Interview With Author Viktor Illovszky
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Viktor Illovszky, based in Budapest, and I work in the business sector—writing was a side pursuit for a long time, but now it’s become more of an inner necessity. I’m passionate about traveling, discovering new cultures and people, and I’ve long been fascinated by political, social, and spiritual questions, which eventually find their way into my writing.
My first book, The Venetian Lawyer, was published in Hungary last September, and I’m thrilled that it reached the top of Dibook’s annual bestseller list. So far, this is my only novel, but I’m already working on the sequel, and for me, this isn’t a closed chapter—it’s the beginning of a longer literary journey.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled The Venetian Lawyer – Stories of Victorio Falcone. The novel was born during the pandemic, when lockdowns made us all think more deeply about the systems we live in: society, politics, and the individual’s place within these structures. I was particularly occupied with questions of identity, change, and solitude.
I felt there was a need for a symbolic story that explores these themes not on a theoretical level, but through a strong, atmospheric medium. Venice is such a city for me: simultaneously beautiful and decaying, timeless yet constantly changing. I spend a lot of time there, and I’m always inspired by the city’s duality.
The book was born from this personal and philosophical experience, and I’ve embedded multiple hidden messages for those who like to read between the lines—for example, numerical symbolism, the meaning of names, or certain dialogues all conceal deeper layers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I do. I build my books exclusively around central ideas that come to me at the actual location. For me, space isn’t scenery—it’s a catalyst: I only begin writing when the city, the atmosphere, or a specific street corner “whispers” the story’s core to me. In Venice, for example, different thoughts always emerge than in Budapest—and these impulses born on-site determine the direction of my books.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been most influenced by authors who combine intellectual depth with powerful atmosphere.
Albert Camus – for the existential clarity and way of thinking
Raymond Chandler – for the noir atmosphere and character-driven storytelling
Umberto Eco – for the intellectual depth and the fusion of knowledge with fiction
Dan Brown – for his use of style, rhythm, and symbolism
Milan Kundera – for the reflections and philosophical layers
Max Weber and Michel Foucault – for understanding how power operates
They’ve all helped me weave together ideas, atmosphere, and social commentary in my stories.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the sequel to The Venetian Lawyer, which this time takes place across multiple locations—primarily in Venice and Paris. The book’s main theme is that real power doesn’t operate openly—it works behind the scenes, through hidden structures. The story examines how these invisible force fields move and how they influence the characters’ decisions. My goal is to write a novel that is simultaneously atmospheric, thought-provoking, and further deepens Victorio Falcone’s world. This isn’t a fast-paced thriller—it’s a slow-burn investigation where the questions matter as much as the answers. The book is expected to be published in fall 2026.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promoting my books, personal connection is the most effective approach: when readers encounter the story through recommendations, conversations, or interviews. I also use targeted advertising because it helps reach those who don’t yet know my books. The two methods complement each other well: advertising delivers the message, while the personal voice retains the reader.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My most important advice is to strive for authenticity, not perfection. A story truly works when the author’s own voice and experience speak through it. It’s worth writing as much as possible, experimenting, and not being afraid that the first draft is still raw or imperfect. The other key is persistence: book writing is a long process, and only those who don’t give up halfway through reach the end. Finally: dare to ask questions, learn, and seek feedback—good books are always born from dialogue.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever received was to always stay open. Not just to the world, but to myself as well. Openness helps prevent us from getting stuck in familiar patterns, and encourages us to ask new questions—whether in writing or in life. This attitude is often worth more than any specific instruction, because it keeps you constantly moving and makes you receptive to every insight from which a story can eventually be born.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Dan Brown’s new novel, Origin (published in Hungarian as A titkok titka). I love how Brown weaves science, history, and hidden connections into a single, tightly-paced story. In this book, I find it particularly exciting how he connects theories about human nature and consciousness with a classic Langdon-style investigation. I love when a thriller doesn’t just entertain but makes you think—and this one does exactly that.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The sequel to The Venetian Lawyer will be published this fall, set in both Paris and Venice, and delving deeper into invisible power structures. I’m also planning a third book that will take a completely new direction—but it’s too early to talk about that yet.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I could take a few books to a deserted island, I’d probably choose these: Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens, and the SAS Survival Handbook—just to be safe.
Author Websites and Profiles
Viktor Illovszky Amazon Profile
Viktor Illovszky’s Social Media Links
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