Ararat by Lajos Zilahy

One from the trilogy about the Hungarian aristocrat family Dukay. It covers the time from the late 18th to the middle of 20th century and describes the family's decline due to the historical changes in Hungary and Europe of those times. Apart from being, as it is said, a true picture of the main historical events in Europe at that time, it is a poetical painting of the country and its people. The characters are vivid and real. The writing is richly decorated with poetic depictions and irresistable humor that is one of the main characteristics of a typical Hungarian.

I read it twice and I am sure I will read it again. Although tragic in its essence, the style of the writer gives it an enjoyable dimension of a comedy.