Anewly translated novel from the great rediscovered Hungarian writer: a tautly suspenseful story of unrequited love and its still vivid consequence...
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Jan 06, 2011
James
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"Suddenly I felt a great calm descend on me: I knew Lajos had come because he had no choice, and that we were welcoming him because we had no choice, and the whole thing was as terrifying, as unpleasant, and as unavoidable for him as it was for us."(p 53)
When a story is told in the first person you must ask yourself to what extent she is a reliable narrator. In Esther's case I found her invoking God (fate) in the first line of the book in which she would narrate events a More...
When a story is told in the first person you must ask yourself to what extent she is a reliable narrator. In Esther's case I found her invoking God (fate) in the first line of the book in which she would narrate events a More...
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Nov 19, 2011
Briynne
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I am developing a minor obsession with Sandor Marai novels. This one is on par with the brilliance of Embers, which delighted me since I was a bit disappointed with The Rebels. There is such a gorgeous compressed emotional language in his writing that gives it an air of poetry rather than prose. Properly speaking, I would class this as a novella ; it’s short in length and time frame and deals with a single main theme - the lies others tell us and the lies we tell ourselves. But from that one
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Jun 15, 2011
Nesa
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Esther, an unmarried woman in her late 40s, has lived with poor relation Nunu since Lajos, "the only man I ever loved", jilted her some 20 years before for her now-dead sister, Vilma. Esther has survived on the bequest of her father's house and garden, though rather than being healed by time, the "wound scabbed over". When Lajos sends a telegram announcing his arrival, she dons her violet dress of 20 years earlier - only, she says at the outset, to be robbed for the last time
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Dec 13, 2010
Mti Librarian
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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May 23, 2010
Zee
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This is my second time reading Marai, the first being his most popular work, 'Embers', but unlike 'Embers' I found 'Esther's Inheritance' to be not only a shorter read, but a much more manageable challenge in terms of language. This novella is far more suited to Marai's bare-worded style compared to 'Embers'. I like to think that this book is an example of how a complex story can be told elegantly without too much detail. Marai knows that what matters is getting across the facet that his readers
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Oct 01, 2011
Mazel
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lecture accompagnée grain de sel
***
La fin de l'empire austro-hongrois et ses prolongements crépusculaires ont inspiré des écrivains majeurs comme les Autrichiens Joseph Roth, Stefan Zweig ou Arthur Schnitzler. Il faut y ajouter le Hongrois Sàndor Marai (1900-1989) qui, aujourd'hui, est enfin reconnu comme un immense écrivain européen.
L'Héritage d Esther, publié en 1939, rassemble en un bref récit tout ce qui fait l'art de Marai. Retirée dans une maison qui menace ruine, engourd More...
***
La fin de l'empire austro-hongrois et ses prolongements crépusculaires ont inspiré des écrivains majeurs comme les Autrichiens Joseph Roth, Stefan Zweig ou Arthur Schnitzler. Il faut y ajouter le Hongrois Sàndor Marai (1900-1989) qui, aujourd'hui, est enfin reconnu comme un immense écrivain européen.
L'Héritage d Esther, publié en 1939, rassemble en un bref récit tout ce qui fait l'art de Marai. Retirée dans une maison qui menace ruine, engourd More...
Oct 17, 2009
Jim
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It seems that Marai's novels (based on the two I have read) are based on moral crises of a high order, and always lit by candlelight. The English translation of Embers caused a stir when it was published in 2001. Now Esther's Inheritance, which was written in 1939, was likewise turned into English in 2008 by the same excellent translator, George Szirtes.
Picture to yourself two aging women living by themselves when lightning strikes. The former love of one of them, an irresponsible Ha More...
Picture to yourself two aging women living by themselves when lightning strikes. The former love of one of them, an irresponsible Ha More...
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Jan 22, 2012
Artemisia
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La finestra della mia stanza dà su un giardino che è un po' orto, un po' campo. C'è una casa di due piani, con una bellissima entrata - una vecchia scopa di saggina, una bicicletta arrugginita, vasi di piante. Ecco, per me quella sarà per sempre la casa Di Eszter. La casa nel giardino, conservata con così tanta fatica, il giardino stesso e la parte sabbiosa dove piantare i mandorli...tutto, tutto quanto è stato strappato alla miseria, alla povertà, alla necessità. E Eszter è custode di questa di
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Apr 12, 2009
Angie
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This novel was recently translated into English and based on the book cover, Marai was a leading novelist in Hungary in the 1930's who died it obscurity in CA in the 1989.
There is something to be said for a novella that is told with an economy of words, in prose that is captivating. I read the book from start to finish and put it down wondering if what I really thought of it.
The protagonist, Lajos, is a lying, self serving, swine that I never did understand or feel emp More...
There is something to be said for a novella that is told with an economy of words, in prose that is captivating. I read the book from start to finish and put it down wondering if what I really thought of it.
The protagonist, Lajos, is a lying, self serving, swine that I never did understand or feel emp More...
Sep 04, 2011
Clayhaus
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Elegantly written with perfect pacing and an economy of words, Márai weaves a tale of fate postponed, but never denied. As if caught in a slowly moving but remorsefulness whirlpool, you feel yourself pulled in a direction that is neither good nor satisfying, but just must be. We are of a time and place where protagonists can claw, kick, scream, and scheme their way out of any situation. Predestination is for the medievalists! This is not that time and place and anything as unseemly as kicking an
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Aug 06, 2011
Christine
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A quirky little book, translated from the Hungarian. It reminded me a little of DH Lawrence at parts (think Women in Love, not Lady Chat) with its somewhat odd take on working through relationships between men and women (a true Lawrence fan would probably take issue with that assessment, but that's what strikes me). Overall, though, an interesting and surprisingly timeless meditation on what brings people together (whether you want to be together or not), what keeps them apart, and the bonds b
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Nov 18, 2011
Anna
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An interesting little novel, one of those strange writings that follow an unconventional life where you’re not quite sure what to make of things, a little like Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Except I liked it better than Breakfast at Tiffany’s, because I felt something for the characters. Never mind that Lajos is a ‘pathological liar and fantasist’, you still feel that his intentions are good, you’re still charmed by him as are all the characters in the story apart from Endre. You still, somehow, manag
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Apr 30, 2010
Natacha
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Bem, este foi de leitura rápida! E não foi só por ser pequeno, foi mais porque a história é boa e a escrita é tão fluída e tão próxima que, quase temos a sensação de estar a ouvir a história da boca da própria Eszter, sentada à nossa frente em jeito de confidência. E seria de mau tom interromper Eszter, pelo que "ouvimos" cheios de curiosidade e com algum fascínio as confissões desta mulher, que nos abre o seu coração de uma forma desprendida, como se já nada mais interessasse.
É More...
É More...
Aug 26, 2011
Célia
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Sándor Márai foi um escritor húngaro cuja vida e obra ficaram indelevelmente marcadas pela ascensão do comunismo no seu país de origem, que levou a que se exilasse do país por não concordar com este regime político, ficando a sua obra em grande parte votada ao esquecimento. Após a sua morte em 1989, assistiu-se à “recuperação” de muitos dos seus livros, que conheceram novas edições em vários países, incluindo Portugal. Por cá, o escritor tem mais três obras publicadas, para além deste A Herança
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Feb 06, 2009
Izetta Autumn
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Marai's work is short - only 173 pages, and it is tightly woven. Marai's character Lajos is the original player in the line of Kundera's Unbearable Lightness of Being. Before reading this book, I had never heard of this writer. Sandor Marai died in obscurity in 1989 - shooting himself in California. He was "rediscovered" in the late 1990s, and since then, has had at least 4 of his books republished and translated into English.
Overall I enjoyed the book - and found it oddly More...
Overall I enjoyed the book - and found it oddly More...
Sep 22, 2008
Juan Carlos
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LA HERENCIA DE ESZTER is yet another excellent piece of writing from Hungarian writer Sandor Marai.
Eszter, the main character and narrator, lives in a house which she inherited from her father. She shares the house with Nunu, who has been her maid and main confident for many years. One day, she receives a letter from and old friend, Lajos, who announces a visit after an absence of 15 years.
Lajos, a dreamer, liar, poet and mainly a con man is responsible for Eszter and h More...
Eszter, the main character and narrator, lives in a house which she inherited from her father. She shares the house with Nunu, who has been her maid and main confident for many years. One day, she receives a letter from and old friend, Lajos, who announces a visit after an absence of 15 years.
Lajos, a dreamer, liar, poet and mainly a con man is responsible for Eszter and h More...
Dec 16, 2010
Masanobu
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Lately, I've been reading some books written by authors from Eastern Europe and I can't make myself like it. I appreciate the witty prose, but I can't identify with any character. Esther's Inheritance wasn't an exception. I haven't read any other Márai book, but I hope he didn't really portray women like these in all his novels. Esther was weak and a fool, and she lived up to every cliché ever uttered about women. I don't want to give away the ending, but I can't believe Esther trusted Lajos.
Oct 09, 2010
Christopher
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Esther's Inheritance by Sándor Márai, translated from the Hungarian by George Szirtes
Esther’s Inheritance is Márai’s most recent work to be translated to English; previous works include The Rebels and the much acclaimed Embers. Esther receives word that after more than two decades, she will be paid a visit by Lajos, her first and only love. The scene unfolds almost theatrically as the charmer Lajos and his entourage arrive.
Lajos is a scoundrel, and she knows it. What are his More...
Esther’s Inheritance is Márai’s most recent work to be translated to English; previous works include The Rebels and the much acclaimed Embers. Esther receives word that after more than two decades, she will be paid a visit by Lajos, her first and only love. The scene unfolds almost theatrically as the charmer Lajos and his entourage arrive.
Lajos is a scoundrel, and she knows it. What are his More...
Apr 07, 2011
Elisabete
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«A herança de Eszter» de Sándor Márai. Li este livro em pouquíssimo tempo: primeiro porque é pequeno em dimensão, segundo porque me foi suscitando sempre a curiosidade e terceiro porque conta a história como se fossemos ouvintes e confidentes de Eszter, e não queremos interromper a sua narrativa profunda, descrevendo o seu amor por Lajos - personagem intrigante e parasitária que volta a cena depois de 20 anos de ausência, desencadeando um «turbilhão de sentimentos contraditórios» em Eszter. Apes
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May 31, 2010
Patricia
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Este livro pequeno está carregado de sentimentos. A história é-nos relatada por Eszter, que após receber uma carta de Lajos, nos vai contado um pouco da sua vida.
Lajos é o único homem que Eszter amou, no entanto, este acabou por casar com a sua irmã e que consegue enganar todos de modo a conseguir atingir os seus planos.
Ao longo do livro vamos sendo confrontados com os actos de Lajos, e com todo o "mal" que causou, quer a Eszter e a todos os outros.
No entanto, apesar More...
Lajos é o único homem que Eszter amou, no entanto, este acabou por casar com a sua irmã e que consegue enganar todos de modo a conseguir atingir os seus planos.
Ao longo do livro vamos sendo confrontados com os actos de Lajos, e com todo o "mal" que causou, quer a Eszter e a todos os outros.
No entanto, apesar More...
Feb 14, 2009
Leslie
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This book was perplexing to me....the meaning of it I'm still trying to figure out...unless there is no other deeper meaning than the literal. It may just be a book about a vapid, lying, self-centered using man who takes advantage of an old paramour in her old age, but I think there is more...the writing made me compelled to read the whole book even though the character Lajos totally drove me insane and every other character seemed to be powerless to his charm and lying. It made me very mad at
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Feb 05, 2012
Yeyita
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¿A que conclusión llegue al leer este libro? Me gusta como escribe Marai, esta novela no es tan densa como las anteriores que leí, pero que bien maneja la naturaleza de los personajes, aunque sí me disgusta las decisiones de Eszter (mi parte feminista no me deja, pero entiendo la época), en un libro tan corto demuestra que se puede escribir sobre temas profundos. Lo recomiendo, yo creo que es el que más me ha gustado de él.
Dec 28, 2010
Nicki
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This was another lovely book by Hungarian author Sandor Marai.
The ideas were similar to Embers in that the story revolved around two people meeting years after their last encounter and having to deal with the past.
I like Marai's lyrical style of writing; the words just seem to flow off the page. At less than 150 pages this is a short little read and perfect if you have an hour to sit back and relax and enjoy the novella.
The ideas were similar to Embers in that the story revolved around two people meeting years after their last encounter and having to deal with the past.
I like Marai's lyrical style of writing; the words just seem to flow off the page. At less than 150 pages this is a short little read and perfect if you have an hour to sit back and relax and enjoy the novella.
Mar 15, 2011
Frank
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Bravo Marai!
Le emozioni forti provate con la lettura de Le braci sono confermate anche con questo libro.
Una storia che porta più volte a cambiamenti di opinione man mano che la vicenda si sviluppa.
Il lettore seguendo il racconto di Eszter non può rimanere indifferente ed è naturalmente predisposto a prenderne le parti o a commiserarla a seconda di come cambia lo stato d'animo pagina dopo pagina.
Un libro che merita.
Tempo di lettura: 2h 38m
Nel blog altri dettagli: http://ferdori.wordpress.com/2011/03/15/... More...
Le emozioni forti provate con la lettura de Le braci sono confermate anche con questo libro.
Una storia che porta più volte a cambiamenti di opinione man mano che la vicenda si sviluppa.
Il lettore seguendo il racconto di Eszter non può rimanere indifferente ed è naturalmente predisposto a prenderne le parti o a commiserarla a seconda di come cambia lo stato d'animo pagina dopo pagina.
Un libro che merita.
Tempo di lettura: 2h 38m
Nel blog altri dettagli: http://ferdori.wordpress.com/2011/03/15/... More...
Jul 29, 2010
Peter
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This is a good book to read in September. Of the 4 books that I read by Marai in English, this short novel is the one most packed with feelings of weight, love, the surreal, cruelty, and romance. In other words, it's filled the Hungarian soul. (The English version is available; the translation is first-rate.)
Jun 20, 2011
Erin
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Just finished this one. It was short, the cover looked good at the library. Translated well from Hungarian. Had to find out what Lajos (the antagonist) was up to so I couldn't stop reading. The ending didn't tie up ends for me. I wanted Esther to be a stronger character but she wasn't in the end.
Feb 01, 2011
Lauren
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I read this brief novel after struggling with the longer and more complex Portraits of a Marriage. This is tighter, more controlled, and almost fable-like in it's brevity and pith. But it still felt chilly to me.
I don't think I am Marai's ideal reader.
I do love the cover though.
I don't think I am Marai's ideal reader.
I do love the cover though.
Jan 02, 2009
Dawn
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I was impressed with the author's economy of words and yet he draws a picture of 20 years of life. I can't decide if Esther was so much in love she would do anything for Lajos or she was easily manipulated. If I were Esther I would have told Lajos to take a flying leap.
Jan 27, 2009
Milli
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This is probably considered "good literature", but women who continue to make not smart choices and wrap their lives up around a lousy man - especially when they know he is lousy - annoy me. I can forgive character flaws many times, but not endlessly.
Dec 09, 2008
Nancy
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Set someplace in Europe in a decaying villa, this story of an odd love story gone wrong due to lies, mis-communications, sisterly hatred, and mail delivered twenty years too late unfolds over a strange afternoon visit.
