Longlist of the German Book Prize 2016. Karl, a retired teacher, sets out one day to discover what happiness is. Carrying a slightly modified questionnaire that has been used since 1979 to measure gross national happiness in Bhutan, the happiness researcher settles in a snowless ski resort, where he intends to interview the residents about their life satisfaction on an unknown mission. The Hotel Post, where Karl stays as the only guest, is run by a nameless woman and her dog Annemarie. From here, he begins his research, interrupted by conflict-laden phone calls with his wife Margit. Soon, his journey takes on the characteristics of an escape, and the questioner gradually becomes the subject of inquiry by others.