"Schnock: ein niederländisches Gemälde" by Friedrich Hebbel is a humorous tale written in 1836–37. The story follows a traveling narrator who meets Schnock, a timid carpenter who has just captured an escaped thief. Despite his large, strong build, Schnock is fearful and dominated by those around him. As he recounts his life story, a portrait emerges of a man constantly pressured into decisions against his nature—forced into his father's trade and a troublesome marriage that leaves him struggling to assert himself. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
These books are free to read. Each is in the public domain in the United States; check your own country's rules before you copy or share one.