Attila Losonczy's collection of short stories is a volume of rare value in its brevity, its infinite discipline and empathy, and its love of humanity without vanity. He revives the genre of fine literary sociography in his concise, sometimes subtly ironic, diamond-polished short prose. One of the most timely pieces of his book is Silence (Mind) Life, which brings to mind the agonies of the past year and a half: "Silence is terrifying. It cries so much. It makes you realize our loneliness and pettiness. We are afraid of it, that's why we turn on the TV and radio at home... that's why we cover our ears with mp3 headphones so we don't accidentally notice our own silence." Although the author loves his fellow human beings, he also often creates snappy little parodies: among other things, about the swashbuckling writers in the Entellektüel folk kitchens, the extras who complain on the set, or the sandwich- and cake-eating ladies who appear in Prisoners. And as a real wandering motif, about that twice-appearing elderly married couple - Na-pirend, Gondtalanok - who are offered redemption by the Lajcsi convenience store and the cheap spirits of a real Kríchsmi.

In summary: it's nice to come across such a crystal-clear book these days, in which we can listen to another amusing chess-piece dramolette, If the Puppets Could Talk...

Eva Petrőczi

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About the author:
I was born in Budapest in 1975, and I still live here. I have been writing stories since I learned to read and write.
Since 2009, my writings have appeared regularly in various magazines and anthologies.
I create in many genres, historical and fantasy are among my favorites (for the latter I use the pseudonym Cyrus Living-stone).
The Raven's Wing above the Half Moon (In: The raven's century. Ed.: Bíró Szabolcs. Duna!szerdahely, 2013.) c. my short story was made into a radio play in 2016.

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Detail:
"The very idea of ​​a folk kitchen is embarrassing for intellectuals. After all, what right does he have to call himself an intellectual, who is unable to support himself and does not even run on culture? Educated people, with several degrees, low salaries? Who understands this?

There are always explanations for the above anomaly - usually different for each government cycle - but, as we know, empty bellies cannot be filled with words. Really? Don't forget the so-called about hidden folk kitchens!, where intellectuals who are starved in every sense can wait for mineral water, scones, and, if they are lucky, quality wines. Namely, at exhibition openings and book introductions.

The etiquette of these exclusive folk kitchens is very strict. What is mandatory when visiting the theater is to be avoided here! At the Népkony!hai event, the clothing can be elegant, but by no means brand-name. Don't even let the hairdresser know, solariums and sunbathing are strictly forbidden!
We have to prove with our appearance and posture that we have a place here. It is impolite to arrive with a bulging shopping bag, even if the delicacies served to us are our breakfast, lunch and dinner for the day.

The experienced folk kitchen visitor always prepares from the work of the given writer/poet or visual artist and comments on the topic at the appropriate moment. Of course, let's make sure that our desire to perform works at full speed.

Of course, it is essential that we eventually become friends with the organizers of the evening and the invited guest. If we want crumbs from the table of culture to fall into our laps - preferably edible - in the future..."