Csardas

Csardas is a historical saga that follows the Ferenc family across two world wars, four countries, and three decades, depicting their changing fortunes and the impact of war on their lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 704 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2023
Publisher: Head of Zeus

Amalie and Eva Ferenc lead a vibrant life filled with picnics, theater outings, and evening dances in the bustling city of Budapest in the early 1900s. Their lives are meticulously planned, with everything laid out for them—all they need to do is find their ideal partner. However, the world is on the precipice of a transformative war that will upend their lives and tear apart the loved ones they hold dear.

Csardas is a masterfully crafted saga that spans two world wars, four countries, and three decades. It follows the fortunes of a family as they navigate the ever-changing tides of history. The novel is praised for its emotional depth and captivating storytelling, with critics describing it as "immensely readable" and "a story you won't easily forget, done on the scale of Gone with the Wind."

The novel delves into the lives of the Ferenc sisters, Amalie and Eva, as they grow up in a privileged and loving family. Their world is shattered when World War I breaks out, plunging Europe into chaos and destruction. The sisters are separated, with Amalie going to live in Austria and Eva in Romania.

Despite the distance and hardships, the sisters remain close, exchanging letters and dreaming of a future together. However, their hopes are dashed when World War II erupts, and the sisters are once again separated. This time, Amalie is forced to flee to Hungary, while Eva remains in Romania under the oppressive regime of Ceausescu.

The novel follows the sisters as they navigate the challenges of war, displacement, and the search for love and survival. Amalie finds solace in the arms of a Hungarian soldier named Andor, while Eva must endure the hardships of life under communism. The sisters' journey is filled with heartache, loss, and resilience, as they face the darkest moments of their lives and emerge stronger and more determined than ever before.

Csardas is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. It explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and sacrifice, and reminds us of the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity. The novel is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, and it offers a poignant reflection on the human experience during times of war and upheaval.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804545409