东欧“赘婿”文学，得了2025年布克奖？

Core Insights - The novel "Flesh" by David Szalay presents the life of István, a character who experiences a series of bizarre and transformative events, ultimately rising from a life of poverty in Hungary to becoming a wealthy figure in London, only to return to his roots in the end [1][7][10] Character Development - István's character is portrayed as passive and emotionally detached, often responding to life's challenges with a simple "OK," which symbolizes his acceptance of his role as a "tool" in society [2][3] - Unlike typical "dragon-slaying" protagonists, István does not actively fight against fate; instead, he is driven by his physical instincts and circumstances, leading to a life marked by external actions rather than internal emotional engagement [3][4] Themes of Desire and Materialism - The novel explores the raw and naked desires of humanity, particularly focusing on the dual forces of love and money, which Szalay argues are central to modern existence [5][6] - István's journey reflects the complexities of human desire, where his youthful pursuits lead to dire consequences, and his later obsession with wealth and status results in a loss of identity and fulfillment [4][5] Social Commentary - Szalay's narrative suggests that István's life is shaped by larger societal forces such as war, immigration, and economic imbalance, indicating that personal destinies are often intertwined with public events [8][9] - The story critiques the notion of achieving happiness through wealth and status, illustrating that reaching the pinnacle of success can lead to isolation and disconnection from one's true self [6][7] Conclusion - The ending of István's story, where he returns to Hungary and takes a lowly job, serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of wealth and the enduring impact of personal history [7][10] - Szalay's work ultimately reflects on the human condition in a globalized world, where individuals navigate their lives amidst uncontrollable external forces, leading to a profound sense of loneliness and existential questioning [9][10]