"The Post Office Girl" (by Stefan Zweig)

"The Post Office Girl" by Stefan Zweig is a poignant novella about a woman named Christine, who lives a monotonous, humble life with her family during the aftermath of World War I. When her long-lost wealthy relatives visit, she temporarily escapes her dreary routine through luxury and travel. However, her brief taste of affluence ultimately reveals her deep dissatisfaction and longing for genuine happiness, highlighting themes of societal inequality, personal inner conflict, and the fragile nature of contentment. Zweig masterfully explores how external circumstances can't easily fulfill inner emotional needs.