Subject

Hungarian fiction -- 20th century Books

Best books

Cécile Tormay

Viaszfigurák

No description available.

Ferenc Molnár

Andor: Regény

"Andor: Regény" by Ferenc Molnár is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story seems to follow the character Andor, a young man navigating his responsibilities and relationships in Budapest, particularly in the context of significant changes in his life, the loss of his parents, and the complexities of young love. The opening of the novel sets a somber and reflective tone as it introduces Andor during the early hours of dawn, crossing the Margit Bridge from Pest to Buda. Alone and tired, he contemplates the tranquility around him while grappling with his loneliness in the wake of his mother's death and his father's declining health. The narrative then shifts to Andor's home, where he reflects on his past, his relationships, particularly with Turnovszky Ella, and his impending move to a new apartment. As he prepares to leave his childhood home, the emotional weight of farewell looms large, underscored by memories of love, family tension, and the anxiety of stepping into adulthood. With layers of introspection and developing character dynamics, the beginning lays a strong foundation for the narrative's exploration of personal growth and the inevitabilities of life.

Ferenc Herczeg

Magdaléna két élete : $b Regény

No description available.

Viktor Rákosi

Elnémult harangok: Regény

"Elnémult harangok: Regény" by Viktor Rákosi is a romantic novel published in 1903. Two Transylvanian Reformed theology students travel to Utrecht on scholarship, where one falls for a wealthy Dutch woman while remaining faithful to his fiancée back home. After tragedy strikes, he returns to minister in a remote Transylvanian village, facing poverty, superstition, and religious tensions with the Orthodox Church. There, forbidden love blooms again, crossing barriers of faith and nationality in the rugged Carpathian mountains.

Zsigmond Móricz

A fáklya

"A fáklya" by Zsigmond Móricz is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story appears to center around a young clergyman named Miklós Matolcsy as he embarks on his new role in a rural village, navigating the challenges of his position and the complexities of the people he serves. The narrative explores themes of idealism, duty, and the harsh realities faced by those in pastoral roles. The opening of the work sets a sweltering summer scene, introducing Matolcsy and his interactions with the local community, including his congregants and his new home. Initial excitement surrounds the arrival of the new priest, but it quickly transitions into tension as Matolcsy grapples with the disillusionment of his expectations faced with the realities of rural life. He is depicted as a well-meaning but naïve figure, whose desire to serve his flock is complicated by the local customs and the lurking suspicion of corruption surrounding the process of his appointment. As he witnesses the villagers' jubilant reception contrasted by his internal struggles, the stage is set for profound character development driven by the hardships of his calling.

Sándor Bródy

A nap lovagja: regény

"A nap lovagja: regény" by Sándor Bródy is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a prince and his romantic entanglements, particularly with a woman named Juli, set against a backdrop of societal dynamics and personal struggles. As the narrative unfolds, themes of human connection, ambition, and class distinctions are explored through the lens of the protagonist, an aspiring journalist who navigates his interactions within aristocratic circles. The opening of the novel introduces the prince enjoying a simple breakfast in the garden of his villa, drawing the attention and curiosity of the public who observe his routine. The scene is set in a luxurious but somber atmosphere, filled with a sense of expectation and intrigue. Among the onlookers is the journalist Aurél Asztalos, who grapples with his own sense of worth and ambition as he interacts with Juli, the prince's companion. The initial chapters establish Aurél's desire to connect with Juli, contemplating the possibilities of friendship and influence within the social hierarchy, all while reflecting on his personal challenges and aspirations. Through vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue, the story hints at the complexities of identity, desire, and the pursuit of one's place in the world.

Cécile Tormay

Megállt az óra : $b Novellák

No description available.

József Nyirő

Isten igájában II.

No description available.

Lajos Biró

Glória és más novellák

"Glória és más novellák" by Lajos Biró is a collection of short stories likely written in the early 20th century. The stories delve into the intricacies of human relationships, often highlighting themes of love, social status, and personal ambition. A central character in one of the stories is Csillag Árpád, a diligent bank clerk who finds himself entangled in the complexities of romance and societal expectations. The opening of "Glória és más novellák" introduces us to Csillag Árpád, a dedicated employee at the First Hungarian Industrial and Credit Bank, who, on a winter evening filled with optimism after receiving his salary, contemplates marriage and his future. He encounters his colleague Törő Viktort, whose invitation to an orpheum leads him to a surprising evening filled with luxury and the intriguing presence of a captivating Spanish dancer named Glória. Csillag's excitement quickly morphs into financial panic when he faces the stark reality of affording such lavishness, culminating in a humiliating moment that sets the stage for a humorous yet poignant exploration of love, propriety, and societal expectations.

Kálmán Mikszáth

A Noszty fiu esete Tóth Marival (2. kötet)

"A Noszty fiú esete Tóth Marival (2. kötet)" by Kálmán Mikszáth is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story takes place in a rural Hungarian setting and seems to revolve around the social dynamics and romantic entanglements of its characters. The central figures include Noszty, a young man, and Tóth Mari, who is caught up in the intricacies of love and societal expectations, which likely leads to humorous and poignant situations throughout the narrative. The opening of the novel introduces a lively gathering at a vineyard, filled with familiar characters engaging in light-hearted banter. We see the Velkovics family and their acquaintances preparing for the grape harvest, which sets the stage for unfolding relationships and tensions. Tóth Mari is depicted as being particularly affected by recent events, hinting at deeper emotional developments as the vineyard festivities progress. There is suspicion and intrigue surrounding her interactions, especially with the rumored presence of a brigand known as Patkó, which adds a layer of suspense to the social atmosphere. As the characters navigate their relationships and miscommunications, the opening suggests a blend of comedy, drama, and romance in their stories.

György Szemere

Az alispán úr : $b Regény

"Az alispán úr : Regény" by György Szemere is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the character Filax Albert, a professor tasked with tutoring the young Bódi, son of a wealthy nobleman. The story explores themes of education, societal expectations, and the humorous misadventures of both Filax and Bódi as they navigate their relationship under the watchful eyes of Bódi's family. At the start of the novel, a witty dialogue unfolds in the Fenesi castle between Filax and Fenessy Boldizsár, setting the stage for Filax's role as a tutor. Filax, though academically inclined, finds himself struggling with the challenge of educating Bódi, who shows little interest in studying. The humorous exchanges reveal Filax's pedagogical methods, which blend logic with an understanding of youthful mischief, and highlight Bódi's rebellious nature. Despite their differences, an unexpected bond develops as Filax resorts to storytelling and creative teaching techniques to engage his pupil, setting the tone for an entertaining exploration of education and human relationships within the aristocratic milieu of Hungary.

István Tömörkény

Egyszerű emberek

"Egyszerű emberek" by István Tömörkény is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book paints a vivid picture of life in a small Balkan military outpost, delving into the lives of soldiers and locals as they navigate their mundane existence, boredom, and the impacts of their environment. Through character interactions and daily routines, it explores themes of camaraderie, the banality of military life, and the clash of cultures in a region marked by tension. The opening of "Egyszerű emberek" introduces us to a military garrison in Novibazar, where soldiers lead simple yet monotonous lives, engaged in trivial pastimes to stave off boredom. The narrative follows various characters, including the calm yet authoritative officer Kónya, who maintains order among his men; their everyday dealings with boredom, the occasional ransackings by local bandits, and their clumsy attempts at leisure underscore the stark realities they face. As the soldiers contend with their uneventful days, the author sets up an atmosphere saturated with a sense of resignation and the sometimes absurd yet poignant aspects of their simple, striving humanity.

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