Lázár

What do the circumstances surrounding Lajos’s birth reveal about the nature of the Lázárs? How do those circumstances lay the foundation for the events to come?

Do you have any theories for what befell Ilona in the forest?

Mária carries out an act at the end of “Ghosts” that has reverberating effects on the family for years to come. Discuss the different ways that each family member carries this act with them. How do their varied reactions reflect their character?

As Sándor dies, a singular image flashes before his eyes. Why do you think that specific person came to mind? Do you think Sándor finally learned the secret that Mária took to her grave? Why do you think Mária was able to get away with it?

Lajos and Eva experience trauma surrounding similar things. What are the differences and similarities in how they grapple with their trauma? How are their trauma responses influenced by their gender and class?

Lázár, like all great family sagas, interrogates the theme of inheritance, not just of material physical things, but on an emotional level. What are the things the Lázárs inherit and pass down across generations?

The Lázárs live through multiple wars and political upheavals. How do these larger societal changes affect their class throughout the years? How does their class protect and endanger them?

The Lázárs find themselves on both the side of the ruling regime and the side of the resistance. How do the social/political conditions specific to their generations impact the sides they choose to fight on?

Love stories abound in Lázár. Which one was the most enamoring to you and why? Which did you find the most tragic?

How does the forest surrounding the village manor reflect the atmosphere of the entire book? How does it contribute to the character development of the Lázárs across different generations? Why do you think Biedermann chose the forest as a starting and ending point of the story?