Books from Austria

Stephen Fry retells the great Greek myths — from Chaos and the birth of the gods to Prometheus, Pandora, Persephone, and Midas — with wit, warmth, and a storyteller's relish. The first book in his retelling of the classical myths, Mythos is a warm, funny, and richly entertaining gateway into the foundational stories of Western imagination.

Stefan Zweig's final novella: aboard a liner bound for Buenos Aires, an unassuming Austrian lawyer challenges the world chess champion, and reveals the Gestapo isolation that both saved his mind and nearly destroyed it.

• survival
• rivals

Stephen Fry retells the classic myths of ancient Greece, focusing on the legendary heroes who shaped the ancient world. From Perseus and Heracles to Odysseus and Achilles, these are the stories of courage, hubris, and the enduring power of myth. Discover the human side of these larger-than-life figures.

• quest

Rainer Maria Rilke, a celebrated poet, shares his wisdom with a young aspiring writer in this collection of personal letters. Spanning several years, these exchanges offer guidance on the artistic journey and the challenges of self-discovery. It's a direct look into the mind of a master, providing advice for anyone pursuing a creative path.

• mentor figure
• epistolary
• coming of age

Sigmund Freud's "The Interpretation of Dreams" is a foundational text in psychoanalysis. It introduces his revolutionary ideas about how dreams reveal the unconscious mind, acting as a window into our hidden desires and inner conflicts. This book changed how we understand ourselves and the meaning behind our dreams.

Irene Wagner, a wealthy Viennese housewife bored by years of marriage and social convention, begins an affair with a young man. When she learns that another woman has discovered the tryst, Irene is blackmailed into a desperate scheme to silence her — only for the plot to turn against her in ways she never anticipated.

In this collection of ten letters written between 1903 and 1908, Rainer Maria Rilke offers profound insights to a young correspondent, Franz Xaver Kappus, who sought his guidance on poetry. Rilke shares his reflections on the poetic vocation, the nature of solitude, and the essence of art. The volume also includes additional correspondence with Lou Andreas-Salomé and Friedrich Westhoff, exploring these same enduring themes.

• epistolary
• mentor figure

Sigmund Freud's Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis offers a foundational exploration of his groundbreaking theories. This collection presents his core concepts, including the unconscious mind, dreams, and psychosexual development. It serves as an essential introduction for anyone seeking to understand the origins and principles of psychoanalysis.

• mentor figure

Peter Handke bezeichnete diesen Roman als sein 'Letztes Epos'. An einem Mittsommertag bricht der Ich-Erzähler, ein Alter Ego Handkes, aus der Niemandsbucht bei Paris auf. Ohne Landkarte, zu Fuß und mit dem Zug, macht er sich auf eine 'einfache Fahrt' ins Landesinnere, in die sommerliche Picardie. Er sucht die 'Obstdiebin' Alexia, eine junge Frau von den Ufern des Jenissej, die die unwahrscheinlichsten Obstbäume mitten in Städten aufspürt. Nach einem Drittel wechselt die Perspektive zu Alexia selbst, die ihrerseits nach ihrer Familie sucht. Aus kleinen Begebenheiten und Abschweifungen entfaltet Handke eine langsame, meditative Wanderung durch Landschaft, Zeit und Erinnerung.

• quest

A reclusive scholar, obsessed with the memory of his deceased sister, recounts the story of her life and the elaborate, conical house he designed for her. He believes his architectural 'correction' led to her death, and now he attempts to correct his own understanding through a relentless, spiraling monologue. This intense novel explores themes of genius, madness, and the destructive nature of perfection.

• unreliable narrator

In a seemingly idyllic Austrian ski resort, a woman named Gerti is trapped in a brutal marriage, treated as property by her husband. Her life takes a turn when she meets Michael, a student who appears to be her rescuer. However, Michael's own ambitions and the harsh realities of their world reveal that salvation may be as elusive as true love.

• morally grey

In Austria, two women get their man. Brigitte resorts to sex to ensnare Heinz-the-electrician, Paula uses good food to land Erich-the-woodcutter. Unfortunately, by the time wedding bells ring, both women are a little tired of their catch.

Thomas Bernhard's 'Wittgenstein's Nephew' explores the intense and often troubled friendship between the narrator and Paul Wittgenstein, nephew of the famous philosopher. Set against the backdrop of a mental institution, this novel delves into themes of madness, genius, and the fragility of human connection. It's a deeply personal and introspective work, offering a unique look at two complex minds.