Looking at the short list of the Man Booker Prize 2009, I must say, history, or better to say the historical fiction is still in.And that's very OK , because I' ve spent my last three years researching this genre. I would be very sad if this would go out of fashion.
Oh, no, just kidding. I know, historical fiction will never go out of fashion.
The way of storytelling may change constantly (just remember the book with the first person plural narration, I've mentioned recently...) but the theme: the past will be always interesting for the present.
So, I started the post not coincidently on this way. The week behind me I've spent with historical fiction again. There is a period in the Hungarian history which is quite beloved for writers (either in the 19. cetury or nowadays) . The period of those 150 years (cca. 1526-1699) when Hungary was split into three parts. I'm currently reading a novel by the famous storyteller from the 19. century, Mor Jokai about the start of this busy period. This novel is about the important statesman, Frater Georgius (George Martinuzzi, 1482-1551).
I think this period is for the Hungarian historical fiction writer like the Tudor-era for the English authors. And somehow, Frater Georgius was a dominant charater of this years in Hungary like Thomas Cromwell in England at the same times. (Well I know, the comparison is a bit bizarre, but still interesting.)
About another books:
I finished this week Possession by A. S. Byatt. A review is coming... maybe tomorrow.
And I'm going to read The March by E.L. Doctorow.
But today I'm going to spend my time not with reading books, but with reading the live tickers about the 14th stage of the spanish cycling tour Vuelta a Espana. I'm hearing for Ivan Basso, but I hope Cadel Evans will also have a better day then yeasterday.
4 megjegyzés:
I would love to read some Hungarian historical fiction. Are there any books you know of translated into English?
Have a good week.
Yes, there are.
For example the maybe most popular historical novel in Hungary,the Eclipse of the Crescent Moon by Geza Gardonyi. The main topic of this novel is the siege of Eger in 1552, an almost miracolous story (the Ottoman army: 150 000 persons - the defenders of the castle: 2100 persons).
All the most important characters of that period (cca. 1530-1552)are in this story.
I'm going to make a list about Hungarian historical novels avaible in English. But I'm affraid, it won't be a long list.
Can't wait to hear what you thought of Possession. :-)
I try to find a little time to write a review as soon as it possible.
Post a Comment