The Greatest Hungarian "Historical fiction, Fiction" Books Since 1970

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 1. Fateless by Imre Kertész

    "Fateless" is a harrowing account of a Hungarian Jewish boy's experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The protagonist is sent to Auschwitz, then Buchenwald, and finally to a factory in Zeitz, enduring brutal conditions and witnessing unimaginable horrors. Despite his experiences, he maintains a detached, almost indifferent perspective, focusing on the mundane aspects of life in the camps, which further highlights the absurdity and horror of the situation. The novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the arbitrary nature of fate.

  2. 2. The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels by Agota Kristof

    "The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels" is a trilogy of novels that follow the lives of twin brothers, living through the harsh realities of war, separation, and betrayal. The first novel, "The Notebook," tells the story of their survival as children in a rural town at the end of World War II. The second book, "The Proof," continues their story into adulthood, exploring the effects of their traumatic childhood. The final book, "The Third Lie," delves into the complexities of their relationship and the secrets they kept from one another. The trilogy is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the enduring bond of brotherhood.

  3. 3. Celestial Harmonies by Peter Esterhazy

    "Celestial Harmonies" is a historical novel that tells the story of the aristocratic Esterházy family, tracing their lineage from the late Middle Ages to the present day. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first part featuring a series of vignettes about the family's ancestors, while the second part focuses on the experiences of the narrator's father under the Communist regime in Hungary. The novel is characterized by its intricate structure, complex themes, and lush, poetic language, offering a rich exploration of Hungarian history, family dynamics, and the human condition.

  4. 4. Give Me Back My Mountains by Albert Wass

    "Give Me Back My Mountains" is a poignant historical novel that delves into the struggles and resilience of a Transylvanian noble family during the tumultuous period of World War II and the subsequent communist takeover. The narrative explores themes of loss, identity, and the unyielding human spirit, as the family confronts the confiscation of their ancestral lands and the erosion of their cultural heritage. Through vivid characters and rich descriptions, the book paints a picture of a bygone era, highlighting the personal and collective challenges faced by those who lived through the seismic political shifts of the 20th century in Eastern Europe.

  5. 5. Régimódi Történet by Szabó, Magda

    "Régimódi Történet" is a poignant narrative set in early 20th-century Hungary, focusing on the life of a young girl from a noble family. As she grows up, she witnesses the decline of her family's fortunes and the changing social order following World War I. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, as well as the impact of historical events on individual lives. Through the protagonist's eyes, the reader experiences the challenges of adapting to a new era while clinging to the values and traditions of the past. The story is a rich tapestry of personal and historical transformation, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

  6. 6. Ne Féljetek by Anna Jókai

    "Ne Féljetek" is a poignant reflection on the human condition, set against the backdrop of a society grappling with the oppressive weight of a totalitarian regime. The narrative delves into the lives of individuals who, amidst the pervasive fear and silence enforced by the state, find themselves wrestling with the moral complexities of courage, resistance, and the yearning for freedom. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories and characters, the book explores the subtle acts of defiance and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of an unyielding political landscape, ultimately offering a testament to the enduring power of hope and the unquenchable desire for change.

  7. 7. Für Elise by Szabó, Magda

    The novel revolves around the life of a woman named Elise, who, after the death of her husband, discovers a series of letters that reveal hidden aspects of her marriage and her husband's past. As she delves into the contents of the letters, Elise is forced to confront the illusions and truths of her relationship, as well as her own identity. Set against the backdrop of a changing society, the story explores themes of love, betrayal, and the complex layers of human relationships, ultimately leading Elise on a poignant journey of self-discovery and redemption.

  8. 8. Jadviga Párnája by Pál Závada

    "Jadviga Párnája" is a historical novel set in a Hungarian village at the turn of the 20th century. It delves into the life of a young woman named Jadviga, who is of Polish descent, and her marriage to a Hungarian man, András. The narrative unfolds through a series of letters, diary entries, and other documents, painting a vivid picture of rural life, social norms, and the personal struggles of the characters. The novel explores themes of love, fidelity, identity, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of a society grappling with change and the influences of modernity.

  9. 9. The Book Of Fathers by Miklós Vámos

    "The Book of Fathers" chronicles the lives of twelve generations of men from a Hungarian family, spanning over 300 years from the 18th century to the modern day. Each chapter focuses on one descendant, capturing the historical and personal challenges they face, from the rise and fall of empires to the intimate struggles of love and loss. The novel weaves a tapestry of Hungarian history and the family's legacy, marked by a mystical diary that is passed down from father to son, which possesses the power to influence the fate of its keeper. Through the generations, the book becomes a symbol of the family's heritage and the enduring connection between the past and the future.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download