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Literary Fiction· Hungary

Satantango

by László Krasznahorkai
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1985Hungarian
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About This Book

When László Krasznahorkai published Satantango in 1985, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. Satantango is a dense and complex novel that depicts the disintegration of a small Hungarian village. Krasznahorkai's narrative style, characterized by long, flowing sentences, captures the bleakness and despair of the characters' lives. The novel is a profound meditation on human nature, societal collapse, and the passage of time. Themes of despair, societal collapse, human nature run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorLászló Krasznahorkai
Published1985
Country of Origin🇭🇺 Hungary
LanguageHungarian
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780811220897
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇭🇺 Hungary

This book is part of Hungary's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

László Krasznahorkai published Satantango in 1985, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Hungary. The book's treatment of despair, societal collapse, human nature, time accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Satantango among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes Satantango is how it handles its central concerns — despair, societal collapse, human nature, time — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. László Krasznahorkai's role in the literature of Hungary is well established. Satantango can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
20120
✍️
About the Author
László Krasznahorkai
Hungary
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László Krasznahorkai is a Hungary author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Satantango about?

Satantango is a dense and complex novel that depicts the disintegration of a small Hungarian village. Krasznahorkai's narrative style, characterized by long, flowing sentences, captures the bleakness and despair of the characters' lives. The novel is a profound meditation on human nature, societal collapse, and the passage of time.

Who wrote Satantango?

Satantango was written by László Krasznahorkai, from Hungary. First published in 1985.

What awards has Satantango won?

Satantango has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Satantango worth reading?

Satantango is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in despair, societal collapse, human nature.

Where can I buy Satantango?

You can buy Satantango on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Satantango?

Satantango is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Satantango from?

Satantango originates from Hungary's literary tradition. Explore more books from Hungary on our country page.

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