An interesting novel by one of the great writers of the 20th century. The novel describes the reunion of two great friends after 41 years of absence. The narrative focuses on the dialogue between the two: Hénrik, a general in the Austro-Hungarian army, and Konrad, also in the army, but from a simple family. The latter suddenly disappeared after more than 25 years of friendship living under the same roof.
The dialogue is led by the general, who gradually discovers the reasons for everything that happened at the time. Konrad enters very little in the dialogue, just enough to understand his feelings and his mysterious attitude. The general's wife, who died years ago, is also one of the main characters, since she is the source of the deep and opposing feelings between the two.
Although some immoral events are hinted at, it does not dwell on unnecessary descriptions. The background of everything is harsh and rather pessimistic, also typical of that time in the history of late nineteenth and early twentieth century in Central Europe. The novel majestically describes the feelings of the protagonists about friendship, envy, infidelity, betrayal, selfishness, the possibility of forgiveness, etc.