The Village Notary: A Romance of Hungarian Life

"The Village Notary: A Romance of Hungarian Life" by József Eötvös is a story set in a 19th-century Hungarian village, revolving around Mr. Jonas Tengelyi, the village notary, and his connections within the community. The narrative explores themes of love, justice, and the tangled parts of human nature in a culturally alive setting. Beginning with a look into the beautiful yet simple landscape along the Theiss River, the story focuses on the village of Tissaret, which is controlled by the powerful Rety family. While Mr. Tengelyi reflects on his past, the story compares his serious personality with Mr. Balthasar Vandory, the village curate, whose positive attitude is opposite to Tengelyi's criticisms of society. Their conversations and the issues of the society create a base for future problems and changes in their connected lives. This beginning part introduces the characters and the setting, pulling the reader into the carefully made world of Eötvös.