Heinrich Hampel is a lovable rogue. His creed is: 'There are bed salesmen who succeed because they understand beds, and there are bed salesman who succeed because they understand women. The future belongs to the latter.? Heinrich charms his way into the hearts, beds and purses of his female customers in Bavaria in the 1950s. Having persuaded them to buy the best French beds, bedding and silk sheets, Heinrich proceeds to test the quality of his goods with them personally, turnover doubles.His long-suffering wife Rosa, can tell from glance at rumpled sheets if business or love is at hand. But when Bella enters the scene, Rosa begins to worry.This is a classic picaresque novel that is both beautifully old-fashioned yet modern in its use of irony. Blackly humorous and poignant by turn, the novel showcases Kumpm?ller?s voice: rhythmic, absorbing and fresh.