Cobblestone

by Péter Lengyel, John Batki (Translator)

Ranging through a history of changing empires, monarchies, countries, regimes, religions, down to the disappearing shop-fronts and street names, Hungary is always there, through the Millennium celebrations over a century ago, amid the exhausted last days of communism, and even under today's "illiberal democracy."

"A vast, sprawling novel linking a meticulously plotted jewel theft in 1896 Budapest to the impulsive crime of passion that sinks the plotters - and to the history of modern Hungary, of the anonymous narrator's family, and of life on earth.... A heroically scaled assault on narrative and causality.... Ulysses-like." KIRKUS

"More science fiction than a detective novel, not the usual cynical detective novel, but the big story of the early twentieth century throughout Europe, with the streets and brothels of Budapest at its center.... A fascinating mosaic of the underworld of Budapest, as well as a fantastic heist story." International Noir Fiction

Genres: Hungarian Literature, Mystery

Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is ostensibly a tale of a diamond heist and also possibly a murder mystery that takes place during the time of Hungary's millennium celebrations of 1896. It was during this period of time, in getting ready for the millenniun celebration of the founding of Hungary, that such notable structures as the massive Parliament Building, the charming Szechenyi Baths, Heroes' Square, the subway system, etc. were all being constructed. And the book makes reference to those. But this book doesn't stop there. It goes back, way back. Aside from the mysteries, it explores the history of Hungary, the invading armies. It goes even further back. Dinosaurs make a brief appearance. It goes further back, really to the beginning of time. There was one review years ago (the book was published in Hungarian in 1988 and translated into English in 1993) that said that this plot device (a mystery combined with a philosophical contemplation of time in Hungary going back to the beginning of time) was either a masterstroke or the most irritating device ever attempted in fiction. I could see a reader responding either way. The narrator of the tale would undoubtedly say "Patience, dear reader". I thoroughly enjoyed it, it gave me a sense of the history and forces behind present day Hungary. And I generally liked his philosophical musings. And then you add to that an indefatigable police inspector, a wily and ingenious criminal, several love interests, some plot twists and turns, not to mention being well written, and you really have a handful of a book to read.

[Mátyás Sirokaï · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magasan a legjobb magyar regény, amit mostanában olvastam.

[Gigi]

budapest