Der Trafikant - Schauspiel von Robert Seethaler
Franz Huchel enjoys his serene life in the small town of Nußdorf am Attersee. However, his carefree existence comes to an abrupt end when his father suddenly dies, and he is sent to Vienna, where he is supposed to work at a friend of his mother's, Otto Trsnjek's, tobacco shop to support the family. There, he not only learns about cigars and tobacco but also starts to engage with world events. The boy who had little interest in politics and had only rudimentary schooling from his upbringing transforms into an eager newspaper reader who seems to grasp societal connections better than his fellow human beings. In the course of his employment, he also meets the cigar aficionado Sigmund Freud and is immediately fascinated by his charisma. When Franz falls in love with the vaudeville dancer Anezka and is thrown into deep confusion, he seeks advice from Professor Freud. It turns out that the famous psychoanalyst finds the female gender as much of a puzzle as Franz does.
Meanwhile, the newspapers and streets of the city are abuzz with rapid societal and political changes that will lead to Austria's annexation to Hitler-ruled Germany. One day, when the Gestapo takes Otto Trsnjek from the tobacco shop, and Sigmund Freud announces plans to emigrate to England, Franz finds himself in an impossible situation.
Robert Seethaler tells a coming-of-age story with a loving perspective full of humor and poetry, characterized by a unique friendship. In 2012, The Tobacconist made it to the bestseller list. Due to its significant theme, the book is part of the curriculum for students all across Germany. A gripping and gentle tale about growing up, the fragility of happiness, and an unlikely friendship even in dark times.
Hallo, ich bin Maya.
