Nelio Biedermann's 'Lázár': A Gothic Hungarian Epic from a 22-Year-Old Author
Nelio Biedermann, a Swiss-born writer of Hungarian descent, has captured European attention with his debut novel Lázár. At just 22 years old, Biedermann represents the first wave of Gen Z fiction authors, crafting a story that delves into 20th-century Hungarian history through a gothic lens. This ambitious work, translated by Jamie Bulloch, explores the tumultuous fate of the Lázár family across six decades of upheaval.
A Gothic Fable with Historical Depth
The novel opens in an isolated manor house near Pécs, Hungary, where a strange baby named Lajos is born into the noble Lázár dynasty. This family is cursed with madness and violent deaths, setting a dark, atmospheric tone. However, Lázár quickly reveals itself as more than a mere fable; it intricately connects the family's personal struggles to the broader historical events of the 20th century.
From the decline of the Habsburg Empire to the rise of fascist autocracy and Soviet satellite rule, the Lázárs navigate immense political shifts. As former elites, they become targets in Soviet Hungary, with their story unfolding against a backdrop of war, revolution, and social change. The narrative spans from the early 1900s to the failed Hungarian uprising of 1956, compressing 60 years of turmoil into 280 vivid pages.
Characters and Themes: Secrets, Sexuality, and Turmoil
Biedermann populates his novel with a rich cast, including patriarch Sandor, his wife Maria, their children Lajos and Ilona, and later generations like Pista and Eva. The story delves into themes of repression, robust sexuality, and personal trauma, with scenes that are often static yet heavy with mood and interiority. For instance, Sandor's affair with Mrs. Virag serves as a temporary escape from historical pressures, but ultimately, the weight of family legacy and 20th-century stresses leads to alcoholism and violence.
Minor characters, such as a peculiar psychoanalyst named Mr. Kiraly and a cameo from Joseph Stalin, add energy to the plot. However, the episodic structure can feel uneven, with snapshots that sometimes lack dynamic interaction between characters. Uncle Imre remains underused, and Lajos's unearthly appearance, highlighted early on, doesn't fully pay off by the end.
Literary Influences and Ambitious Vision
Biedermann demonstrates a deep engagement with literary history, nodding to influences like ETA Hoffmann, Virginia Woolf, Marcel Proust, James Joyce, and Thomas Mann. Allusions to works such as In Search of Lost Time and Ulysses suggest a conscious effort to place Lázár within a grand literary tradition. These moments highlight a determined talent, making readers eager to see what this precocious author will produce next.
Published by MacLehose and priced at £16.99, Lázár is a captivating, if occasionally flawed, debut that illuminates Hungarian history with eccentric flair. It offers a unique perspective on the 20th century, blending gothic elements with historical narrative to create a memorable reading experience.
