People of the Puszta

novel by Illyés

Also known as: “Puszták népe”

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July 20, 2026

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People of the Puszta is a significant novel by Hungarian writer Gyula Illyés, published in 1936. The novel offers a stark portrayal of the hardships and poverty experienced by the Hungarian peasantry. The term "Puszta" refers to a treeless plain or steppe in Hungary. Illyés, a prominent literary figure in 20th-century Hungary, drew inspiration from the lives of these rural communities for his work. The novel is considered a key piece in Hungarian literature, highlighting social injustices and the struggles of the common people during that era.123

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Gyula Illyés
…major novel, Puszták népe (1936; People of the Puszta), describes the misery suffered by the Hungarian peasantry. During the German occupation of Hungary (1944–45), Illyés went underground.
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…major novel, Puszták népe (1936; People of the Puszta), describes the misery suffered by the Hungarian peasantry. During the German occupation of Hungary (1944–45), Illyés went underground.
Read More