Tajemnica Abigél

Title: "Abigail" (Tajemnica Abigél in Hungarian) by Magda Szabó

Plot Summary: The novel "Abigail" by Magda Szabó follows the story of 14-year-old Gina Vitay, who is sent to the Bishop Matula Academy, a strict boarding school in rural Hungary, by her widower father, a Hungarian general. Gina's life is drastically altered as she is forced to leave behind her comfortable and idyllic childhood in Budapest. The school is characterized by its strict rules and rituals, with minimal interaction with the outside world. Gina's initial struggles at the school are alleviated by her growing fascination with a statue known as Abigail, which is believed to aid and protect the students.

As Gina navigates her new environment, she forms close bonds with her classmates, particularly during the Christmas holiday when they are unable to return home. However, her relationships with the adults around her are complex and often misunderstood. Gina views her class tutor, Kalmár, as a hero and a contemporary "St. George," while she has a strained relationship with her Latin teacher, Kőnig, whom she mistakes for cowardice and stupidity.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Gina and her classmates accidentally sing an anti-war psalm during a St. Nicholas’ Day service, leading to a scandal. Later, Gina writes to Abigail for help when she notices that her classmate Bánki is distraught. She receives a packet of baptismal certificates, implying that Abigail's forged documents saved the lives of Bánki and three other Jewish girls.

The novel culminates with Gina learning that Abigail is actually Kőnig, her Latin teacher. This revelation deepens Gina's feelings of betrayal and confusion, leading her to renounce her former identity and reflect on how she could have atoned for failing to realize the truth about Abigail earlier.

Key Themes:

1. Coming of Age: The novel explores Gina's transition from a carefree childhood to the harsh realities of boarding school life.
2. Isolation and Confinement: The strict environment of the Bishop Matula Academy serves as a backdrop for Gina's struggles with isolation and confinement.
3. Identity and Belonging: Gina's journey is marked by her search for identity and belonging within the school's rigid structure.
4. War and Occupation: The looming threat of World War II and the subsequent German occupation of Hungary add a layer of tension and urgency to the story.
5. Mystery and Revelation: The enigmatic figure of Abigail and the eventual revelation of her true identity drive the plot and explore themes of mystery and deception.

Critical Reception: "Abigail" is widely regarded as one of Magda Szabó's most beloved works in Hungary. Critics praise the novel for its nuanced portrayal of a young girl's experiences during a tumultuous period in history. The book is noted for its empathetic rendering of Gina's limited worldview and her misinterpretations of the adults around her. The novel's complex characters, particularly the enigmatic Abigail, have been praised for their depth and intrigue.

The transition from Gina's perspective to the revelation about Abigail is highlighted as a masterful narrative move, where the story shifts from a personal coming-of-age tale to a broader exploration of the adults' influence and the societal context of war and occupation.

Overall, "Abigail" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of adolescence, identity, and the human experience during times of war and social upheaval.