She works in a library, especially interested in inviting prominent authors such as Martin Walser to read from their books, and thus meeting them in person.

[3] Lore is frustrated that she cannot interest either Harry or Laura in reading, but she is also unhappy about tendencies in literature and the behaviour of authors.

[3][6] They decide to attend the event although they despise the society there, and come to realise that they have more common ground than they thought, despite differences about other subjects.

[3][6] A review by the FAZ noted the unbroken fire of the student movement and its criticism of the establishment, rendered with elements of self-irony and witty dialogue.

Lore is seen as providing satire and literary quotes from Gottfried Benn and Virginia Woolf, while Harry contributed architectural insights and analysis in the book.