
In a bustling Budapest port of the early twentieth century, a weary yet witty old sailor recounts his days on the river. He paints vivid pictures of winter freezes, cramped taverns, and the simple rituals that keep him afloat— from sharing a glass of pálinka to swapping stories over salted pork. The narrative drifts between the harsh work of the docks and the quiet moments of reflection that reveal a stubborn resilience.
As the cold season settles, the sailor’s routine becomes a study in survival and camaraderie: he roams the icy banks, watches the ice melt, and finds solace in the hum of the tavern’s hearth. Through lively dialogue with fellow workers, merchants, and the occasional traveler, he offers glimpses of a world where duty and leisure intertwine, and where even a single loaf of bread can spark a wager. The prose captures the rhythm of a life lived between river and shore, inviting listeners to hear the echo of a bygone era.
Language
hu
Duration
~4 hours (257K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Albert László from page images generously made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library
Release date
2021-07-21
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1866–1917
A sharp-eyed Hungarian writer and journalist, he is remembered for warm, vivid sketches of everyday life on the Great Plain. His stories often focus on ordinary people, blending humor, realism, and deep local color.
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