Pretty Michal

"Pretty Michal" by Mór Jókai is a historical romance written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around the upbringing of Michal, the beautiful daughter of Rev. Master Fröhlich, who raises her in a strict and isolated environment, devoid of maternal influence. The story unfolds in a tumultuous time marked by political conflict in Hungary, introducing themes of love, fidelity, and the choices that shape one's destiny. The opening of the tale establishes a vivid backdrop, detailing the scientific and domestic education Michal receives from her father. He employs unorthodox methods to bring her up, even giving her a masculine name to thwart potential dangers. As she matures, Michal becomes the subject of romantic interest, which leads to unexpected developments, including a love correspondence conducted through whimsical means like a dragon and a balloon. Meanwhile, her father's stringent rules and warnings about the dangers of men surround her, creating a rich tension as she navigates the complexities of love and loyalty, ultimately hinting at the trials she will face as events unfold. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Móricz Jókay of Ásva, known as Mór Jókai, was a Hungarian novelist, dramatist and revolutionary. Outside of Hungary, he was also known as Maurice Jókai or Maurus Jokai or Mauritius Jókai. He was a leader of the outbreak of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 in Pest. His romantic novels became widely popular among the elite of Victorian England, where he was often compared to Charles Dickens by the press. One of his most famous admirers was Queen Victoria herself.