Antal Szerb and question for all of you book lovers?

**Zsigmond Móricz** was sounded out, I'd also suggest reading **Orphalina** (Árvácska) by him. It is by far one of the most gut-wrenchingly brutal books written in Hungarian, but it's also one of the literary peaks (for me). I don't need to read the book ever again though. Or see the equally great movie. It's emotionally draining, and do not read it if you're not in a good headspace. I'd second **Relations** (Rokonok), that's also a good look into Hungary. **Dezső Kosztolányi: Kornél Esti.** Very good! I don't know if his lesser-known **Alakok** (short portraits of people) was ever translated into English. If yes, that, to me, is one of the peak performances in Hungarian journalism and writing. **Gyula Krúdy: The Adventures of Sindbad** (seconding the recommendation, great writing) **Jenő Rejtő:** any of his foreign legion or Piszkos Fred novels, especially the Bone Brigade (Csontbrigád), The Cursed Shore (Az elátkozott part) and The Three Musketeers in Africa (Három Testőr Afrikában). Rejtő was a master of humour and wordplay - I don't know how his fantastic jokes and puns can be effectively translated to English –, one of the most well-loved authors, even though these are cheap/light fiction stories. His works are a great look into Hungarian humour. Most of his books are funny, Bone Brigade is hard-hitting and brutal. It's probably also the best. **Frigyes Karinthy:** A Journey Round My Skull (Utazás a koponyám körül): seconding the recommendation **Sándor Márai: Embers** (A gyertyák csonkig égnek): seconding that as well **István Örkény: One Minute Stories** (Egyperces novellák). One of the peaks of Hungarian writing, in the form of absurd miniature stories. Incredible stuff, ranging from hard-hitting to extremely funny (it's often hard-hitting *and* extremely, darkly funny at the same time!). Very highly recommended, seconding the earlier recommendation. **Géza Gárdonyi: The Eclipse of the Crescent Moon** / **The Stars of Eger** (Egri csillagok): I guess half of Hungary has been traumatised by the book as a kid (it's a mandatory reading), and the other half loves it. I happen to love it. A novel set in the times of the partial Ottoman occupation of Hungary in the 16th century. It's an epic novel, culminating in the siege of the fortress of Eger. If you like historical novels, definitely do not skip! Both English titles refer to the same book, different editions seem to have different titles. Hope you'll find more enjoyable Hungarian books!