A Ladder to the Sky

The narrative continues from the first-person perspective of German novelist Erich Ackermann, between 1988 and 1989. Maurice’s debut novel, Two Germans, is published. In interviews, Maurice reveals Erich’s past, publicly exposing him as the source of the story.

The revelation destroys Erich’s career. After a reporter questions him at a Cambridge lecture, Erich confirms his responsibility for five deaths and resigns from his teaching position. His books are pulled from stores, and a planned film adaptation is canceled. Though his reputation is ruined, his literary prize is not rescinded.

Erich moves to West Berlin. He reads Maurice’s novel and weeps over the betrayal. Seeking closure, he disguises himself and attends one of Maurice’s readings to get a signed copy of the book. The chapter concludes in November 1989, as Erich watches the fall of the Berlin Wall from his window.

In 1990, the author Gore Vidal awaits guests at his Italian villa. His friend Dash Hardy arrives with the newly famous Maurice Swift. Gore is immediately wary of Maurice’s charm, recognizing him as a social climber. The two authors engage in a subtle verbal sparring match in Gore’s library.