Herzog Summary

Moses, the central character, is a middle-aged academic temporarily residing in his rural getaway in the Berkshires. He frequently pens unsent letters to an array of recipients, that include family, friends, scholars, the deceased, and more, forming a substantial part of the narrative. Looking to take a break from his lover, Ramona, he heads to Martha's Vineyard to visit friends. Yet, he soon returns to New York, where he busies himself in letter writing. After spending a night with Ramona, he resolves to take legal action against his ex-spouse, Madeleine, for the custody of their daughter, June. The decision comes after June's sitter accuses Madeleine's current partner, Valentine, who also happens to be Moses' best friend, of ill-treating the girl.

Moses arranges a courthouse meeting with his counsel, Simkin, and in the meantime, observes several court cases. Later, he impulsively travels to Chicago to visit June and visits his old family home where his stepmother, Tante Taube, resides. He retrieves his late father's weapon and ponders the idea of killing Madeleine and Valentine, but chooses not to after observing them. His plea for assistance in the custody battle is declined by Valentine's wife, Phoebe. Moses then spends the night with his close friend, Lucas Asphalter, who enables a meeting with June. Following a trip to the aquarium and a car accident that leaves him unconscious but June unharmed, Moses finds himself under arrest for possession of a firearm.

Bailed out by his brother, Will, Moses brushes off suggestions of seeking psychiatric care and remains in the Berkshires. He invites Ramona over, and by the story's end, he's discovered a sense of peace in his countryside abode, choosing to cease his habit of letter writing. The narrative is also punctuated by letters and memories that reveal Moses as originally hailing from a Jewish immigrant family in Canada, with a history of failed business ventures, including bootlegging. His previous marriage to Daisy and their son, Marco, is also uncovered, as well as his notable work as an author. Despite a lukewarm initial reception, his book 'Romanticism and Christianity' eventually received considerable acclaim, although he never managed to complete its subsequent volume.