A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen

SUMMARY (from Goodreads): A Doll's House is the story of Nora Helmer who has secretly borrowed a large sum of money to help her husband recover from a serious illness. Nora who has borrowed this money by forging her father's signature soon discovers the value of the relationship she has with her husband, Torvald, when he becomes the director of the bank that employs the man, Nils Krogstad, who has lent the money to Nora. When it is discovered that Nils has commited a forgery himself, Nils threatens to reveal Nora's secret to her husband if she does not convince Torvald to allow Nils to keep his position at the bank. A Doll's House is a gripping drama about a failing, loveless marriage.

MY OPINION:

In the beginning A Doll’s House just seemed ridiculous. I did not like Nora, who acted as a spoiled, wasteful, silly woman. I disliked Torvald even more, because he was treating Nora as a toy, a doll who does not have her own mind but has to do everything as he says, thinking included.

Although Nora grows a spine and becomes rather likeable at the end, there is one thing about what she does that I do not approve of. Also, the story line of other characters is wrapped up rather quickly and is not entirely convincing.

Nevertheless, this play is an interesting read; it is fast-paced, and the course of action and the characters are easily imaginable. The resolution is not predictable at all; I never expected it to end the way it does.

RECOMMENDATION: A Doll’s House is an enticing read about a failed relationship and people pushing after a desired social status.