Miklós Szentkuthy's debut novel, published in 1934, challenges traditional realism and provoked strong reactions from Hungarian critics, who found it shocking and labeled Szentkuthy as an outsider to Hungarian culture. The work's unconventional style and themes led to its classification as a "monstrous" piece of literature, highlighting the tension between cosmopolitan influences and national identity in Hungarian art.
The narrative features a diverse cast of characters, including a reflective mayor, a nihilistic pope, a hanged brigand, and a courtesan with a young admirer, all navigating the brink of disaster. The writing showcases a polyphonic style, intertwining their thoughts on themes such as life, death, ethics, and aesthetics. Szentkuthy's work delves into complex philosophical musings, often veering into self-parody, while exploring the chaotic interplay of social order and human experience amidst an impending catastrophe.