Author Éva Madarász is reshaping the young adult (YA) literary landscape in Hungary by anchoring fictional narratives in the lives of pioneering historical women. Through her Gardedám nélkül (Without a Chaperone) series, Madarász integrates the biographies of figures like Teréz Brunszvik and aviator Lilly Steinschneider into fictional plots, aiming to strengthen female identity and historical awareness among younger generations. According to the author, these stories serve as a bridge between past achievements and the challenges modern young women face.
Historical Fiction as a Catalyst for Identity
Madarász uses historical figures not as mere subjects of biography, but as moral compasses for her fictional protagonists, the Kern sisters. In the series opener, Veronika kisasszony, the narrative centers on the preservation of the legacy of Teréz Brunszvik, the founder of the first Hungarian kindergarten. By placing these characters in the volatile atmosphere of pre-World War I Europe, Madarász demonstrates how historical context influences personal development.
Rather than dry history lessons, the approach offers a narrative-driven look at how women navigated male-dominated societies. Madarász emphasizes that the goal is to provide a “light in the dark,” helping readers identify potential paths through their own modern difficulties.
Did you know? Following the release of the book Csók, Lilly, which features Hungary’s first female pilot, Steinschneider Lilly, there is renewed advocacy for commemorating her life with public memorials, a recognition she had previously lacked.
The Intersection of Performance and Literature
Madarász’s background as an actress informs her writing process, leading to unique multidisciplinary projects. Her collaboration with Italian actress Monica Guerritore highlights a growing trend of cross-cultural creative exchanges. After discovering parallels between their lives and careers, Madarász secured the rights to stage a production based on Guerritore’s work, Nők, különleges szerelmek foglyai (Women, Prisoners of Extraordinary Loves).
Future Trends in Young Adult Literature
- Multimodal Engagement: Integrating books with real-world artifacts—such as the stamps, bookmarks, and pins Madarász brings to her events—to blur the line between fiction and reality.
The upcoming installment of the Gardedám nélkül series will continue this tradition by focusing on another significant, yet under-recognized, Hungarian woman. This commitment to highlighting “firsts” reflects a broader cultural shift in Hungary toward recognizing the structural contributions of women throughout history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Éva Madarász focus on female historical figures?
Madarász states that she believes women possess a unique strength. By highlighting the lives of pioneers who overcame adversity, she aims to help young readers realize their own potential and foster a stronger sense of female identity.
Are the historical figures in the books real?
Yes. While the protagonists, the Kern sisters, are fictional, the historical figures they admire—such as Teréz Brunszvik and Lilly Steinschneider—were real, influential women who were often the first in their respective fields in Hungary.
Is this series suitable for all age groups?
While categorized as young adult (YA) fiction, the series is designed to appeal to anyone interested in history, female empowerment, and character-driven narratives. Its focus on universal themes like resilience and identity gives it cross-generational appeal.
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