The Door tells the story of a relationship between two women in Hungary around the 1960s: a young, proud, slightly snobbish writer and an illiterate but wise housekeeper with firm principles. 

What a journey—a true rollercoaster of emotions! I let out a big sigh after finishing the book, realizing I had been holding my breath. It’s not a long novel, but it’s a slow, deliberate read. Every sentence needs to be absorbed and fully understood. 

The book begins with a confession: "I killed Emerence…" But there’s so much more to it. This isn’t a mystery or a suspenseful story, yet it’s deeply intense and overwhelming in the best way. The biggest mystery may be what lies behind Emerence’s door, but that question gradually fades as you become engrossed in the relationship between the two women. 

The writer character is not particularly complex—she has her flaws and her ways of thinking—but Emerence, the housekeeper, is an enigma. Magda Szabó slowly unravels Emerence's character, yet even by the end, we never fully understand what truly drives her. Her past remains a mystery—her childhood stories are fascinating but not entirely believable. Her present is just as puzzling: she keeps her apartment door firmly shut and never allows anyone inside. All her friends are welcomed only outside, on her porch. Understanding her is impossible; you can only take what she offers, never asking for more. 

This book left a lasting mark on me—not just with its story but with its unforgettable characters, even the side ones. It has earned a place among my favorites. Magda Szabó is an extraordinary writer, and I can’t wait to read more of her work.