- “The Trial” by Franz Kafka: Set in an unnamed European city, believed to be inspired by Prague, this existential novel by Kafka explores themes of alienation and bureaucracy.
- “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak: While not entirely set in Austria, parts of the story take place in Molching, a fictional town near Vienna during World War II. The book beautifully captures the lives of ordinary people affected by the war.
- “The Radetzky March” by Joseph Roth: This classic novel portrays the declining days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the impact it had on both the emperor and commoners.
- “The Piano Teacher” by Elfriede Jelinek: This unsettling and intense novel is set in Vienna and follows the life of Erika Kohut, a talented pianist working as a piano teacher at a prestigious music school.
- “The Man Without Qualities” by Robert Musil: Set in the early 20th century, this sprawling novel offers a social and intellectual critique of Austrian society through the life of the protagonist, Ulrich.
- “Radetzky’s March” by Joseph Roth: While similar in name to Roth’s previous novel, this one is a historical account of the decline of the Habsburg Empire and the impact it had on the von Trotta family.
- “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” by Patrick Süskind: While most of the novel is set in France, part of the story takes place in Vienna, exploring the obsession of Grenouille, the protagonist, with scents.
- “The Tobacconist” by Robert Seethaler: This coming-of-age story is set in Vienna just before the outbreak of World War II and follows the journey of a young apprentice tobacconist, Franz, as he navigates love and friendship.
- “The Sleepwalkers” by Hermann Broch: Set in Austria in the years leading up to World War I, this trilogy explores the decline of traditional values and the rise of modernism through various characters’ perspectives.
- “Love in the Time of Global Warming” by Francesca Lia Block: Although primarily set in a post-apocalyptic world, the protagonist embarks on a journey that begins in Austria and later takes her to various locations.
WANDERLIST: Ten famous novels set in Austria
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