A Word, Only a Word — Volume 01

"A Word, Only a Word — Volume 01" by Georg Ebers is a historical fiction novel that starts in the Black Forest, where two young friends, Ulrich and Ruth, talk about the significance of words and desires, touching on themes of longing, childhood innocence, and finding oneself in a restrictive society. Their playful conversations turn serious as they consider the weight of words and their ability to change lives, mirroring the complexity of their world. As rain begins to fall, their thoughts shift to family and wishes, especially Ulrich's longing for his mother and Ruth's hope to see her loved ones again, setting up a story that will probably explore family ties, social differences, and the search for a sense of belonging.