A review by gautamgopalk
The Door by Magda Szabó

emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Originally written by Hungarian writer Magda Szabó in 1987, and translated to English in 2005 by Len Rix, this is an outstanding novel featuring a Hungarian writer (perhaps inspired by the author herself) who serves as an observing narrator, and an old Hungarian woman who works as her housekeeper. The writing in The Door is enthralling as the author, in the guise of the narrator, slowly reveals the mysterious life of the secretive housekeeper. It is a compelling tale written in a remarkable manner. The story, which is set in 20th century Hungary, is about the relation between the two prominent characters although the narrator takes a back seat for most of the book and serves as the lens through whom the other character is viewed.

There is a good deal to ponder on as the narrative unfolds and the entirety of the book is filled with a lot of raw emotions. Although written like a long essay where the narrator is merely describing a set of events to the reader, the pacing and the gradual reveal of crucial tidbits from the housekeeper's life story is tantalizing. The title seems apt and the emotions conveyed through the writing has the potential to make the reader revisit this book more than once.