faces dire financial straits. Yadwiga is pregnant, adding to his burdens in Brooklyn, while Masha’s psychological pregnancy leaves her too despondent to work, forcing Herman to support her Bronx household as well. Yadwiga's newfound enthusiasm for Judaism further strains Herman, who has long since lapsed in his faith.
The Collapse of Secrecy
Inevitably, Herman’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble. Tamara visits the Brooklyn apartment, where Yadwiga realizes her identity. A nosy neighbor introduces Nathan Pesheles, who upon meeting "Mrs. Broder," identifies Yadwiga. Rabbi Lampert, learning of Herman’s recent marriage, holds a party that Herman and Masha attend, unaware Pesheles will reveal Herman’s secrets to Masha and the rabbi.
The Aftermath
During the gathering, Pesheles informs Masha of Tamara's existence and exposes Herman's dual marriages. Reacting with anger, Masha breaks ties with Herman, yet receives a job offer and shelter from the rabbi. In the fallout, Tamara...
(This entire section contains 732 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
offers Herman a lifeline, welcoming him and providing work at her uncle’s bookstore, while she and Yadwiga support each other.
An Uncertain Future
Just as stability seems within reach, Masha reappears, seeking reconciliation. Herman agrees to elope with her, but unforeseen events, including a burglary and her mother’s death, delay their plans. Considering the despair of their situation, they contemplate a double suicide, but Herman ultimately decides to abandon everyone.
Conclusion Without Closure
The tragic outcome is that Masha takes her own life. Yadwiga moves in with Tamara, helping run the bookstore while raising her daughter, named after Masha. Herman’s fate remains a mystery, as he vanishes without a trace, leaving the others to piece together their fractured lives.