Abigail by Magda Szabó, translated by Len Rix

I have been enjoying reading translated literature for a little while now. I’ve always loved learning about other cultures and translated literature has opened up a new door to explore and learn. I love that I can read a perspective of someone who speaks another langue and lives in another country. I’m also grateful that these books have been translated, so that I can get a glimpse into another world that I wouldn’t be able to have otherwise. At some point my dream is to learn a language well enough to read books without translation, but as I cannot do that with every language, I will treasure my translated books!

I picked up “Abigail” for two reasons: first, it is a translated book and second, my name is the title. : ) Consequently, it was a really easy choice to buy it! I decided to dive into it now because of an Instagram challenge: #readthroughtheworld21. I’m so glad the timing worked out like it did because “Abigail” was one of the best books I’ve read. From the language to the plot to the characters, it’s just an incredible book. I loved every second and found myself completely absorbed in the story.

“Abigail” is translated from Hungarian and the story takes place in WWII Hungary. It follows a young girl named Gina who is sent to a religious boarding school as the war begins. She has a very close relationship to her father and is devastated when he takes her away and leaves her completely closed off to family and friends. Gina’s time at boarding school is extremely difficult for her because of this. Her one potential comfort is a mysterious figure named Abigail who is rumored to help the girls when they are in trouble. There is a statue in the school garden where the girls can leave notes to Abigail and then some how, some way they are helped. There is so much more to this book that I cannot talk about without giving things away!

Summing it up: I highly recommend “Abigail.” There are many twists and turns and you will not want to put it down. Do you like to read translated literature too? Let me know in the comments – and if you have any translated recommendations for me to add to my list!

Best, Abbey