Temptation (2021 Edition) by János Székely - Fiction - Paperback
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Title:
Temptation
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN:
Overview:
Temptation is a gripping, Dickensian coming-of-age novel set in the rich social tapestry of Budapest between the wars. It follows Béla, a boy who has known hardship from the start—abandoned in foster care, hungry, and fighting to belong in a world that is at once dazzling and unforgiving. At fourteen, a fateful misstep shatters his fragile safety net, and his mother takes him to the capital in a bid to start anew. What follows is a magnetic flight from poverty, propelled by Béla’s exuberant energy and sheer resilience. He toils at a grand old hotel, where the corridors hum with the banners of a multi-layered society, and the promise of a better life seems within reach. Yet love, loyalty, and political fervor pull him in competing directions: an American businessman's daughter, a devoted revolutionary ally, and a landscape that tests every moral line. This 2021 edition preserves Székely’s vivid, semi-autobiographical vision of a youth navigating desire, class, and survival, offering readers a richly atmospheric, deeply humane portrait of a city and a boy who refuse to be defined by their circumstances. The novel’s brisk, bawdy humor sits beside sharp social critique, making Temptation a timeless entry in twentieth-century fiction.
What Makes This Book Stand Out:
What makes Temptation stand out is its fearless fusion of social panorama, palatable wit, and emotional depth. Székely writes with a panoramic sensibility—seeing Budapest as a living character whose rooms, stairwells, and street corners reveal the ambitions and anxieties of every social stratum. The narrator’s voice carries both mischief and moral gravity, inviting readers to laugh, root, and reflect as Béla negotiates hunger, schooling, friendship, and love. Critics have highlighted the novel’s Dickensian scope and its unflinching portrayal of hardship tempered by warmth and humanity. The result is a coming‑of‑age story that feels intimate and epic at once, accessible in its prose yet grand in its social reach. This edition brings that classic resonance to contemporary readers, preserving the book’s resonance across generations.
Who This Book Is Perfect For:
This literary fiction and historical fiction selection is ideal for readers who relish character-driven storytelling set against a richly drawn urban backdrop. It appeals to adults who enjoy coming‑of‑age journeys, social history, and panoramic portraits of city life. It’s a superb choice for Book Clubs seeking ambitious, discussion‑friendly fiction that blends humour with serious themes. Fans of translated works and mid‑century European literature will find Temptation a compelling bridge between classic and contemporary reading. Gift buyers seeking a thoughtful, enduring novel that sparks conversation will also find it a memorable, gift‑worthy pick.
Key Highlights:
- Classic coming‑of‑age tale with a Dickensian breadth
- Vivid Budapest setting that doubles as a social tapestry
- Protagonist Béla’s resilience and exuberant charm drive the narrative
- Sharp blend of humor and serious social observation
- Engrossing portrayal of class, ambition, and survival
- Accessible paperback format, ideal for gifting or personal library
- Historical fiction rooted in real pre‑war European contexts
About the Author:
János Székely (1901–1958) was a Jewish Hungarian writer and screenwriter born in Budapest. He is best known for Kísértés (Temptation), a autobiographical novel that has garnered enduring recognition for its intimate portrayal of a young life shaped by hunger, loyalty, and the social currents of Hungary between the wars. Székely’s work is celebrated for its temerity in tackling difficult subjects with warmth, humor, and a keen eye for human detail. His literary voice is often described as expansive and humane, blending social realism with vivid character study. This enduring reputation is reinforced by translations and reissues that bring his distinctive vision to new generations of readers.
Why You’ll Love This Book:
Temptation offers a rare combination of buoyant vigor and serious social insight. Readers will instantly connect with Béla’s audacious spirit as he negotiates scarcity and aspiration, friendship and peril, all against a backdrop of a city on the edge of change. The 2021 edition breathes fresh life into a classic, inviting new listeners to discover a literary voice that remains surprisingly modern in its tempo and humanity. It’s a powerful choice for those who crave a memorable, immersive read that latches onto the imagination long after the final page.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
