The Keeper of the Door

"The Keeper of the Door" by Ethel M. Dell is a story about Olga Ratcliffe, a smart and headstrong woman, and her complicated relationship with Dr. Maxwell Wyndham, her father's mysterious assistant. Olga and Dr. Wyndham start off disliking each other because they have very different personalities and beliefs, leading to many arguments and creating suspense. The novel begins by showing Olga's relationship with her half-brother, Nick, where her strong feelings against Dr. Wyndham become clear because she thinks he is too arrogant. One significant event occurs early in the story when Olga accidentally hurts Max, forcing her to help him medically; the event reveals Olga's tender side buried under her tough exterior, hinting at the complex change their relationship will undergo. The beginning of the novel illustrates each characters intentions and their relationships with others, and also foreshadows all that could happen, like changes in the depth of their bonds with each other.