The book “The Man Without Qualities” by Robert Musil takes place in Vienna during the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s final years. It follows Ulrich, a man who is intelligent and detached, as he navigates a society on the brink of change.
The story explores his connections with various characters, such as his cousin Diotima, who is involved in a patriotic campaign, and Agathe, his mysterious sister. The backdrop of Vienna adds a rich atmosphere, reflecting the political and cultural tension of the era.
“Carl Haffner’s Love of the Draw” by Thomas Glavinic tells the story of a chess prodigy in Vienna who values integrity and honor over personal gain. Carl Haffner is a genius on the chessboard, but his life is marked by poverty and hardship.
As he faces a high-stakes match against a wealthy and powerful competitor, the novel shows the contrast between his humble character and the pressures of the world around him.
It captures the atmosphere of Vienna and the struggles of a brilliant man trying to stay true to himself.
“Murder in Vienna” by E.C.R. Lorac is a classic mystery novel where Inspector Macdonald is drawn into the case of a British businessman found dead in Vienna. The death seems accidental at first, but deeper truths about international secrets and personal grudges emerge.
The story paints a vivid picture of post-war Vienna, touching on its shadows and intrigue through Macdonald’s investigation.
“Auto-da-Fé” by Elias Canetti is a dark and intense story about Peter Kien, a reclusive scholar obsessed with his collection of books. Kien’s quiet world unravels when he marries his scheming housekeeper, who manipulates his fragile mind.
The novel explores the descent of a man consumed by isolation and intellectual pride, set against the backdrop of Vienna. It portrays a society teetering between madness and chaos.
“Rhapsody” by Arthur Schnitzler is about a man named Fritz who becomes obsessed with a woman he meets at a ball. As he pursues her, he struggles with the clash between his romantic fantasies and the reality of their relationship.
The story offers a portrait of emotional highs and lows, showing Fritz’s intense desires and moments of self-doubt against the backdrop of Vienna’s elegant yet melancholic atmosphere.
Elfriede Jelinek’s “The Piano Teacher” tells the story of Erika Kohut, a strict and repressed piano teacher living with her controlling mother in Vienna.
Erika’s life takes a dark turn when her desires clash with her rigid world, leading to an intense and disturbing relationship with a student named Walter Klemmer.
The novel explores power, obsession, and the unsettling dynamics between the main characters against the backdrop of Vienna’s cultural and societal expectations.
“Woodcutters” by Thomas Bernhard takes place during a single evening in Vienna. The narrator sits at an artistic dinner party, reflecting on his disdain for the attendees while observing their conversations and behavior.
The evening centers around the arrival of a famous actor, whose presence sparks tensions and exposes the pretensions of the group. The narrator’s inner monologue is sharp and relentless, capturing the atmosphere of disillusionment and critique.
Daniel Silva’s “A Death in Vienna” follows Gabriel Allon, an art restorer and spy, as he investigates a bombing at a Holocaust research office. This leads him to uncover dark secrets tied to Nazi war crimes and a conspiracy that stretches into the present.
The story moves through Vienna, filled with its lingering shadows of history, as Gabriel digs into buried memories and dangerous truths.
“From Nine to Nine” by Leo Perutz follows the story of Stanislaus Demba, a student navigating a single day in Vienna. Driven by love and desperation, he embarks on a frantic quest to secure money for a woman he’s infatuated with.
As his choices spiral out of control, the events expose tensions between appearance and inner turmoil, showing the unforgiving fabric of the city. It’s an intense and tightly woven tale set against the backdrop of early 20th century Vienna.
Margit Söderholm’s “Meeting in Vienna” is a story about love, chance encounters, and secrets set against the romantic backdrop of Vienna. The novel follows a Swedish woman who visits the city and becomes entangled in an unexpected relationship with a married Austrian man.
As their connection grows, they face the challenges of loyalty and social expectations, all while the vibrant atmosphere of Vienna brings their emotions to life.
The novel “Alte Meister. Komödie. Old Masters: A Comedy” by Thomas Bernhard takes place almost entirely in Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum. It focuses on Reger, a music critic and widower, who sits daily before a painting by Tintoretto.
Through his conversations with a museum guard and reflections on art, society, and human flaws, Bernhard creates a sharp but darkly humorous critique of culture and tradition.
“A German Requiem” by Philip Kerr is set in post-World War II Vienna. Bernie Gunther, a former Berlin cop, is called to the city to help a fellow ex-SS officer accused of murder.
Vienna, shattered and occupied by Allied forces, serves as a backdrop for Bernie’s investigation, which uncovers corruption, espionage, and lingering tensions from the war.
The story reveals a world where survival often outweighs morality, presenting a gritty view of life in a divided city.
“Come, Sweet Death” by Wolf Haas is a darkly humorous crime novel set in Vienna. It follows Simon Brenner, a former detective turned ambulance driver, who stumbles upon a suspicious death linked to the city’s emergency services.
As Brenner digs into the case, his wit and missteps lead him through a strange web of secrets in Vienna’s underbelly. The mix of sharp humor and a quirky narrative style makes the story unforgettable.
“Night Falls on the City” by Sarah Gainham is set in Vienna during World War II. The story follows Julia, a famous actress, as she navigates life under Nazi occupation while hiding her Jewish husband.
The novel paints a vivid picture of the struggles, betrayals, and risks faced by those living under oppressive rule, showing the personal and political tension of that time.
William Boyd’s “Waiting for Sunrise” follows the story of Lysander Rief, an English actor who travels to Vienna in 1913 seeking treatment for a private psychological issue.
What begins as a seemingly straightforward quest for healing takes a sharp turn when Lysander becomes entangled in a love affair and a crime.
The backdrop of pre-World War I Vienna adds a layer of tension, with its rich culture and underlying political unrest shaping the twists and turns of Lysander’s journey.