Böcker av Jo-Ann Ong

In The Serious Man, Richard, the protagonist, relocates from Melbourne to Bonn to pursue a course in hospitality and to be closer to his mother. Recently married to Josef, a man whose political ambitions keep him more at work than at home, Richard's mother is now part of a new life in Germany. During his time in Melbourne, Richard formed a connection with Philip, a renowned Norwegian pianist, and the two remain in touch. In Germany, Richard also reunites with his friend Johannes. This story emphasises friendship and the importance of family relationships in a world that is fast-paced. Richard manages to get an internship at a hotel, and he now works there in the field of hospitality.

Rita, a modern woman, forges an acting career, while her partner Karl writes scripts. She meets many people - her Uncle Fred, Bertha, Peter, Edwina - and moves with Karl from Boston to Switzerland for his work. Her childhood imagination springs to life when the circus comes to town. As Uncle Fred falls for Yuki, Rita connects with her, making a pen-pal. Relationships interweave between the cast, underscoring the busy modern world where paths constantly cross. Traveling from Boston to Munich stirs Rita's longing for the mother she never met, and motivates her search. Karl eventually wins an Academy Award, but accepts it without attending, in his signature style. Through it all, Rita and Karl's bond endures, a rarity in these turbulent times.