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Hungarian fiction Books
Best books
Lajos Kuthy
Hazai rejtelmek: Regény (1. kötet)
"Hazai rejtelmek: Regény (1. kötet)" by Lajos Kuthy is a novel published in serialized form between 1846-1847. Inspired by Eugène Sue's "Les Mystères de Paris," this Hungarian mystery follows two feuding branches of the Szalárdy family in Pest and the Hungarian plains. When ambitious nobleman György conspires to destroy his brother Elek's orphaned son Ödön through false imprisonment and attempts on his sanity, the young heir must survive among criminals and beggars before uncovering dark family secrets that will restore justice.
Lajos Kuthy
Hazai rejtelmek: Regény (2. kötet)
"Hazai rejtelmek: Regény (2. kötet)" by Lajos Kuthy is a novel published in 1846–1847. Inspired by Eugène Sue's "The Mysteries of Paris," this Hungarian romantic crime story follows two families—one virtuous, one corrupt—in Pest and the Hungarian plains. Young Ödön Szalárdy suffers persecution from his ambitious uncle, who seeks to destroy him and steal his inheritance through conspiracy and violence. The tale weaves murder, false imprisonment, and dark secrets with vivid descriptions of the Hungarian landscape and folk life, ultimately leading to justice and redemption.
Unknown
Éjfél: Magyar irók misztikus novellái
"Éjfél: Magyar írók misztikus novellái" by Aladár Bálint et al. is a collection of mystical short stories written in the early 20th century. The compilation features various Hungarian authors exploring the themes of mysticism and the subconscious, revealing the intricate layers of human experiences and emotions. Through their narratives, the writers delve into the complexities of existence, the unknown realms within individuals, and the intersections of reality and illusion. The opening of the collection introduces a philosophical foreword by Dezső Kosztolányi, who reflects on the essence of human life and the mysteries that lurk within the soul, even in an age dominated by scientific understanding. He posits that while the external world may appear rational, the internal world remains chaotic and filled with enigmas. The text then transitions into the first story, which centers around a character named Lovagh, who experiences disorienting visions while at the opera, causing him to confront unsettling truths about himself and the human experience. Through vivid imagery and evocative prose, the narrative hints at deeper psychological explorations that intertwine with the fantastical, setting the tone for the mystical journeys yet to unfold in the rest of the collection.
Viktor Rákosi
Elbeszélések és tárcák
"Elbeszélések és tárcák" by Viktor Rákosi is a collection of stories and essays written in the early 20th century. The book presents a variety of narratives that explore different aspects of life, culture, and human emotions, often depicting characters in relatable or humorous situations. This collection provides a glimpse into societal dynamics and personal experiences of that era. The opening portion introduces readers to a cafe scene on a dreary, rain-soaked October evening, where the patrons and musicians appear to be feeling the effects of the weather. A notable character is Bresztler, the overweight and stern owner, who interacts with the arriving performers, showcasing his authority and the atmosphere of the establishment. Tension builds as the young musician, Bencze-lány, struggles with her responsibilities amid concerns for her sick mother, contrasting her aspirations with the harsh realities of her life. This opening effectively sets the tone for the themes of struggle, ambition, and societal expectations that likely permeate the stories within the collection.
Ignotus
Ignotus novelláiból
"Ignotus novelláiból" by Ignotus is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book features a variety of narratives, likely reflecting on personal experiences and societal observations during a time of significant cultural change in Europe. The stories appear to delve into themes of existence, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, often traversing through both painful and joyful moments. The opening of the book introduces two distinct vignettes. The first recounts a harrowing, almost surreal experience of a young man, possibly depicting a moment of crisis or introspection, infused with themes of fear and the existential contemplation of his role and significance. It suggests a blend of physical agony with profound emotional turmoil. The narrative shifts to a depiction of Madame Récamier, a figure of grace and beauty, who embodies vibrancy and social interaction as she prepares for visitors. Through vivid description, this passage captures both characters' contrasting experiences and highlights the varied human conditions that the stories in the collection may explore.
Géza Gárdonyi
Pöhölyék
"Pöhölyék" by Géza Gárdonyi is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the Pöhöly family, specifically two young brothers, János and Péter, as they navigate the profound loss of their mother and the shifts in their family dynamics following her death. This exploration of childhood innocence against the backdrop of hardship sets the stage for themes of grief, growing up, and the complexities of family relationships. At the start of the narrative, readers meet the young Pöhöly children, who are innocent of the grave situation surrounding their mother’s illness. Their interactions with various villagers, who express their condolences and concern, juxtapose their naïve playfulness as they explore their surroundings. The atmosphere quickly turns somber with the arrival of their father's sorrow and the realities of their mother being laid to rest. As János tries to grasp the gravity of his mother's death, the community’s response and the children's follow-up actions depict a stark contrast between the innocence of childhood and the harshness of adult grief, foreshadowing the profound transformations that await them in their future.
Zoltán Ambrus
Álomvilág: Elbeszélések
"Álomvilág: Elbeszélések" by Zoltán Ambrus is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of dreams, adventure, and mystical encounters through the experiences of its young protagonist. The narrative blends elements of fantasy and reality, rich in imagery and emotional depth. The opening of "Álomvilág" introduces the reader to a young boy who escapes from the confines of a large blue room, symbolizing the limitations of his everyday life. As he ventures into a dreamlike landscape, he encounters enchanting elements such as a shimmering river and a mysterious girl named Pókháló, who embodies a fairy-like persona. She offers him a life of happiness away from home but warns that he can never return. The story sets the tone for the rest of the collection, hinting at the interplay between desire and consequence in the realm of dreams and imagination.
Elek Benedek
Uzoni Margit: Regény fiatal leányok számára
"Uzoni Margit: Regény fiatal leányok számára" by Elek Benedek is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the character of Uzoni Margit, a young woman reflecting on her life and experiences, expressing her emotional turmoil and aspirations while navigating the complexities of youth, love, and loss. The book is particularly aimed at young girls, likely to explore themes of personal growth and the challenges faced by women during that era. The beginning of the story is marked by Margit's poignant letter to a writer, detailing her journey from youth into a more somber stage of life marked by loss, specifically the death of her beloved father. Margit grapples with her feelings of melancholy and the perception of her own frailty amidst her family's grief, showcasing her inner strength and desires. We are introduced to her family dynamics and her longing for independence and purpose, setting the stage for her aspirations to become a teacher. This opening encapsulates her emotional struggle while also hinting at the transformative journey that lies ahead.
Gyula Krúdy
A podolini kisértet
"A Podolini Kisértet" by Gyula Krúdy is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in the quaint town of Podolin, nestled in the mountains, which has a rich history of foreign rule and a longing for its lost Hungarian heritage. The story revolves around the enigmatic character, Riminszky Kázmér, a wealthy yet eccentric man, who is deeply entrenched in the town's ancient customs and its historical context. The opening of the narrative introduces the town of Podolin and paints a vivid picture of its medieval ambiance steeped in nostalgia. It describes how the townspeople, long under foreign rule, retain their connection to their Hungarian roots, particularly through the figure of Riminszky, who lives a reclusive life surrounded by wealth derived from sheep herding. As Riminszky leads a life of solitude, he becomes an intriguing figure with a penchant for the past, while the town slowly begins to awaken from its long, quiet slumber. The text sets the stage for a profound exploration of identity, tradition, and the societal shifts that come with time.
Tamás Kóbor
Cognac-idillek : $b novellák
"Cognac-idillek: novellák" by Tamás Kóbor is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the intricate dynamics of human emotions and relationships, exploring themes of loneliness, regret, and existential reflection. It features characters grappling with their own thoughts and feelings, often in a dialogue with themselves or personified aspects of their psyche. The opening portion introduces the reader to a protagonist who is unable to sleep, consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts and introspection. He engages in a dialogue with a strange figure—identified as a "dog-headed" man—who serves as a manifestation of his inner conflicts and self-critique. This character challenges the protagonist's perceptions of himself, probing into his solitude, desires, and failures, ultimately reflecting deeper themes of guilt and the human condition. As the protagonist grapples with these thoughts, he also expresses a longing for connection and understanding, providing a captivating glimpse into the themes that may unfold throughout the collection.
Károly Eötvös
A két ördög vára és egyéb elbeszélések
"A két ördög vára és egyéb elbeszélések" by Károly Eötvös is a collection of historical narratives likely written in the late 19th century. The book delves into themes of conflict, betrayal, and the struggles faced by the Hungarian nobility during tumultuous times, particularly through the lens of two infamous bandit leaders referred to as the White Devil and the Black Devil. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the historical setting during the times of the Hungarian prince Rákóczi and the challenges he faced against both internal treachery and external threats, notably from the imperial forces and rebellious factions. The narrative establishes the rise of two notorious brigand leaders, Balyika and Vaszili, who forge a dangerous alliance in their quest for power and infamy across the regions of Hungary. Their cruel actions against the peasantry and nobility create a backdrop of fear, manipulation, and loss, while the character of Patkós Dani is presented as he embarks on a journey, filled with the promise of heroism and the complexity of navigating such perilous times.
Károly Eötvös
A nagy év
"A nagy év" by Károly Eötvös is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the tumultuous events surrounding the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, focusing on themes of freedom, national identity, and the collective struggle of the Hungarian people. The narrative is likely centered around the experiences of a village and its inhabitants as they navigate the newfound promise of liberty, led by characters such as the narrator's father, who assumes a leadership role in the local national guard. The opening of the novel sets the stage for the celebrations following the announcement of freedom from serfdom and the end of feudal privileges. The community, united in joy, prepares for a grand feast to honor this significant moment, portraying a sense of camaraderie among the former nobility and serfs. Amidst this celebratory atmosphere, concerns mount about the impending threats from opposing forces, leading to discussions about forming a local militia. Characters such as the narrator's father, who reluctantly steps into a leadership role, and the charming presence of village personalities capture the blend of hope and uncertainty in a nation on the brink of turmoil. The narrative hints at a delicate balance between festivity and the harsh realities of war, suggesting an engaging exploration of the struggles for independence and the human spirit.
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