This is the story of the former Wehrmacht soldier Lehmann, who makes a big career on the Black Market of Hamburg after the end of World War II. It all starts nearly by coincidence with the sale of a few dozen stolen silver spoons.
Later, he is involved in about any illegal business like producing moonshine "schnapps", slaughtering hogs in a bathtub, trading stolen goods with the British Army and the like. He even keeps his business running when he is jailed and cannot bribe himself free.
The whole thing ends all of a sudden on June 21, 1948. On this day the Deutsche Mark is introduced. The old Reichsmark becomes worthless, and Lehmann's experience and connections are no longer needed, because the black market ceases to exist.
The author admits that he was involved in black-market business himself and his character Lehmann might be somewhat autobiographic.
Later, he is involved in about any illegal business like producing moonshine "schnapps", slaughtering hogs in a bathtub, trading stolen goods with the British Army and the like. He even keeps his business running when he is jailed and cannot bribe himself free.
The whole thing ends all of a sudden on June 21, 1948. On this day the Deutsche Mark is introduced. The old Reichsmark becomes worthless, and Lehmann's experience and connections are no longer needed, because the black market ceases to exist.
The author admits that he was involved in black-market business himself and his character Lehmann might be somewhat autobiographic.
