The following version of this book was used to create this study guide: Krasznahorkai László. Satantango. Translated by George Szirtes. New York: New Directions, 2012.

The novel is set in an unnamed village in Hungary in the 1980s. One morning, Futaki—a resident of the village—awakes to hear the mysterious sound of bells ringing, despite the fact that there are no bells nearby. The village used to be a government-sponsored collectivist estate, but the government dissolved the estate in recent years. Since then, the village has steadily sunk into increasingly deep poverty. Futaki and some of the other villagers consider gathering up as much money as they can and fleeing to somewhere else.

The narrative then shifts focus to Irimiás and Petrina, who work as field operatives for the Soviet government. However, Peytrina is subservient to Irimiás, and Irimiás’ general demeanor appears to be one of self-interest. For an extended period of time, Irimiás and Petrina posed as residents of the village. Over a year ago, they departed from the village. After a long lapse in communication with the Soviet government, they meet with a government official, only to find that the Soviet intelligence agencies appear to be in increasing disarray. Irimiás then decides that he and Petrina should return to the village.

One of the villagers is a man referred to only as ‘the doctor.’ He works as a physician, but he spends most of his time in his increasingly disorganized home, passing the time by reading, writing, and drinking. He observes the villagers through his windows and records observations about them. One night, he runs out of alcohol, so he decides to walk out in the rain to purchase more. However, after noticing a local girl named Esti running alone outside, he tries to catch up with her to see if she is in danger. However, he trips and falls, injuring himself. Meanwhile, in the town bar, the villagers talk excitedly as news spreads that Irimiás and Petrina have apparently returned. People hope that Irimiás can save the village from economic ruin.

Meanwhile, young Esti continues to run about the village on her own. She is generally an outcast from the community, as she is eccentric, and many of the villagers believe her to be mentally disabled. She is often mistreated by her older brother and neglected by her parents. One day, she becomes fixated on the idea of death, wondering what happens to people after they die. She then kills herself with rat poison. Her body is discovered at about the same time that Irimiás and Petrina return to the village. Irimiás gives a speech to the villagers, telling them not to dwell on the death for too long. He says that he has a plan to reinvigorate the village’s community and economy, although the outline of his plan is somewhat vague and general He asks Futaki and some of the other villagers to meet him at a spot just outside the village.

Irimiás leaves the village, supposedly in order to make arrangements for his plan. As he travels, he sees a nightmarish image of what appears to be a walking corpse, blindingly bright in color. Irimiás then meets with Futaki and some of the other villagers at the appointed spot. Irimiás transports them to another town, where he has found jobs for them. Futaki, rowing ever uncertain of Irimiás’ plans and motives, decides to look for work on his own. Meanwhile, the doctor returns to his house from the hospital after recovering from his injury. He hears the sound of bells ringing, even though there are no bells nearby. Struck by sudden inspiration, the doctor begins to write. It becomes evident that he is now writing the book that the reader has just read.