There is no freedom without responsibility – Attila Bartis in Not Bad Books

Bartis Attila's autobiography, "A rég," reflects on his first 16 years in Marosvásárhely and his subsequent life in Budapest and Java. The book explores themes of self-writing, the distinction between fiction and autobiography, and the impact of state security documents on personal narratives. Bartis discusses the challenges of writing critically about his life and the importance of maintaining a balance between freedom and responsibility in writing. He also shares insights on cultural differences, the significance of community in Java, and the loss of magical thinking in the Western world. The conversation touches on the potential for future autobiographical works and recommendations for other literature.