Pollak’s Arm
What would compel a man to dither about and ponder his past accomplishments rather than entrusting his life to friends, seeking shelter, and preparing for being spirited to safety? In this challenging situation, our protagonist muses about Rome’s cultural heritage and his own contributions rather than his security—and possibly life.
This puissant metaphorical novella brings the reader into the horrific days as Rome falls under German occupation in the fall of 1943. Once viewed as sacred, and spared most ravages of the Second World War, Rome now witnesses its Jewish population suddenly being rounded up and transported to concentration camps. It is a time of upheaval.
And so begins the demise of Austro-Czech classical archaeologist and museum director Dr. Ludwig Pollak. Preparing to be saved from deportation, Pollak recounts the many accomplishments of his classical life. The reader is immersed into that rich compendium of classical antiquities; including the enduring and engaging mystery of the incorrect replacement arm on a statue of Laocoön.
Drama ensues as his savior attempts to focus his attentions on safety while Pollak appears distracted, as if almost afraid to vacate his own cultural past. If he leaves, will he lose his identity? This deeply personal and emotional narrative is sprinkled with numerous encounters with dukes, crown princes, barons, cardinals and popes, juxtaposed against a contemporary situation with past glories. It’s truly an exciting foray into antiquities, their preservation, restoration, and cataloguing but also a penetrating view of a human agonizing over an unprecedented state of affairs. It is clear that Pollak occupies a special place within this lexicon of experts, but are his musings for naught?
