The Door; Magda Szabo
NYRB Classics - 2015
(intro by Ali Smith)
The Door -
"I seldom dream. When I do, I wake with a start, bathed in sweat. Then I lie back, waiting for my frantic heart to slow, and reflect on the overwhelming power of night's spell. As a child and young woman, I had no dreams, either good or bad, but in old age I am confronted repeatedly with horrors from my past, all the more dismaying because compressed and compacted, and more terrible than anything I have lived through. In fact nothing has ever happened to me of the kind that now drags me screaming from my sleep."
What do you think?
(Feel free to join us by linking your INTRO below)
(Feel free to join us by linking your INTRO below)
Wow, those dreams sound horrible! I do want to know more about this one.
ReplyDeleteAll of the reviews have been so positive, anxious to begin.
DeleteI've been eyeing this one...it really intrigues me.
ReplyDeleteI am very curious to begin Catherine.
DeleteI imagine the narrator is in desperate need of a good night's sleep. My husband rarely remembers his dreams, but I tend to remember mine. I also know that if I don't remember them, that usually means I've slept better.
ReplyDeleteLOL - My husband always remembers the and I'm always in them LOL - He on the other hand is rarely in my dreams -- do we need Freud here?
DeleteThat opening is definitely a grabber! Great description of the panic that results from a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteGlad I do not have nightmares these days.
DeleteThe opening paragraph sounds like tales from a few of my senior friends. I guessing the narrator's age to be over 70. I'm not sure I want to keep reading unless I think there might be a good twist to the dreams.
ReplyDeleteHaven't started it but yes I think your are right about the ages.
DeleteThis really got me straight away! Plus, I love the cover. One for the list.
ReplyDeleteEmma, glad this appealed to you.
DeleteThat is quite a sad opening but one that makes me want to keep reading.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely think she seems troubled.
DeleteYikes! Sounds dark. I'd have to read a bit more, but it could suck me in.
ReplyDeleteI'm very excited to begin. Love older protagonists these days as well.
DeleteThis definitely sounds really sad and I can't entirely relate since I've always had really vivid dreams, usually the good kind! But I'm really interested in reading more so it's a great opening! And I've never read a Hungarian novelist before so all in all I should probably put this one on the list! Thanks for hosting and I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteJuli @ Universe in Words
Juli, I'm lucky as well, not to have aful dreams like this person. Thanks for stopping by and for joining in.
DeleteThis intro draws you into the story and makes you want to know more.
ReplyDeleteI thought so as well Yvonne, Glad u joined us this week.
DeleteI'm intrigued and like the writing. I'd read on.
ReplyDeleteGlad u enjoyed it Harvee.
DeleteThis sounds very suspenseful - I'd definitely keep reading...
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining in again Sarah
DeleteI love it, and coming from NYRB Classics is another plus! Look forward to hearing more about this one.
ReplyDeleteYes, NYRB Classics are typically worthy reads.
DeleteThat sounds like a good read. Girl Who Reads
ReplyDeleteI hope so Donna.
DeleteWhat a powerful opening! I'm not familiar with this author and want to know more. I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteFirst time trying this author as well, Monica.
DeleteI would keep reading. I can relate as this morning something woke me and it took me a moment to figure out it was a dream and not real.
ReplyDeleteDeja vu!
DeleteThat might keep me awake too. I would read on!
ReplyDeleteHope u have pleasant dreams B
DeleteQuite an opening! I'd read this book.
ReplyDeleteIt drew me in immediately.
DeleteI hope that's not what my old age is gonna look like... lol... sounds like a great read though!
ReplyDeleteMe too, it would be awful to fear sleep - I so enjoy it;)
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