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Cover of The Door
Literary Fiction· Hungary

The Door

by Magda Szabó
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1987Hungarian
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About This Book

The Door by Magda Szabó is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 1987. The Door is a profound exploration of the complex relationship between a writer and her enigmatic housekeeper, Emerence. Through this relationship, Szabó delves into themes of trust, secrecy, and the barriers people build around themselves. The novel is celebrated for its psychological depth and its portrayal of post-war Hungarian society. Themes of trust, secrecy, human relationships run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorMagda Szabó
Published1987
Country of Origin🇭🇺 Hungary
LanguageHungarian
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781590177716
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇭🇺 Hungary

This book is part of Hungary's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

First published in 1987, Magda Szabó's The Door is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with trust, secrecy, human relationships, post-war society gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Door among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Door lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of trust, secrecy, human relationships, post-war society is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. The Door reflects Magda Szabó's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Hungary's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

The New Yorker
notable · global
20150
✍️
About the Author
Magda Szabó
Hungary
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Magda Szabó is a Hungary author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Door about?

The Door is a profound exploration of the complex relationship between a writer and her enigmatic housekeeper, Emerence. Through this relationship, Szabó delves into themes of trust, secrecy, and the barriers people build around themselves. The novel is celebrated for its psychological depth and its portrayal of post-war Hungarian society.

Who wrote The Door?

The Door was written by Magda Szabó, from Hungary. First published in 1987.

What awards has The Door won?

The Door has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Door worth reading?

The Door is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in trust, secrecy, human relationships.

Where can I buy The Door?

You can buy The Door on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Door?

The Door is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Door from?

The Door originates from Hungary's literary tradition. Explore more books from Hungary on our country page.

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