The Tobacconist by Robert Seethaler, translated by Charlotte Collins, is a poignant and elegantly crafted novel set in pre-World War II Vienna. It unfolds the story of Franz Huchel, a young man who leaves his rural home to apprentice at a tobacconist’s shop, where he forms an unlikely friendship with the famed psychiatrist Sigmund Freud. Seethaler’s subtle prose and Collins’ sensitive translation combine to evoke a richly atmospheric narrative that explores themes of innocence, political upheaval, and the quiet resilience of the human spirit. This delicate yet profound work resonates deeply, making it a treasured find for readers who appreciate literary fiction imbued with historical insight and emotional depth.
The Tobacconist by Robert Seethaler, translated by Charlotte Collins, is a poignant and elegantly crafted novel set in pre-World War II Vienna. It unfolds the story of Franz Huchel, a young man who leaves his rural home to apprentice at a tobacconist’s shop, where he forms an unlikely friendship with the famed psychiatrist Sigmund Freud. Seethaler’s subtle prose and Collins’ sensitive translation combine to evoke a richly atmospheric narrative that explores themes of innocence, political upheaval, and the quiet resilience of the human spirit. This delicate yet profound work resonates deeply, making it a treasured find for readers who appreciate literary fiction imbued with historical insight and emotional depth.
Picador, 2016 softcover, copy is in good condition, clean internally/externally
