The Door (Nyrb Classics) (East European Monographs S., v. 407)

by Magda Szabo

Len Rix (Translator)

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Book cover for The Door

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A busy young writer struggling to cope with domestic chores, hires a housekeeper recommended by a friend. The housekeeper's reputation is one built on dependable efficiency, though she is something of an oddity. Stubborn, foul-mouthed and with a flagrant disregard for her employer's opinions she may even be crazy. She allows no-one to set foot inside her house; she masks herself with a veil and is equally guarded about her personal life. And yet Emerence is revered as much as she is feared. As the story progresses her energy and passion to help becomes clear, extinguishing any doubts arising out of her bizarre behaviour. A stylishly told tale which recounts a strange relationship built up over 20 years between a writer and her housekeeper. After an unpromising and caustic start benign feelings develop and ultimately the writer benefits from what becomes an inseparable relationship. Simultaneously we learn Emerence's tragic past which is revealed in snapshots throughout the book.
  • ISBN10 1843431939
  • ISBN13 9781843431930
  • Publish Date 20 October 2005 (first published 11 May 1995)
  • Publish Status Out of Print
  • Out of Print 22 March 2013
  • Publish Country GB
  • Publisher Vintage Publishing
  • Imprint Harvill Secker
  • Format Hardcover
  • Pages 272
  • Language English