Summary
Highlights
Dr. Friedrich Ritter and Dora Strauch arrive on Floreana Island in 1929, seeking an isolated existence after World War I. Ritter aims to write a new philosophy centered on suffering. Three years later, the Wittmer family, inspired by Ritter's published letters, arrives on the island. Ritter and Dora are irritated by their presence, but Ritter believes the harsh conditions in the cave he assigns them will force them to leave.
A third group arrives, led by Eloise, who introduces herself as a baroness, accompanied by her lovers Rudy and Robert. Eloise plans to build a luxury resort. Initial conflicts arise over water sources, as Eloise's group uses the Wittmers' drinking water. Eloise manipulates situations, causing tension between the Wittmers and Ritter by opening their mail. Heinz confronts Eloise, who reveals Ritter's attempt to pit them against each other.
The Wittmers begin building a house amidst their struggles. Margret becomes pregnant. Eloise and her group camp near the Wittmers' water source, further irritating them. Rudy becomes frustrated with Eloise's lack of planning, leading to an argument. Margret goes into labor prematurely and is abandoned by Eloise, Rudy, and Robert who steal food from her house. She is attacked by dogs but manages to give birth. Heinz and Harry arrive, chasing the dogs away.
Margret's condition worsens, and Heinz pleads with Dr. Ritter for help. Ritter, convinced by Dora, saves Margret's life by removing a stuck placenta. Manuel, a servant of Eloise, informs her of Ritter's help, infuriating Eloise, who fears an alliance. She fires Manuel for not stopping Ritter.
During a dry summer, Ritter struggles with his writing. Rudy reveals that Eloise is not a real baroness but a former cabaret dancer. A ship carrying Allan Hancock, a Hollywood director, arrives, bringing supplies. Eloise attempts to seduce Allan to leave the island but is rejected. Ritter discovers Eloise has stolen the supplies, leading to a confrontation between the two groups. Robert attempts to shoot Ritter and Heinz, but Margret intervenes.
Consumed by rage, Ritter shoots his typewriter and leaves to hunt. Rudy, intending to leave, is convinced by Eloise to steal the Wittmers' water and Dora's donkey. Heinz confronts Robert, who attacks them. Heinz is forced to stab Robert to death. Ritter then coldly shoots Eloise in the head. The men dump the bodies and agree to keep it a secret. Rudy lies to the women, claiming Eloise and Robert left on a ship, which makes Heinz uneasy.
Margret confronts Heinz, accusing Ritter of the murders and suspecting he'll blame Heinz to be alone again. Dora expresses her disappointment in Ritter, feeling he has ruined their dream. Margret warns Dora not to eat the sick chickens, suggesting they are poisonous. Rudy tries to leave the island on a ship, offering the captain money. Dora, after Ritter shares a new philosophy, deliberately feeds him the sick chickens. Ritter falls ill and dies, cursing Dora, who mocks his desire for immortality.
The governor arrives to investigate Ritter's death and Eloise's disappearance. Ritter's letter blames Heinz for the baroness's murder, a claim Dora supports. However, Margret argues Dora poisoned Ritter, pointing out his uncharacteristic death from rotten food and her refusal of healthy chickens. The governor leaves, unable to resolve the case. Dora returns to Germany, publishing her version of events which Margret later contradicts. Rudy and the captain are found dead at sea. Margret lives on Floreana until her death, with her descendants operating a tourist hotel.