A literary icon in her native Hungary, Magda Szabó was relatively unknown to English-speaking readers until recent translations of her work opened the door to her powerful storytelling. In today’s episode we focus on her 1970 novel Abigail, which follows a headstrong teenager at an all-girls boarding school during WWII. Dangerous secrets, emotional complexity and an unexpected guardian angel add intrigue to this poignant coming-of-age tale. Our guest, Deborah H. Sussman of the ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, brings her perspective as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor to our discussion about preserving innocence in the midst of darkness.

Mentioned in this episode:

Abigail by Magda Szabó

The Door by Magda Szabó

Len Rix translations of Magda Szabó

Photos of the Dóczy High School of the Debrecen Reformed College which inspired Matula Academy

Magda Szabó Memorial House museum

“More Than a Survivor” by Deborah H. Sussman

Villette by Charlotte Bronte

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

The Holdovers

The Sound of Music

2015 Musical production of Abigél from Ady Teátrum