Celestial Harmonies

More about the book

Harmonia Caelestis is a monumental, part-autobiographical family history resulting from a decade of work. While Helping Verbs of the Heart paid tribute to the author's mother, this narrative serves as a memorial to his father. It consists of two parts: Book 1, "Numbered Sentences from the Life of the Esterházy Family," features 371 paragraphs that offer a kaleidoscopic exploration of the family's history without explicitly naming them. Each episode centers on "my father," presenting various personas, from an anti-Habsburg Kuruc to a charming lord, all conveyed through diverse literary styles. This anonymity allows for a broader significance, connecting the family's specific experiences to the wider European context. The narrative is enriched by a philosophical wit, weaving together anecdotes and fragments from various genres. Book 2, subtitled "Confessions of an Esterházy family," resembles a more traditional family novel, drawing inspiration from Sándor Márai's work. It presents key events in the lives of the author's ancestors and himself, chronicling a century-and-a-half of the family's decline, particularly after 1945. Through personal anecdotes and humorous storytelling, the author recounts experiences like childhood mishaps and family struggles during tumultuous times. Despite the challenges, the tone remains upbeat and harmonious, devoid of reproach. This rich novel stands out in the author's career, encapsulating the