Deep Breath

Halász’s intelligent debut novel chronicles a fractured marriage in contemporary Budapest. Vera, an animator, flees her verbally and physically abusive husband, Péter, and relocates to her father’s house with her two young daughters. She and Péter had tried couples therapy in an effort to make the marriage work for the sake of the children, but as she reflects on Péter’s abuse and her resultant insomnia, she considers a divorce. Complicating matters further is her fixation on her ex-lover from high school, Iván, who seems to share her affection, but who is also now married. Vera also feels regret over her stalled artistic career, which she abandoned after becoming a mother. At the urging of her best friend, Andi, she reconnects with Márk, an old classmate of Andi’s who has recently divorced. They begin sleeping together, and Márk introduces Vera to cocaine. Halász hits some false notes late in the novel, as it turns toward Vera’s surreal spiritual visions, but for the most part, she vividly portrays Vera’s world through a seamless blend of impressionistic narration and dialogue. Readers will find much to admire in this striking portrait of a woman’s search for fulfillment. (May)