Novel · A way to begin
The Paul Street Boys
A Pál utcai fiúk
Ferenc Molnár · 1907
Synopsis
Budapest, 1889. In the Józsefváros district, a gang of schoolboys rules over the grund, the only vacant lot in the neighbourhood, which they regard as their homeland, with a president, ranks and a flag. The Red Shirts of Áts Feri, who meet in the Botanical Garden, want to take it from them. Boka, the leader, prepares the defence; little Nemecsek, fair-haired and frail, the only plain soldier of the troop and whom nobody takes any notice of, ventures into the enemy camp, while Geréb goes over to the adversary.
Context
The author, a journalist, wrote the story in 1906 for the schoolchildren's magazine Tanulók Lapja, which published it as a serial; the volume appeared with Franklin in 1907. The book gave the Hungarian language words that became common, such as “grund” or “einstand”, and its characters are used to name character types. It is on the school curriculum in Hungary, and is required or recommended reading in Poland, Italy and Brazil.
Who it is for
A short and very readable novel, often classed as young people's literature; several French translations since 1937.
Prizes and reception
The best-known Hungarian novel abroad, adapted for the screen seven times, including a 1969 version nominated for an Oscar.