A régi jó táblabirák: Regény by Mór Jókai

Description

A régi jó táblabirák: Regény by Mór Jókai is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores themes of nostalgia and social critique, focusing on the lives and struggles of the titular táblabirák, which refers to local magistrates or judges known for their wisdom and community spirit. Central to the story are characters navigating the harsh realities of life marked by famine and societal decay. The opening of the novel presents a poignant reflection on aging and lost youth, as the narrator recalls happier times with friends at a round table in a Budapest tavern, intimating the camaraderie and wit of the old magistrates. The narrative shifts to a grim depiction of widespread famine affecting multiple counties, presenting the dire plight of the people struggling against starvation. Amidst this setting, the story introduces an elderly man and a young girl, Marina, as they make their way through the hardships of their environment, culminating in the poignant moment where the elderly man, believing he will never wake again, passes his last piece of bread to her. The scene establishes the stark contrast between hope and despair, serving as a microcosm for the societal themes Jókai intends to interrogate throughout the novel. (This is an automatically generated summary.)