The Tobacconist is a novel written by Robert Seethaler that tells the story of a young man named Franz, who moves from his rural village to Vienna in search of work. He finds a job at a tobacconist's shop owned by an elderly man named Otto Trsnyek. As Franz settles into his new life in the city, he forms a close bond with Otto and also falls in love with a young woman named Anezka.
However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when the Nazis invade Austria and Franz is forced to confront the harsh realities of war and oppression. As the political situation in Vienna becomes increasingly dangerous, Franz must make difficult choices that will test his loyalty to his friends and his own sense of morality.
The Tobacconist is a poignant and powerful novel that explores themes of love, friendship, and the impact of historical events on individual lives. It is a compelling story that captures the tumultuous period of pre-World War II Europe and the struggles of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances.