Every Heart A Doorway by Seanan McGuire is about Nancy, who after returning from a magical world, is sent by her parents to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, a boarding school for kids who have visited fantastical lands and struggle to readjust to the real world. At the school, Nancy meets other teens with similar experiences, but the tranquility is shattered when students are murdered, leading Nancy and her friends to uncover the truth.

Every Heart A Doorway by Seanan McGuire is lauded for its imaginative world-building and lyrical prose. The novel's exploration of identity and belonging resonates deeply with readers. However, some critique it for a predictable plot and underdeveloped secondary characters. Overall, it's a poignant and thought-provoking read that is well worth the journey.

Readers who cherish magical realism, intricate character development, and themes of belonging would enjoy Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire. Perfect for fans of C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia and Lewis Carroll’s Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, this novel combines whimsy with deep emotional resonance.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Bittersweet / Contemplative

- Every Heart A Doorway is part of the "Wayward Children" series by Seanan McGuire, which has garnered critical acclaim, including multiple Hugo, Nebula, and Locus awards and nominations.
- Seanan McGuire was inspired to write the series after considering what happens when children return from magical worlds and how they struggle to readjust to the "real" world.
- The cover art for Every Heart A Doorway was designed by artist Alyssa Winans, contributing to the book's atmospheric and mysterious allure.

Seanan McGuire

Novella

Fiction

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Every Heart A Doorway Summary

Background

Every Heart A Doorway Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Golden Afternoons”

Part 1 Every Heart A Doorway Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “With Your Looking-Glass Eyes”

Part 2, Chapters 4-7

Every Heart A Doorway Part 2, Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 8-Epilogue

Every Heart A Doorway Part 2, Chapter 8-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Every Heart A Doorway Character Analysis

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Themes

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Important Quotes

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Every Heart A Doorway

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