A Backhanded Gift

Set in late 1980s Munich, the story follows aspiring writer Robert Cherney, who grapples with his identity while teaching tennis to a diverse group of Jewish men haunted by their pasts. Among them is his best friend Max Altmann, a wealthy businessman who introduces Robert to the city's nightlife. As Robert navigates romantic entanglements with Ingrid and Veronique, he also confronts the complexities of love, ambition, and the legacy of being a German Jew. The narrative blends humor and seriousness in exploring these themes.