Szent Péter Esernyője

''Szent Péter esernyője'' by Kálmán Mikszáth is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story unfolds largely against the backdrop of a small, impoverished village and focuses on the experiences of a young priest, János Pál, after the death of his mother, who leaves him to care for his infant sister, Veronka. It touches on themes of community, resilience, and the interplay of superstition and faith, particularly revolving around a mysterious umbrella associated with Saint Peter. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the somber context of death as the widow of a local teacher passes away in Haláp, leaving her daughter Veronka to face a difficult future. The town grapples with this tragedy, and due to financial constraints, Veronka is taken in by different families around the village. Soon after, new developments arise with the arrival of a young priest, János Pál, who becomes the guardian of Veronka. Following his mother’s death, János is burdened by the responsibilities of raising his sister while facing the difficulties of rural life. The narrative sets the stage for the magical appearance of an old, faded umbrella that becomes a symbol of hope as it seemingly protects Veronka from the rain, sparking a series of events tied to local legends and the evolving dynamics of their small village community.