The White King
The White King
Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
Eastern Europe • 1980s
2005
Adult
16-18 years
Super Short Summary
The White King by György Dragomán follows 11-year-old Djata, whose father is imprisoned for protesting against the oppressive Communist regime of their unnamed country, reminiscent of Nicolae Ceausescu's Romania. Djata's mother struggles to provide for the family while seeking news of her husband, and Djata navigates the violent and dysfunctional society around him. The narrative is filled with depictions of violence and social injustice.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
1,850 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The White King by György Dragomán is highly praised for its evocative writing and vivid depiction of a young boy's life under a totalitarian regime. Reviewers commend its emotional depth and gripping narrative but note its fragmented structure can be challenging. Overall, it is celebrated for its powerful storytelling and poignant exploration of innocence amidst political turbulence.
Who Should Read The White King?
A reader fascinated by coming-of-age tales in oppressive regimes will be captivated by György Dragomán's The White King. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Markus Zusak's The Book Thief will appreciate its poignant portrayal of childhood resilience amid political turmoil.
1,850 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
György Dragomán began writing The White King in 1997, and it took him nearly a decade to complete, with the book being published in 2005.
The novel has been translated into over 30 languages, highlighting its global appeal and the universal nature of its themes.
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György Dragomán, originally from Romania, writes in Hungarian, and The White King reflects the complexities of life in an oppressive regime, similar to his experiences growing up.
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272
Novel • Fiction
Eastern Europe • 1980s
2005
Adult
16-18 years
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