Reviews

La porta by Magda Szabó

algrenfan's review against another edition

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5.0

Not really sure what to say about this book. Wonderful writing that kept me on my toes. What it is about? For me, it's a book about paying attention to people. I love the ending! Throughout, Emerence seems so unique, but Sutu is described as very complex and interesting herself. We just weren't paying attention to her. Thus, this book left me thinking all people are unique and worthy.

bumpyandfriend's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

oceange's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

marci_in_maine's review against another edition

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3.0

Um, I’m sure this book is actually better than my rating. I just got impatient with it. I felt it repetitious at times and it dragged. Emerence is an interesting character but the sort that I would never put up with in real life, hence my impatience with the whole thing. But really, decide for yourself.

sonia_a_pinto's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful relaxing sad medium-paced

5.0

As personagens da Magda Szabó são marcantes. Tanto esta porteira como a mãe de Iza têm qq coisa de incisivo (talvez fruto dos anos duros que terão vivido) que nos marca.

zzmags's review against another edition

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5.0

Astonishing on a material and metaphysical level. Perhaps on all levels, but most of all, a psychological one. I adored this disturbing, moving book. The writing (and trranslation) is exquisite. I will say no more.

katie_is_dreaming's review against another edition

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I liked this, but didn't love it. Emerence is by far the most interesting character, so I kept reading it for her. The narrator isn't particularly likeable, so it was hard to warm to the story through her. I thought the writing was good, but didn't love the story.

beaumcneleley's review against another edition

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slow-paced

4.25

dr_dick's review against another edition

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5.0

absolutely marvelous! what a gem. the Emerence character is unforgettable. as i read, i kept thinking of another unforgettable character, Count Alexander Rostov, in Amor Towles's A Gentleman in Moscow. the two make beautiful bookends.