Abigail (novel) facts for kids

Abigail (Hungarian: Abigél) is a popular book for young adults. It was written by the Hungarian author Magda Szabó. The book first came out in 1970. It is one of her most widely read stories. Abigail is an adventure story. It is about a teenage girl. She goes to a strict girls' school in eastern Hungary. This happens during World War II.

In 2005, Hungarians voted it the sixth most popular novel. It was the third most popular Hungarian book on that list. The book has been translated into many languages. These include Czech, French, and German. An English version was published in 2020.

The Story of Abigail

Gina's New School

The main character in the book is Georgina "Gina" Vitay. She is a girl from Budapest. Her father is a general. Her mother passed away when Gina was young. Her governess had to leave Hungary when World War II began.

In 1943, Gina's father suddenly sends her away. He does not explain why. She goes to the Matula Institute. This is an old and traditional girls' boarding school. It is in East Hungary. The school has very strict rules. Gina is used to being free and doing her own thing. The closed world of Matula makes her feel like she has lost her old life. The rules are tough. Teachers are deaconesses. The students have busy schedules. Life in Árkod is very different from her home.

Trouble and Understanding

On her second day, Gina gets very angry. She tells the school director a secret about her classmates. Because of this, her classmates ignore her for months. Gina feels very lonely. She tries to find a way to escape back to Budapest.

Her escape attempt fails. One of the teachers finds her and brings her back. After this, her father finally tells her why she must stay. General Vitay is a leader in the Hungarian military. He is secretly working against the government. He does not want his enemies to find his daughter.

When Gina learns this, she acts more grown-up. She accepts that she must stay at the school. She also makes up with her classmates. The school does not seem so strict anymore. Gina starts to accept some of Matula's traditions. Before, she thought they were childish.

The Mysterious Abigail

The school has a famous legend. It is about a statue in the garden. The girls call this statue Abigail. The legend says that Abigail is a mysterious helper. If you write a letter to Abigail, she will help you.

This mysterious helper also appears in Gina's life. Abigail does not just solve small problems. She also helps with serious issues. For example, she helps students who need new identity papers. This is very important during the war.

War Reaches Matula

Gina's father does not call her for months. She has to stay at the institute even during Christmas. In early spring, a young man from home appears. His name is Feri Kuncz. He wants to take Gina to her father. He says her father is sick and waiting for her.

The plan does not work. But Gina still has to leave Árkod. The war has finally reached the Matula school. Mici Horn helps Gina escape. Mici is a former student of Matula. She is a war widow. Gina gets a new identity. She also learns a big secret. The teacher she disliked, Kőnig, is actually her greatest helper. He has saved many lives. He is the mysterious Abigail.

Beyond the Book

The book was very popular. Because of its success, a TV series was made in 1978. The novel was also turned into a musical. The musical first opened in March 2008.