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Kalliope's Reviews > The Door
The Door
by
How on earth could the telling of the life and character of an aged Hungarian cleaning lady feel so eerily uncanny?
Because, do not be mistaken, this is not a mystery book. This is a novel about the relationship between two women: an illiterate servant and her considerably younger employer, a writer. The latter narrates the story, which is set in Hungary around the 1960s-80s.
So, how could this be such a memorable story? Magda Szabo (1917-2007) proves in The Door to be an astounding writer. After a gripping beginning, she then takes us through a very intense, scary, and magical unfolding of the tale. Szabo draws her brushstrokes regularly, building up the suspense, or may be peeling off the many veils that cover reality.
What emerges is the extraordinary and colossally strong personality of Emerence, the servant. She is an atavistic force that communicates with animals like no other person can, and who has a magnetic power and physical strength to attract or banish or condemn those beings around her according to her beliefs, moods and whims.
In contrast, the other woman --the “woman writer”-- as narrator seems subjected to the will of the strong elderly servant. The unbalance in strength is found also in the way the book focuses our view. If the name of Emerence is introduced at the very beginning of the book, the name of the “woman writer”, Magdchen, which is also Szabo’s name, is only mentioned, in passing, towards the end. The writer and creator becomes the anonymous observer, the “woman writer” in the story.
But is she just an observer? Is she really subjected to Emerence’s forces? For, as she tells us, at the very beginning: “ I killed Emerence…” And this chilling start prompts the telling of the story that led to this, the relationship between two beings that The Door separates. This ambiguity on who is acting on whom makes me think of this book as a meditation on subjectivity.
The Door was published in Hungary in 1987 and has been translated by Len Rix, winning him the prestigious Oxford Weidenfeld Translation Prize in 2006. This is my first book by Magda Szabo and would like to read more. Unfortunately very little has been translated.
Now I will wait until Istvan Sazbo’s 2012 film version, with Helen Mirren as Emerence is shown in a cinema near me…!!!
by
Kalliope's review
bookshelves: fiction-english, international-lit, austro-hungary, eastern-europe
May 09, 2012
bookshelves: fiction-english, international-lit, austro-hungary, eastern-europe
How on earth could the telling of the life and character of an aged Hungarian cleaning lady feel so eerily uncanny?
Because, do not be mistaken, this is not a mystery book. This is a novel about the relationship between two women: an illiterate servant and her considerably younger employer, a writer. The latter narrates the story, which is set in Hungary around the 1960s-80s.
So, how could this be such a memorable story? Magda Szabo (1917-2007) proves in The Door to be an astounding writer. After a gripping beginning, she then takes us through a very intense, scary, and magical unfolding of the tale. Szabo draws her brushstrokes regularly, building up the suspense, or may be peeling off the many veils that cover reality.
What emerges is the extraordinary and colossally strong personality of Emerence, the servant. She is an atavistic force that communicates with animals like no other person can, and who has a magnetic power and physical strength to attract or banish or condemn those beings around her according to her beliefs, moods and whims.
In contrast, the other woman --the “woman writer”-- as narrator seems subjected to the will of the strong elderly servant. The unbalance in strength is found also in the way the book focuses our view. If the name of Emerence is introduced at the very beginning of the book, the name of the “woman writer”, Magdchen, which is also Szabo’s name, is only mentioned, in passing, towards the end. The writer and creator becomes the anonymous observer, the “woman writer” in the story.
But is she just an observer? Is she really subjected to Emerence’s forces? For, as she tells us, at the very beginning: “ I killed Emerence…” And this chilling start prompts the telling of the story that led to this, the relationship between two beings that The Door separates. This ambiguity on who is acting on whom makes me think of this book as a meditation on subjectivity.
The Door was published in Hungary in 1987 and has been translated by Len Rix, winning him the prestigious Oxford Weidenfeld Translation Prize in 2006. This is my first book by Magda Szabo and would like to read more. Unfortunately very little has been translated.
Now I will wait until Istvan Sazbo’s 2012 film version, with Helen Mirren as Emerence is shown in a cinema near me…!!!
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Reading Progress
May 9, 2012
– Shelved
May 9, 2012
– Shelved as:
fiction-english
May 9, 2012
– Shelved as:
international-lit
May 23, 2012
– Shelved as:
austro-hungary
August 16, 2012
–
Started Reading
August 17, 2012
–
3.05%
"Gripping beginning. Beautiful style. The translator, Len Rix, received the "Oxford Weidenfel Trnaslation Prize"."
page
8
August 18, 2012
–
39.69%
"I have just learnt István Szabo has made a film of this with Helen Mirren."
page
104
August 21, 2012
–
Finished Reading
August 23, 2012
– Shelved as:
eastern-europe
Comments Showing 1-47 of 47 (47 new)
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by
Kalliope
(new)
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rated it 5 stars
Aug 18, 2012 08:14AM
I should add István Szabó is no relation of Magda Szabó.
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Thanks for a great review Kalliope.I was especially interested to read it because I went to see the film a few weeks ago. I felt the book would perhaps be better than the film...usually is, but sometimes it can be an improvement or just jell perfectly.
I went to see it because I really like Martina Gedeck who played the writer....an excellent actress whom I've seen in several films, especially "The Lives Of Others" and "Clara" in which she played the wife of Schumann, Clara Schumann. And also like Helen Mirren and the director Szabo.(Thanks for mentioning that they were not related...I wondered as soon as I had read the film flyer.)
One of our prominent film critics declared that in spite of all the great people involved, the film was a DUD!!!!Perhaps it is when compared with the book, but the book wasn't mentioned and I haven't read it.
So I liked it for itself.
Thank you Wayne. Well, I think it is a difficult book to set to film, even for Szabo (I love his Mephisto, Colonel Redl, and lately Sunshine). The book is written in a very particular way.
So, in spite of what other critics say, did you like the film?. I am not familiar with actress Martina Gedeck, although I have seen "The Lives of Others". I should watch it again. I am also curious about "Clara". I did not know about this film but am very interested in Clara Schumann (I have read a bio on her, have some of her music, and eventually should try to play some piece myself...).
Thank you for the Like. With my 5 stars, I am obviously recommending the book.
Oh, yes I did like it and I spoke to several people in the theatre later, all elderly women, and they had enjoyed it. As I said, I'm sure the film is probably inferior to the book as a book can go places a film can't.
But I must see if I can find the book . I would be very interested to read it and I don't think I have ever read a book by a Hungarian writer...yet!!!
Martina Gedeck is a formidable talent.She was also in "The Bauhauf(?) Complex" as a journalist who sympathises with and eventually joins a group of young German terrorists of the 1960's. A true story.
Do hope you get to see "Clara".
Wayne, I just saw that Martina Gedeck is now working on the filmed version of Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier. This book is sitting on my shelves but still unread...!!! the film will come out in 2013 I think and Jeremy Irons will be on it as well.
Well done, Sherlock!!!!Another book, another film!!!
Delicious!!!
"After a gripping beginning, she then takes us through a very intense, scary, and magical unfolding of the tale. Szabo draws her brushstrokes regularly, building up the suspense, or may be peeling off the many veils that cover reality."Exactly the way a well written story should reveal itself! Thank you, Kalliope, you've reeled me in.
Mikki wrote: ""After a gripping beginning, she then takes us through a very intense, scary, and magical unfolding of the tale. Szabo draws her brushstrokes regularly, building up the suspense, or may be peeling ..."Yes, good book. Recommended.
Dammit!! I ignored this book last week at the store!!Silly me!
Praj wrote: "Dammit!! I ignored this book last week at the store!!Silly me!"Then go back and get it...
:)
Wow, sounds incredible. There seems to be a lot of wonderful authors coming from Hungary. I've never heard of Szabo until just now, but she sounds great. Hopefully more of her work will be translated! Great review.
s.penkevich wrote: "Wow, sounds incredible. There seems to be a lot of wonderful authors coming from Hungary. I've never heard of Szabo until just now, but she sounds great. Hopefully more of her work will be translat..."Yes, the Hungarian society is very literary. I have only read a few authors, but there are many more I want to explore.
Rereading and again enjoying your review, Kal, I was brought to mind, with Emerence, of that other strong and controlling servant, Marcel's, Francoise.Interesting to compare and contrast!!!"Night Train" has premiered and the film includes, besides Martina Gedeck and Jeremy Irons, Bruno Ganz, Charlotte Rampling and Christopher Lee, almost unrecognisable as an elderly priest (not a vampire!!!)
http://www.exberliner.com/videos/trai...
Hope this comes through.
The story covers two periods represented by two different cars...a bit of finance through astute advertising. The film looks very good.
Have you managed to see the film of "The Door "?
Wayne wrote: "Rereading and again enjoying your review, Kal, I was brought to mind, with Emerence, of that other strong and controlling servant, Marcel's, Francoise.Interesting to compare and contrast!!!"Night..."
Hello Wayne,
Thank you for reliking the review... No, I have not seen the film yet. It has neither come to Spain (that I know), nor is it out in DVD...
But thank you for drawing my attention to this Night Train film. I have the book and I have read one other book by the same writer. Starting Proust meant I was shelving many other books, and this Mercier is one of them.
Very nice review. I will be adding this book. Thank you for introducing me to a new author.
This sounds like a fascinating read. The mere synopsis got me to add it to my tbr list. Your review provides even more incentive, Kalliope.
Samadrita wrote: "This sounds like a fascinating read. The mere synopsis got me to add it to my tbr list. Your review provides even more incentive, Kalliope."Thank you Samadrita. Yes, it was an interesting read.. I also wanted to watch the movie, but so far I have not been able to find it.
I've been wanting to read this. After reading your review, it's even more intriguing to me.
Unsettling review, you have certainly piqued my interest, Kalliope. Would you describe the book as a psychological thriller? I could feel the tension building up in me as I advanced reading your lines until I stopped to breath when I reached the “ I killed Emerence…” part.Adding this up right now, 5 stars coming from you...it has to be a good read.
I'm not reading any fiction at the moment, but your review is extremely tempting! Like Mikki I particularly liked your luscious description of her methodology. Delicious......
@Beth - it is a great read.. go for it..@Dolors - yes, it is curious how well the novel keeps the tension, without being really a thriller...
@Caroline - keeping a balance between fiction and non-fiction is not easy. I enjoy varying the genres...
I hope the fact there is a movie coming will mean wider distribution of the book (to libraries near me).
Sue wrote: "I hope the fact there is a movie coming will mean wider distribution of the book (to libraries near me)."In Sydney the movie has come and gone...saw it last August 2012 and if you look at Message 2 above you can read what I thought of it,Sue.
But one of our prominent film critics declared that in spite of ALL the great talent involved it was a DUD.
Frankly THAT type of comment just sends me rushing off to see a film, not only because it might shorten its exposure time, but also because you can learn a lot from a badly made film even though it has a lot of talent and then it might even turn out to be a
Master/Mistresspiece.
Unfortunately I haven't read the book and I have forgotten about even searching for it because I realise I will NEVER get round to reading the books I have before I kark it...I dream of a Viking's Book Funeral...burnt to a crisp with all my UNread Volumes
and deposited with my Dear Mum and Dad, Dottie and Des.
But this is just an aside.
Good Luck with the search...I too shall probably take it up.
Wayne wrote: "Sue wrote: "I hope the fact there is a movie coming will mean wider distribution of the book (to libraries near me)."In Sydney the movie has come and gone...saw it last August 2012 and if you loo..."
The Viking funeral fueled with unread books sounds appropriate for me also. I keep adding to my list as I never know which ones on it will be the ONES that I will select and will make my day, week, month, or year. Or perhaps I'm really crazy and think this reading life is going to last indefinitely.
Sue, THAT is the only way to live...INDEFINITELY !!!You won't, but that is beside the point.
THE POINT being is LIVING TO THE FULL.
I DO hope you get to see the film and read the book.
I'm halfway there and I haven't been disappointed yet and so is Kalliope and she has given the thumbs UP to the other half, so we MUST be onto a GOOD THING.
KEEP ON KEEPING ON !!!
Cheers from Wayne
I've had this book on my reading list for a while, but your review convinced me to start it right away (or at least tomorrow)! Thanks, Kalliope!
Ema wrote: "I've had this book on my reading list for a while, but your review convinced me to start it right away (or at least tomorrow)! Thanks, Kalliope!"Ema, I am glad this inspired you. I am looking forward to reading your opinion.
Kalliope wrote: "Yes, the Hungarian society is very literary. I have only read a few authors, but there are many more I want to explore."You should also check Ágota Kristof's The Notebook, The Proof, The Third Lie: Three Novels, it seems to be pretty good!
Ema wrote: "Kalliope wrote: "Yes, the Hungarian society is very literary. I have only read a few authors, but there are many more I want to explore."You should also check Ágota Kristof's The Notebook, The Pr..."
Ema, this looks fascinating. Thank you.. Adding it to my TBR and possible without the Tag "considering" (meaning not own -- so I have to go shopping).
Kalliope, I'm coming back here to thank you again! I would 'like' your review a second time, if I could! I've written my review careful not to resemble yours, but I couldn't avoid using "I killed Emerence...", I couldn't help it! :)
Excellent review! Like everyone else, I'm adding it. You choose your words beautifully, Kalliope :)
Kalliope,I've just seen your splendid review. Excellent.
Lynne wrote: "Kalliope,I've just seen your splendid review. Excellent."
Thank you Lynne.
Lada wrote: "beautifully written review. Really catching.. The past and the present. And fear of life wisdom. Reading it oh yes by all means"Thank you, Lada. Are you reading it now?
Such a lovely review. I already have this in my tbr. Can't wait to read it.
I didn't know there was a film. But I don't know if I'd want it to spoil my vision of this story... (I did love Sunshine though by I. Szabo.)
Nidhi wrote: "Such a lovely review. I already have this in my tbr. Can't wait to read it."Nidhi, I was away when you wrote this comment.... I encounter it now.
Thank you.
I think you will enjoy this novel...
Daisy wrote: "I didn't know there was a film. But I don't know if I'd want it to spoil my vision of this story... (I did love Sunshine though by I. Szabo.)"That is the perennial dilemma between novels and their renditions in film... In spite of everything, I would like to see the film.
Wonderful review, Kalliope. Great observation about the imbalance in strength between the two women and how the identity of the author-creator and writer becomes one.
Laysee wrote: "Wonderful review, Kalliope. Great observation about the imbalance in strength between the two women and how the identity of the author-creator and writer becomes one."Thank you, Laysee for your very encouraging comment.
Very nice review! I'm sold. I have this on my list to read this spring-summer since it was republished by New York Review Books. Love their books since the translations are usually first-rate and they always include an informative essay about the book and author.
I'm finally, finally reading this riveting classic. Also listening to the audio book narrated superbly. In case you are a fan of audio, I'd recommend if you would ever care to revisit The Door. Link: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Door-A...
Glenn wrote: "I'm finally, finally reading this riveting classic. Also listening to the audio book narrated superbly. In case you are a fan of audio, I'd recommend if you would ever care to revisit The Door. Lin..."Thank you, Glenn. Yes, I am a selective Audio listener - by selective I mean that I listen to Audio editions for some books, and while I read them. Listening alone makes me fall to sleep.
Dickens is particularly good for reading while listening - with good actors who use different voices..
What I still have not done is watch the film, which I have.
Wonderfil review! And the book seems to be magnificent.And the subject superb. of the inner force pf character. I think this relationship is that one of observation and being observed, of mistress and the subjected one. These women of folk culture are superior and rests even in death I dare saz Must read the book Thanks for the mention
