They Were Counted by Miklos Banffy. Summary of the book.

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They Were Counted by Miklos Banffy Summary

They Were Counted by Miklos Banffy is an incredible historical novel written in three parts. The first part, They Were Counted, is set in pre-World War I Hungary, while the second and third parts, They Were Found Wanting and They Were Divided, follow the characters through the war and its aftermath. The novel follows several families through the tumultuous years, uncovering their secrets and highlighting the human cost of war. The story is a powerful and heartbreaking look at how World War I changed the lives of these characters and the world around them.

Plot Summary

They Were Counted starts with a young man, Balint Abady, who is on a journey with his uncle, Laszlo Gyeroffy. Laszlo is a member of the Hungarian aristocracy, and he and Balint are travelling to a remote estate owned by Laszlo’s family. When they arrive, they discover that the estate is in disarray, and the family is deeply in debt. Laszlo decides to marry a wealthy but socially low-ranking woman to solve the family’s financial problems, and the rest of the novel follows the consequences of this decision.

The story then jumps to World War I, where we follow Balint’s journey as he volunteers to fight in the war. He is sent to the Russian front, where he befriends two other Hungarian soldiers, Istvan and Jancsi. Istvan is from a wealthy family, while Jancsi is from a poor family. The three men form a strong bond, and the novel follows their lives as they struggle to survive in the trenches.

The novel then jumps to the aftermath of the war, where Balint returns home to discover that his uncle, Laszlo, has died in the war. Laszlo’s death leaves his family in a precarious financial position, and Balint is forced to take up the burden of supporting them. He also discovers that he is in love with his cousin, Judit, who is betrothed to another man. The novel follows Balint’s journey as he fights to save his family, win Judit’s hand, and rebuild his life in the wake of the war.

Main Teachings

  • The human cost of war. The novel paints a vivid picture of the horrors of war and how it affects the lives of ordinary people. It highlights the harsh realities of war and the terrible cost it exacts on its participants.
  • The power of friendship. The novel emphasizes the importance of friendship and the power of shared experiences. It shows how friendship can help people endure the most difficult circumstances and how it can be a source of strength and solace.
  • The importance of family. The novel also highlights the importance of family and the ties that bind us to our loved ones. It shows how family can be a source of strength and support in times of crisis.

Interesting Facts

  • The novel was banned in Hungary. When the novel was first published, it was banned in Hungary due to its political themes. It was only after the fall of communism in the 1990s that the novel was allowed to be published in Hungary.
  • The novel was adapted into a film. In 1975, the novel was adapted into a Hungarian-language film called They Were Counted. The film was directed by Pal Sandor and starred Zoltan Latinovits and Andras Kozak.
  • The novel was an international bestseller. Despite its initial ban in Hungary, the novel was an international bestseller and was translated into many languages. It has been praised for its vivid depiction of the horrors of war and its exploration of the human cost of conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who is the author of They Were Counted?

A: The author of They Were Counted is Hungarian novelist Miklos Banffy. He was born in Transylvania and wrote several novels during his lifetime, including the acclaimed Transylvanian Trilogy, of which They Were Counted is the first volume.

Q: When was They Were Counted first published?

A: They Were Counted was first published in 1934 in Hungary. It was initially banned due to its political themes, but it was later published in several other countries and became an international bestseller.

Q: Is They Were Counted available in English?

A: Yes, They Were Counted is available in English. It was translated into English by the award-winning translator Patrick Thursfield and published in 2003 by Pushkin Press.

Q: What is the main theme of They Were Counted?

A: The main theme of They Were Counted is the human cost of war. The novel paints a vivid picture of the horrors of war and how it affects the lives of ordinary people. It highlights the harsh realities of war and the terrible cost it exacts on its participants.

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