The Door: Magda Szabo (Vintage Editions) Paperback – September 3, 2020

A great reads is not always found amongst the latest best sellers, and this is a case in point. The literary craft shown in the narrative and character creation is massive. The setting, postwar Hungary, is fascinating from a socio-economic perspective. Life behind the Iron Curtain is shown with a subtlety and lightness of touch that is neither bitter nor even critical in tone. The great theme of the book, the love between a successful young writer and her peasant housekeeper, is powerful and timeless. The climax is both epic and heartbreaking without being mawkish or melodramatic.

Intriguing portrayal of a complicated relationship between a woman and her housekeeper

Very well written, but just not to my liking. I found it to be depressing and too much cruelty.

This is a compelling, starkly written story about an apparent betrayal of caretaker-friend Emerence by her employer, the writer Magda (who narrates the story and seems almost identical with from the author Szabo). Emerence is a resilient, strong woman--also very difficult and proud--who is presented in almost mythological terms; in some ways she resembles her mother country, Hungary. The gradual intimacy that develops between Magda and Emerence over 20 years is beautifully developed as we build to the crisis. Did Magda have to betray Emererence is order to save her life? This question is explored with considerable complexity.

Not an easy read but worthwhile

Such a beautifully written story. This is true literary fiction. You just know it when you read it! A bonus for those who stream, the film with Helen Mirren as the protagonist is not only faithful to the book but wonderfully acted and so well produced. I had to watch it twice and read the book twice as well. So few really rich films these days, this one is excellent !

Before watching the movie I decided to read the book. After downloading the book and read half of it I turned the book down by missing actions. The book is a masterpiece of describing a relationship between 2 women and also describing a personality of a unique person but probably I am more into actions which I missed from this book so I decided not to watch the movie either.

Excellent portrait of early soviet Hungary