Summary

In Chapter 7, the wind reminded Eszter of “the winds that blew over the river” back home (121). Although Angéla hated wind and storms, Eszter loved them. She still loved moody weather and preferred country life to the city. It had taken her a long time “to feel at ease” with herself in Budapest (122).

The darkening sky reminded Eszter of the siege. She was glad Father “didn’t live long enough” to see it (123). She was 15 when “the war broke out” (125). Although it would be “horrific for other people,” she had not thought it would change her family’s life (125). They already had so little. Shortly after the German invasion, Eszter’s neighbor Béla Kárász deserted and hid in Eszter’s loft.

One night, the lover told Eszter he “was in love with Angéla” (128). Eszter was not surprised. Everyone loved...