Les Braises

"Les Braises" is a novel by Hungarian author Sandor Marai that takes place in a castle in the Hungarian countryside. The story revolves around two former friends, Henri and Conrad, who have not seen each other for 41 years since a hunting trip during which Conrad aimed his gun at Henri before disappearing the next day without explanation. The novel explores the reasons behind Conrad's actions and their long-lasting impact on both men's lives, as well as the role of Henri's wife in the matter.

The story is set against the backdrop of the declining Austro-Hungarian Empire, which provides a rich historical context for the characters' interactions and emotions. The novel's style is reminiscent of Marai's earlier work "La Conversation de Bolzano," and it has been praised as a powerful exploration of friendship, love, and the consequences of past actions. Overall, "Les Braises" is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will leave readers pondering its themes long after they have turned the final page.