It is perhaps fitting that the idea to have an international book club in Budapest sprang up from a meeting between an English-speaking expat, Tegan, and a local Hungarian, Rita.
‘I decided to organise a book club for the simple reason that I wanted to join one but couldn’t find any,’ says Rita. She wanted the club to be English in order to create a group with mixed perspectives, accessible for most expats. Tegan, for one, is originally from Sydney but has been living in Europe for a few years.
‘I took a break from working as a lawyer in London to move to Budapest earlier this year,’ explains Tegan. ‘I studied English literature at university and have always loved books, but recently found myself in a bit of a reading rut. Basically, I was just choosing the same authors and genres all the time, so I decided to start a book club to try to motivate myself to read more widely.’
After finding each other on the web, the dedicated bookworms decided to join forces, bring like-minded people together and start reading something outside the traditional literary canon. ‘I’m interested in the literature of other nations, especially the ones not often taught in school, from Asia, say, or Latin America,’ outlines Rita.
Browsed by international students and expats, the colourful bookshelves at the Massolit Café provide the perfect backdrop for casual literary discussion. Ditching the usual highbrow attitude that often jars with an inclusive atmosphere, the diverse audience share their impressions eagerly, amid laughter and enthusiastic head nodding.
The first session focused on Hungarian literature in translation and attracted a mixed crowd from various backgrounds, including Spanish students of sociology, a retired British couple and an Italian accounts manager. If you’re looking to make friends or join an international community, this is a great way to do it.
‘We’re not academics, but that’s not the goal here,’ concludes Rita. ‘The focus is more on creating a community of booklovers and an environment where we can ramble on about our favourite reads – and listen to other people’s opinions, as well.’
The next event is at 6pm on 18 December when you can discuss The House on Mango Street, a coming-of-age novel by Mexican-American author Sandra Cisneros. As the reads are based on the recommendations and votes of participants, if you already have a book in mind, you are encouraged to suggest its inclusion at the next session.
Attendance is free – you only need to buy a drink or a snack from the appetising selection at Massolit. Ideas come quicker while sipping a hot liquorice tea or chai latte.
Budapest Book Club December 18, 6pm Massolit District VII. Nagy Diófa utca 30
