They Were Counted

They Were Counted is the first volume in Miklós Bánffy's Transylvanian Trilogy, set in the Hungarian aristocracy during the twilight years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The story follows Count Bálint Abády as he returns home to assume his place in society and politics. The narrative moves between the glittering ballrooms of Budapest and the remote Transylvanian countryside at the turn of the 20th century. Through Bálint's experiences in parliament and his cousin László's pursuits in high society, readers witness the inner workings of a privileged class on the brink of transformation. The author, himself a Hungarian nobleman and politician, writes from direct knowledge of this vanished world. His position allowed him to portray both the political mechanisms and social customs of the era with precision. The novel examines timeless questions about duty, tradition, and progress while depicting a society's inability to recognize its approaching end. Through its scope and historical context, the work stands as both a social document and a chronicle of human nature in times of change.

Readers highlight Bánffy's detailed portrayal of pre-WWI Hungarian aristocracy and the decline of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Many note the book's rich descriptions of balls, hunts, and political intrigues that create an immersive historical atmosphere. Liked: - Complex character development, especially Count Balint - Authentic depiction of aristocratic life and customs - Historical accuracy and political insights - Vivid descriptions of Transylvanian landscapes Disliked: - Slow pacing in first 100 pages - Large cast of characters can be confusing - Hungarian names and titles challenge English readers - Some find political discussions too detailed Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (590 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (98 ratings) Reader quote: "Like a Hungarian Downton Abbey but with more depth and historical significance" - Goodreads reviewer Several readers recommend keeping notes on characters and relationships while reading.

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🏰 The novel is part of a trilogy called "The Transylvanian Trilogy" or "The Writing on the Wall," which chronicles the decline of Hungarian aristocracy in the years leading up to World War I. 📝 Miklós Bánffy wrote the trilogy while in exile after World War II, drawing from his own experiences as a Hungarian nobleman and former Foreign Minister of Hungary. 🎭 The author managed the Budapest Opera House and National Theater in the early 1900s, and this artistic background is reflected in the rich cultural scenes depicted throughout the novel. 🗺️ The book provides an intimate look at the multicultural world of pre-WWI Transylvania, where Hungarian, Romanian, and Saxon communities lived side by side in an uneasy balance. 👥 The central character, Count Bálint Abády, is largely based on Bánffy himself, and many of the political debates and social circumstances described in the book are drawn from the author's personal experiences in the Hungarian parliament.