Everything about the Books

Just a quick revision about the books, a warm recommendation and a "what if...?" game with 2 fascinating people from life-changing novels:)

Paul Street Boys

Paul Street Boys (Ferenc Molnár, 1906) is a beautiful story about friendship and loyalty. The book has plot twists and heart breaking at that, but it really heart-wrenchingly summarizes how strong the power of friendship actually is and how grand sacrifices people are ready to make for each other.

We also discussed the difference between the characters Boka and Áts, the two groups' leaders, and how they led their gangs. One of them is calm and calculated despite his young age and the other is feared among his group.

As Red as Blood

As Red as Blood (Salla Simukka, 2013) is a nerve-wracking thriller that tells the story of a teenager named Lumikki Andersson. It has a lot of difficult themes and seemingly impossible situations and hard decisions. The novel is the first part of a trilogy with themes of bullying, drug abuse and love too.

If we think about friendship, the book tells a story from the viewpoint of a bullied girl and how it affects her life and the situations she finds herself in.

The Metamorphosis

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (1915) tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a salesman who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. Struggling with his new physical form, he becomes increasingly isolated from his family. Initially, they are shocked, but over time, they grow hostile and neglectful. Gregor’s transformation symbolizes alienation, the loss of identity, and the pressures of modern life. Ultimately, his family’s rejection leads to his tragic death, highlighting themes of isolation, dehumanization, and familial disintegration.

Typescript of the Second Origin

"The Typescript of the Second Origin" is a science fiction novel by Manuel de Pedrolo, set in
a post-apocalyptic world. The story follows two young survivors, Alba and Didac, who are left
alone after most of humanity is wiped out by an extraterrestrial disaster.

After the cataclysm, which is caused by a mysterious cosmic event, the Earth is depopulated, and life as they know it disappears. The pair must adapt to a harsh new world,
learning to survive in isolation. Over time, Alba and Didac form a deep bond, becoming a sort of "new Adam and Eve" as they struggle with survival, love, and the eventual
responsibility of repopulating the Earth.
The novel explores themes of resilience, the power of human ingenuity, and the rebirth of humanity from scratch. The characters are forced to confront challenges like isolation, fear,
and the unknown, while also being tasked with discovering the mysterious alien technology left behind, which could hold the key to rebuilding civilization.

What if...?

What if Alba from “The typescript of the second origin” met Gregor Samsa from “The
metamorphosis”?

Alba: I never understood living just for work. Although with my circumstances I could not
work at all.
Gregor: Work gave me purpose. I thought it was all I had.
Alba: But maybe it blinded you to what really mattered—like your wellness.
Gregor: What else could I do? Without work, who would I be?
Alba: Maybe stopping would have shown you more. Doing less can teach you more.
Gregor: And you, how do you find purpose without working?
Alba: Purpose isn’t about doing. It’s about existing, feeling.
Gregor: I wonder if I had stopped... maybe I would have found something else.
Alba: You can still find it now after your transition. That’s what matters.
Gregor: I never gave myself the chance to listen.
Alba: Now you have. That’s enough.

If you liked the books, you should definitely watch the movie "The Paul Street Boys" (1969), "Second Origin" (2015), and "Metamorphosis" (2012)