Release date is 2024-06-27

Albert László from page images generously made available by the Hungarian Electronic Library

"A tisztesség nevében" by Tamás Kóbor is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Hernyány György, a man caught in the throes of poverty and personal pride, navigating the social spectrums of Budapest as he struggles with hunger and his own noble lineage. Throughout the narrative, themes of love, dignity, and societal judgment intertwine, drawing readers into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of one's choices. The opening of the novel introduces us to Hernyány György, who roams the streets in the biting cold of December, adorned in fashionable but inappropriate clothing that hints at his family's once-wealthy status now lost to gambling debts. Despite his dire situation, he clings to a sense of nobility, determined not to bow to societal expectations even as he grapples with starvation. The narrative quickly shifts when he encounters a woman who, recognizing his plight, offers him a meal, shattering his façade of detachment. As their interaction unfolds, it reveals deeper insights into both of their characters—fleshing out themes of desperation, pride, and the unexpected connections formed during life's struggles, setting the stage for the entangled fates of the characters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Budapest: Athenaeum, 1898