2026 Reading Challenge
The Door

Questions About The Door

by Magda Szabó

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Answered Questions (6)

The Door sounds like it is very well written and a powerful story but did you find that you liked any of the characters? It may seem shallow but I find I enjoy a book more when there is at least one character that I like. This does not mean that I need to like everything they do.
Christopher Liking a character, as in the character appeals to my sensibilities, is not a big priority for me these days. I don't think it is shallow to identify …moreLiking a character, as in the character appeals to my sensibilities, is not a big priority for me these days. I don't think it is shallow to identify with characters but I always found that I don't gain new perspectives or widen my experiences hanging out with just people I like. They often just confirm my biases or affirm my actions. It's when I have difficulty with a person that I become challenged to see with new eyes. And in that respect, I really loved Emerence. I agree that she was a difficult personality but she is unforgettable. Try to forget her. I would hazard a guess you forget major characters, even major events in these major characters stories, but you will remember Emerence and her stories. (less)
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is this book good?
Christopher I find this book to be not only good, but great. It is a wonderful piece of literature that is a bit demanding but very rewarding. It is one of those …moreI find this book to be not only good, but great. It is a wonderful piece of literature that is a bit demanding but very rewarding. It is one of those books that would find its way into a university level literature course. (less)
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Anyone have book group discussion questions for THE DOOR?
Barb Wilson From my book club discussion:
Why would anyone allow a housekeeper to control their lives and beat their dog? Why does anyone stay in a dysfunctional r…moreFrom my book club discussion:
Why would anyone allow a housekeeper to control their lives and beat their dog? Why does anyone stay in a dysfunctional relationship? The relationship between Emerence and Magda is dysfunctional on so many levels. Emerence – the anti-intellectual with a keen intellect, controlling, fiercely independent, irrationally needy, emotionally unstable and more than just a bit mad. Magda – the lady writer and intellectual, superficial, acquiescing, insensitive and more than just a bit self-centered. Is it love they share, or only an emotional intensity that each defines as love? How do the experiences of war and the upending of politics affect individuals, relationships, countries? Who is the “better” person – the Sunday sweeper or the Sunday worshiper? And what, in the end, is the significance of The Door?

With more questions than answers swirling throughout, this is a dark and fascinating exploration of two tragically-intertwined lives and the times in which they live – or not. The group was split in its appreciation of the subtleties and complexities of the book, with six members voting it a 5 or 5.5 and four voting it an 8 or higher.(less)
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I have a question regarding the English translation - what is a christening bowl? Why is it used here for storing food, why not just a regular bowl? This bothered me throughout the entire book!
Skiboltskie It was not a physical christening bowl used during a christening of a child (although you would imagine it would be due to the name) but rather an exp…moreIt was not a physical christening bowl used during a christening of a child (although you would imagine it would be due to the name) but rather an expensive silver gift (occasionally engraved, embossed, with floral and ornamental designs) given to the childs family when the child was baptised and is meant for the child to hold onto as a keepsake

This tradition dates back as far as the medieval period and some bowls have become something of a collectors item.

These bowls can be used to serve food/soups, etc (obviously depending on its size). Smaller bowls could be used as mantelpiece decoration, sweet dishes, sugar dishes and if too ugly to behold, used as pot plant containers (less)
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what is Viola's role in the book?
Christopher This is a great question. I usually muse on how that poor dog loved Emerence even with the corporal punishment and think about what a terrible relatio…moreThis is a great question. I usually muse on how that poor dog loved Emerence even with the corporal punishment and think about what a terrible relationship, what civilized person beats a dog these days? And I don't know if this helps to think of Viola's role this way, but Viola recognizes Emerence status as an alpha. And as social creatures, we too are drawn to the alpha character.

Over dinner last night, I saw Patricia Summit died. She apparently was a very successful woman's basketball coach. And the volume was muted but it showed several clips of her very stern, penetrating eyes assessing situations and with what seemed like brusque and intimidating ways, she was meeting out instructions and motivations to players. And I thought how awful. Isn't there other ways to achieve success? But then I realized that a powerful, demanding coach, a demanding course of university study, or an Emerence will force us to reflect on ourselves in ways we would not do ourselves.

I am sure Viola functions in other ways, but this is one productive way I looked at Viola. (less)
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