'Last Day in Budapest', Sándor Márai depicts the end of an era in Hungary
The article discusses the resurgence of Sándor Márai's literary works, particularly focusing on his latest publication, 'Último día en Budapest', and its connection to the cultural history of Hungary.
The article explores the revival of Sándor Márai's literary presence in Hungary and beyond, highlighting how his works have gained significant attention in recent decades, alongside other notable Hungarian authors like Péter Esterházy and Nobel laureates László Krasznahorkai and Imre Kertész. This resurgence was notably propelled by influential European editor Roberto Calasso, who championed the re-publication of Márai's works in the 1990s, leading to a broader rediscovery of his contributions to literature.
One of the key focuses of the piece is Márai's latest book, 'Último día en Budapest', which serves as a tribute to his mentor, journalist and writer Gyula Krúdy. The article draws parallels between Márai's portrayal of Hungary in this work and the reflections of cultural splendor captured in Stefan Zweig's 'The World of Yesterday', underscoring the poignant historical context within which Márai's narrative unfolds.
Moreover, the piece captures the essence of Márai's writing style and themes, which resonate with the cultural and social changes observed in Hungary during the 20th century. This literary exploration not only emphasizes the significance of Márai's contributions to Hungarian literature but also invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of his narratives in the context of a changing Europe.