Hi everyone! I’m a Brazilian reader, and last month I embarked on a new literary project: Read Around the World.

It all started when I read The Paul Street Boys by Ferenc Molnár. I was fascinated to learn that the author was Hungarian, which sparked my curiosity to explore literature from other countries. The idea is simple: every month, I dive into books from a country whose literary culture is unfamiliar—or entirely unknown—to me.

I decided to kick off the project with Hungary, inspired not only by my love for The Paul Street Boys but also by a serendipitous discovery: an Anthology of Hungarian Short Stories, organized by Paulo Rónai, brazilian journalist and translator with hungarian heritage, which I found at a secondhand bookstore. This collection not only features incredible stories but also offers insights into Hungary's rich history and the uniqueness of its language—one of the most fascinating I’ve encountered, especially for its lyrical qualities.

As someone who works in a library and is studying to become a librarian, I see this project as a chance to enrich both my cultural and professional repertoire.

First Impressions of Hungarian Literature

What struck me most about Hungarian literature is its melancholy tone, which reminded me a lot of Russian literature. Both seem to carry the weight of their historical and social contexts, but with intriguing differences. While Russian literature often delves into broad existential and philosophical questions, Hungarian works seem to focus more on resistance against oppressive systems and individual struggles.

Another standout feature is the lyricism. Even when addressing heavy themes, there's a musicality to the texts that is captivating—something that, no doubt, is beautifully enhanced by Paulo Rónai’s impeccable translations.

Authors Who Left an Impression

Here are a few Hungarian authors who stood out to me during this literary journey:

• Jókai Mór: A cornerstone of Hungarian Romanticism, with emotionally charged and richly detailed stories.
• Jenő Heltai: His bohemian tales capture the vibrant energy of urban life in bars, cafés, and everyday settings.
• Endre Ady: A deeply introspective poet who reflects on existential questions about who we are and where we’re headed.
• Ferenc Molnár: Of course, I couldn’t leave out the author who started it all with his universal classic, The Paul Street Boys.
• Zsigmond Móricz: His focus on the working class brings a touching realism to his writing.
• Dezső Kosztolányi: A master at transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. In his short stories, there’s often a “nothingness” where little seems to happen, yet he paints vivid portraits of people and daily life.
• Frigyes Karinthy: A genius of humor, his stories had me laughing out loud—whether from irony, sarcasm, or sheer absurdity.

Next Steps

My immersion in Hungarian culture doesn’t stop with books. In January, I plan to dive into local cuisine by trying pörkölt (a traditional stew), watch renowned Hungarian films—starting with The Fifth Seal—and even explore Hungarian music (recommendations are more than welcome!).

This project has been an incredible way to broaden my horizons and dive into the cultural richness of places I previously knew little about.

I’m considering for my next read to be Letters to Olga by Václav Havel (Czech author) or Before the Feast by Saša Stanišić (a Bosnian-German author). 😊