As a Hungarian I may tell you this one is not a classic. It's an under-the-average story of an over-estimated writer. If you want to know the Hungarians read the history of Hungary. I think then you'll understand everything about my country. Or come to Hungary and see how we are. You may find us a bit pessimistic but we love to laugh. We are not that sad !!

I love Moricz`s style, and the way he captures the fragility of our existence. A great book.

I don't see how one of the previous reviewers could complain about the main character of this novel being weak and naive...after all he is a small child! This book is one of the finest depictions of of child's coming of age that I have ever read. The book should not be taken as indicative of Hungarian mentality, but it does reflect the tragic tone of the Hungarian society at the time the book was written: just after World War One. The writer projects these feelings back into an autobiographical child's world of 1889. If you can't understand this book, then you must have forgotten what is was like to be a child: confused by the behavior of adults, often scared, and undoubtedly impressed by your own potential to grow. Another good book by this author, translated into English is "Relations", published by Corvina.