A review by greybeard49
The Tobacconist by Robert Seethaler

4.0

A book to make you thankful that you live in the society that we do and long may it last. Novel begins as a rites of passage experience for a pre Second World War Austrian teenager moving from a safe rural family environment to an urban landscape which is very different. Seethaler writes very well. He is understated and gentle in his approach and reveals or introduces things gradually. He develops the angst of young love very well and his characterisation is excellent.
The contrast comes with the Nazis and the annexation of Austria. Things become much more threatening and the atmosphere darkens. This changes the tone completely but completes the novel.
Really very good.