Pakáž – Helferová Monika (2022)

Renowned Austrian author Monika Helfer returns to her roots, to the life of her grandparents in a mountain village. She examines the details of the significant events that preceded her mother's birth, a "little brat" whose conception was surrounded by vague circumstances that led her father to completely ignore her, never showing any interest, and never even looking at her in his life. The author reconstructs the fate of Josef and Maria Moosbrugger against the backdrop of World War I, as they struggle with their seven children on the fringes of society. When Josef is conscripted into the army, Maria and the children become dependent on the protection of the mayor. Georg arrives from Hanover, who not only speaks perfect standard German and is handsome, but one day also knocks on the door of the "little brat." Monika Helfer observes the moral values of the time, which various characters in her narrative perceived and interpreted differently, and she also records the gradual natural changes in society's view of the roles of women and men, the status of children, and highlights the influence of the past on each person's future.