Shooting parties in great country houses, turbulent scenes in parliament and the luxury life in Budapest provide the backdrop for this gripping, prescient novel, forming a chilling indictment of upper-class frivolity and political folly, in which good manners cloak indifference and brutality. Abady becomes aware of the plight of a group of Romanian mountain peasants and champions their cause, while Gyeroffy dissipates his resources at the gaming tables, mirroring the decline of the Austro-Hungarian empire itself.

Why You Should Read?

• Explores the themes of upper-class frivolity and political folly.
• Features a chilling indictment of societal indifference and brutality, hidden beneath good manners.
• Presents the protagonist, Abady, championing the cause of Romanian mountain peasants.
• Mirrors the decline of the Austro-Hungarian empire through the character Gyeroffy's self-destructive actions.

About the Author

Miklós Bánffy is the author of "They Were Counted", the first volume in the Transylvania Trilogy. He brings a unique perspective to the exploration of themes related to social class, political intrigue, and the decline of an empire. His narrative prowess is evident in his ability to create memorable characters within a meticulously detailed historical backdrop. Bánffy's work is considered a significant contribution to literary fiction.