The Guardian also loved one of my favourite books (Journey by Moonlight)
I am packing up to return to Portsmouth and have been thinking about nicking Journey by Moonlight by Antal Szerb (I’m definitely taking it in audio book format, if not as an actual book). It came as a very pleasant surprise that it has been translated into English, so I urge you to go, seek it out and read it.
Someone wrote to me today that being Hungarian nowadays is a shame, but it’s good to know that some people still feel proud about it. It’s certainly an interesting thought as half the world’s press bashes your politicians and their deeds on a daily basis.
Even though the country is in tatters and full of money-grabbing, close-minded people for leaders and miserable followers and outraged protesters, I could never say I’m ashamed about coming from here, mainly because of the wonderful cultural heritage - of which Journey by Moonlight is a prime example. Like all nations, we have had some exceptional authors, scientists, artists and scholars, whose works and inventions have made the world richer and I’m sure if we manage to do something about the education system instead of fucking it up and scaring young people away from home only never to plan moving back, this trend of being clever and precious will not end.
I plan to live a cosmopolitan life because I love being away from home and this place is getting more and more suffocating by the day, but I had to realise that I will always feel a sort of silent pride about this land of misery.
By the way, The Guardian (Nicholas Lezard) says flattering things about us:
“I found out only after finishing it that Journey by Moonlight is the novel most loved by all cultivated Hungarians. Please believe me when I tell you that a cultivated Hungarian is about as cultivated as you can get while remaining in the presence of warmth and humanity. And having a book such as this in your heritage is something to be proud of indeed.”
Cheers for that.
NOW GO AND READ JOURNEY BY MOONLIGHT!
(home makes me sentimental these days. the usual sarcasm returns next week)
