Ask the Author: Vilmos Kondor
Answered Questions (3)
Vilmos Kondor
Hi Henri,
I, too, am happy to see the whole of the series in Finnish. Honestly, it's an honor.
Well, then you can identify Gordon's grandfather's apartment! I love that neighbourhood.
The movie was a big disappointment for me for several reasons. Two of my biggest problems are: 1) the city looks clean, sterile even, and that's not the Budapest of the series (and of reality even), 2) I detest the way they downgraded Gordon and Krisztina's relationship that was based on equality in the whole series.
I'm finished with the big screen for now but my latest novel (whixh is published today) was optioned for TV rights. So, I'm quite hopeful that this will be something different. And I also hope that the new novel will find its way to Finland.
Best
Vilmos Kondor
I, too, am happy to see the whole of the series in Finnish. Honestly, it's an honor.
Well, then you can identify Gordon's grandfather's apartment! I love that neighbourhood.
The movie was a big disappointment for me for several reasons. Two of my biggest problems are: 1) the city looks clean, sterile even, and that's not the Budapest of the series (and of reality even), 2) I detest the way they downgraded Gordon and Krisztina's relationship that was based on equality in the whole series.
I'm finished with the big screen for now but my latest novel (whixh is published today) was optioned for TV rights. So, I'm quite hopeful that this will be something different. And I also hope that the new novel will find its way to Finland.
Best
Vilmos Kondor
Vilmos Kondor
Well, how shall I put it. I was an avid smoker for more than 30 years. I also grew up in a family where almost everybody smoked almost all the time. My father killed three packs a day. But actually I had already quit smoking when I started writing Budapest noir, so my answer is a bit complex.
No, I am not a devoted smoker. Not anymore at least. Actually, I detest the smoke, it gives me an instant headache. Can't really stand it.
But back in those days everybody smoked all the time. It was bad, really bad, so I tried to paint a proper and credible background in this regard, too.
You're absolutely right: he must have smelled terrible. Just as bad as I did. I realized it a couple of months after my last cigarette. I rode the elevator with a smoker, and the stench was pungent... (Kissing a smoker, my wife told me, was like licking an ashtray.)
I'm glad that you enjoyed the series.
No, I am not a devoted smoker. Not anymore at least. Actually, I detest the smoke, it gives me an instant headache. Can't really stand it.
But back in those days everybody smoked all the time. It was bad, really bad, so I tried to paint a proper and credible background in this regard, too.
You're absolutely right: he must have smelled terrible. Just as bad as I did. I realized it a couple of months after my last cigarette. I rode the elevator with a smoker, and the stench was pungent... (Kissing a smoker, my wife told me, was like licking an ashtray.)
I'm glad that you enjoyed the series.
Vilmos Kondor
Hi Judy,
I'm glad you liked the book and it gives me an extra pleasure that Budapest in this setting and time was an interesting and intriguing place for you to "visit". Actually, there are some negotiations going at the moment regarding the publication of my other novels in English, so I hope that some of them might be available soon. Meanwhile, you can "visit" the city again since the big screen adaptation will hit the theatres this fall and there will be an American distribution as well, I'm told.
Will let you know when I know more about further English language translations.
Best
Vilmos
I'm glad you liked the book and it gives me an extra pleasure that Budapest in this setting and time was an interesting and intriguing place for you to "visit". Actually, there are some negotiations going at the moment regarding the publication of my other novels in English, so I hope that some of them might be available soon. Meanwhile, you can "visit" the city again since the big screen adaptation will hit the theatres this fall and there will be an American distribution as well, I'm told.
Will let you know when I know more about further English language translations.
Best
Vilmos
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more