Joseph in the Snow, and The Clockmaker. In Three Volumes. Vol. II.

"Joseph in the Snow, and The Clockmaker. In Three Volumes. Vol. II." by Berthold Auerbach is a story that looks at the ordinary existence of clockmakers nestled in Germany's Black Forest. It examines the close ties of family and community during a period of sorrow. Lenz, a central character, confronts the recent passing of his mother and considers what his life will be like moving forward. Quiet village existence is carefully displayed as the story opens, showing how Lenz deals with his grief and integrates back into society. Kind villagers share memories of Lenz’s late mother and together consider how loss and memory affect them. As Lenz gets ready for a journey to heal, pushed by his own sadness and by community concern, he wrestles with his wish to stay at home versus pressure from his uncle to travel.