Rendelkezettünk

Rendelkezettünk is a Hungarian novel written by Sándor Márai, a prominent Hungarian writer and intellectual. The novel was first published in 1942 and is considered one of Márai's most significant works. Rendelkezettünk is a philosophical and introspective exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of existentialism, morality, and the search for meaning.

The novel's title, Rendelkezettünk, translates to "We Have Decreed" from Hungarian, and refers to the manner in which humans often approach life's decisions, making grand declarations without truly understanding the consequences. Through a loose narrative structure, Márai critiques the idea of certitude and predictability, instead opting for a more nuanced and uncertain view of the world.

Rendelkezettünk's protagonist, a middle-aged man referred to only as "the father", embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with the complexities of personal and societal expectations. As he navigates his own life, the father begins to question the nature of reality and the fragility of human existence.

Throughout the novel, Márai employs his characteristic style of lyrical prose, weaving together philosophical musings and poetic descriptions of the natural world. Rendelkezettünk is a introspective, psychologically complex work that challenges readers to confront the ambiguities of life and the vulnerability of human understanding.

The novel has been widely praised for its intellectual depth and Márai's lyrical prose, establishing Rendelkezettünk as a cornerstone of Hungarian literary modernism.