In 'The Door' by Magda Szabo, a reclusive writer forms an unexpected bond with a housekeeper named Emerence, who becomes both a caretaker and a mystery. As they navigate the intricacies of trust and secrecy, Emerence's enigmatic past gradually unfolds, revealing deeper themes of love, loss, and the human condition. The vivid portrayal of their complex relationship challenges societal norms and invites profound reflection on the nature of solitude and companionship. Set against the backdrop of Hungary's turbulent history, the narrative intertwines personal and political struggles, enhancing its emotional depth. Readers will be left questioning what lies behind the metaphorical doors of their own lives, eager to learn more about Emerence's hidden truths.
By Magda Szabo
Published: 2015
"The door is not merely a passage but a threshold between worlds, revealing the mysteries of both the past we cherish and the future we fear."
One of The New York Times Book Review's "10 Best Books of 2015" An NYRB Classics Original The Door is an unsettling exploration of the relationship between two very different women. Magda is a writer, educated, married to an academic, public-spirited, with an on-again-off-again relationship to Hungary’s Communist authorities. Emerence is a peasant, illiterate, impassive, abrupt, seemingly ageless. She lives alone in a house that no one else may enter, not even her closest relatives. She is Magda’s housekeeper and she has taken control over Magda’s household, becoming indispensable to her. And Emerence, in her way, has come to depend on Magda. They share a kind of love—at least until Magda’s long-sought success as a writer leads to a devastating revelation. Len Rix’s prizewinning translation of The Door at last makes it possible for American readers to appreciate the masterwork of a major modern European writer.
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“The door is not merely a passage but a threshold between worlds, revealing the mysteries of both the past we cherish and the future we fear.”
The Door
By Magda Szabo
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Magda Szabo was a renowned Hungarian author, born on October 5, 1917, and passed away on January 19, 2007. She is best known for her poignant and psychologically nuanced explorations of human relationships and the complexities of identity. Among her notable works are 'The Door,' a haunting narrative about the relationship between a writer and her housekeeper, which reflects Szabo's insightful commentary on societal boundaries, and 'The Fawn,' a tale that delves into the innocence of childhood amidst the backdrop of war. Szabo's writing style is characterized by lyrical prose, rich symbolism, and a deep understanding of the emotional landscapes of her characters. Her contributions to literature earned her a prominent place in contemporary Hungarian fiction, and her works have been translated into several languages, gaining international acclaim.
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