Journey by Moonlight
Journey by Moonlight
Book Brief
Beta299
Novel • Fiction
Italy • 1920s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Journey by Moonlight by Antal Szerb follows a young Hungarian, Mihály, who grapples with existential questions and nostalgia while on his honeymoon in Italy. As he wanders through various cities, past acquaintances and feelings resurface, prompting Mihály to confront his past and seek meaning in his life.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
10,280 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Antal Szerb's Journey by Moonlight is praised for its lyrical prose and philosophical depth, weaving existential themes into a romantic narrative. Criticisms include a perceived lack of momentum in the plot. The novel captivates with its rich characterizations and exploration of identity, leaving a lasting impression despite its sometimes meandering pace.
Who Should Read Journey by Moonlight?
A reader who enjoys Journey by Moonlight by Antal Szerb typically appreciates introspective, character-driven narratives. Fans of existential themes in European settings, akin to Hermann Hesse's Steppenwolf or Kazuo Ishiguro's The Unconsoled, will find Szerb's exploration of identity and freedom compelling.
10,280 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Journey by Moonlight, originally titled Utas és holdvilág in Hungarian, was first published in 1937 and is considered a classic of Hungarian literature, reflecting Antal Szerb's mastery in blending humor with philosophical depth.
Antal Szerb, the author of Journey by Moonlight, was a multilingual literary historian and critic whose works often incorporate elements of surrealism and existential reflection, mirroring his broad academic interests.
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The novel's English translation by Len Rix has been praised for capturing the nuances of Szerb's style, bringing renewed international attention to his work decades after the original publication.
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299
Novel • Fiction
Italy • 1920s
2001
Adult
18+ years
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