A series of five stories based around Hamburg portraying the downfall of a would-be artist haunting its less salubrious joints.
Nick is drifting. Hanging around various bars in Hamburg, financing himself through menial jobs, realising that he is failing as an artist. The five stories poignantly describe his stagnation, offering a revolving portrait of his life and friends while relating the atmosphere and scenery of Hamburg's darker side - the streets, the pubs and clubs, the prevailing attitudes.