Sándor Márai was a Hungarian writer born on April 11, 1900, in Kassa, which is now part of Slovakia. He is best known for his novels, essays, and plays that explore themes of identity, love, and the complexities of human relationships. Márai's works often reflect his experiences in a changing Europe, particularly during the tumultuous events of the 20th century. His most famous novel, Embers (1942), delves into the intricacies of friendship and betrayal. Márai lived in exile for many years due to political circumstances, eventually settling in the United States. He returned to Hungary in the 1990s, where he continued to write until his death on February 21, 1989.