Ilona Kutas’s book centers on a real historical mystery. The story follows Baron Pál Podmaniczky, a Hungarian aristocrat living in the 1800s. After his death, a beautifully bound Norwegian Bible was found among his belongings. This discovery was puzzling. What was a Bible printed in Norway doing in the home of a Hungarian baron? The book tracks the journey to answer this question, looking at Podmaniczky's life, his possible connections to Scandinavia, and the cultural and religious exchanges happening in Europe at the time.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a dry history lesson. Kutas writes with a curious, personal touch that makes you feel like you're right there with her, turning the pages of that old Bible and asking 'why?'. The baron himself becomes a surprisingly relatable figure through this one object. The book makes you think about the quiet journeys ordinary objects take, carrying stories with them. It’s about how a single book can be a bridge between different worlds—between Protestant Norway and Catholic Hungary, between personal faith and public life.

Final Verdict

If you enjoy true stories that feel like gentle mysteries, you’ll like this. It’s perfect for anyone who loves learning about history through small, personal details rather than grand battles and dates. It’s also a great pick for a quiet afternoon read; it’s thoughtful and focused, leaving you with a sense of having discovered something special. You don't need to be an expert on Hungarian or Norwegian history to get pulled in—just a bit curious about the hidden stories behind everyday things.