The Door
The Door
Book Brief
Beta6
Short Story • Fiction
Hungary • 1960s
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Door by Magda Szabó, translated by Len Rix, follows the complex relationship between a writer and her enigmatic housekeeper, Emerence. Set in postwar Hungary, the narrative explores themes of trust, power, and the nature of true companionship, while examining the broader human condition and the impact of political and social changes on individual lives.
Reviews & Readership
3,315 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Magda Szabó’s The Door, translated by Len Rix, is lauded for its profound exploration of human relationships and moral complexities. The character development, particularly of the enigmatic housekeeper Emerence, is compelling and haunting. Critics note, however, that the narrative pacing can be slow at times. Overall, it's a powerful and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Door?
Readers who relish introspective narratives and complex character studies would enjoy The Door by Magda Szabó and Len Rix. Fans of Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend and Alice Munro's short stories will appreciate its exploration of female relationships, moral ambiguity, and personal resilience. Ideal for lovers of literary fiction.
3,315 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Door by Magda Szabó was first published in Hungarian in 1987, and it received critical acclaim for its exploration of human relationships through a post-war Hungarian lens.
The English translation by Len Rix won the Oxford-Weidenfeld Translation Prize in 2006, highlighting its significance and impact in bringing Szabó's work to a wider audience.
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Magda Szabó was one of Hungary's most prominent writers, and her writing often delves into the complexities of identity, history, and personal relationships.
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Short Story • Fiction
Hungary • 1960s
Adult
18+ years
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