A young German couple attempts to navigate the complexities of modern life and reproduction while their vacation is constantly interrupted by the encroaching political realities of their homeland.

Harm and Dörte Peters, a schoolteacher couple, seek a reprieve from their daily lives in Asia, yet they find themselves unable to escape the ideological pressures of West Germany. As they contemplate whether to have a child, they are forced to weigh the biological impulse against the socio-political climate of the late 20th century. The narrative employs a meta-fictional framework, frequently breaking the fourth wall to address the author's own creative process and the difficulty of capturing reality in prose. This structure forces the reader to confront the intersection of personal desire and public discourse within a fractured national identity.

Discussion often centers on the experimental nature of the text, which blends traditional storytelling with essayistic commentary. Readers frequently highlight the author's sharp wit and his willingness to interrogate his own role as a public intellectual. Critics observe that the pacing is intentionally uneven, reflecting the chaotic nature of the political debates the characters attempt to escape. The work is often viewed as a significant, if unconventional, entry in the author's bibliography that prioritizes intellectual engagement over linear plot progression. Many readers find the meta-fictional elements challenging yet essential for understanding the broader critique of German society presented within the pages.