Very interesting and captivating monologue. 
 A form of this book was surprising. In the beginning the narration was like in a fairy-tale. Although the world (times of Austro-Hungarian Empire) which was described was real. Then, a fairy-tale changed into a philosophical and psychological monologue, in some parts very wise. 
 Life becomes bearable only when one has come to terms with who one is, both in one's own eyes and in the eyes of the world. 
 The story, which was essential for the book, was as old as time. (view spoiler)[Two best friends (with different personalities) and one woman. (hide spoiler)] Nonetheless, it served Sandor Marai as a canvas, on which he painted his messages. 
 "One day we lose the person we love. Anyone who is unable to sustain that loss fails as a human being and does not deserve our sympathy". 
 For me, the most interesting parts of these monologues were about love: 
 For we always love the 'other', we always seek it out, no matter what the circumstances and sudden changes in our lives... 
 and friendship: 
 ...friendship is a duty. Like the lover, the friend expects no reward for his feelings. He does not wish the performance of any duty in return, he does not view the person he has chosen as his firend with any ilusion, he sees his faults and accepts him with all their consequences. 
 but there was also about duty, surviving, artistic soul, pride, hunter nature of a man.