Der Ewige Spießer by Ödön von Horváth

Set in the tumultuous period between the World Wars, this novel follows the journey of Alfons Kobler, a quintessential "little man" who embodies the mediocrity and conformism of the petty bourgeoisie. As he travels across Europe in search of a wealthy woman to marry, his encounters reveal the absurdity and moral decay of a society grappling with economic instability and rising nationalism. Through sharp satire and poignant social commentary, the narrative exposes the dangers of blind ambition and the societal pressures that drive individuals to compromise their values.