Tan Twan Eng, an international awardwinning novelist, was born in Penang, Malaysia, and worked as an advocate in one of Kuala Lumpur’s leading law firms before becoming a full-time writer. His debut novel The Gift of Rain was longlisted for the Booker Prize in 2007 and has been widely translated. The Garden of Evening Mists won the Man Asian Literary Prize 2012 and the 2013 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2012 and the 2014 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Tan divides his time between Kuala Lumpur and Cape Town. “The House of Doors” is his third novel.
his third novel. “The House of Doors,” published by Bloomsbury Publishing in 2023, emerges as a captivating historical narrative set in the 1920s within the British colony of the Federated Malay States. Inspired by “The Letter,” a W. Somerset Maugham story fictionalizing the murder of tinmine manager William Steward by Ethel Proudlock, his alleged lover, in British Malaya in the early 20th century, Tan’s meticulous attention to detail vividly paints a picture of a time marked by cultural and political upheaval. The inclusion of renowned figures like William Somerset Maugham, skillfully reimagined within the narrative, lends depth and authenticity to the story. The novel’s recognition on the longlist for the 2023 Booker Prize and the acclaim it has received from esteemed publications like The Washington Post and The Financial Times further attest to its literary merit and compelling storytelling.
The narrative unfolds in 1921 at Cassowary House in Penang, where Lesley and her husband Robert Hamlyn, a lawyer and war veteran, reside amidst the complexities of their lives. Robert, suffering from the effects of gas poisoning from his service in WWI, finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue and deception when Maugham, accompanied by his enigmatic secretary and secret lover Gerald Haxton, enters their world.
Maugham, grappling with personal and professional turmoil including his concealed homosexuality and the need for inspiration for his next book, becomes embroiled in Lesley’s past connections and the trial of an Englishwoman accused of murder. Meanwhile, Lesley’s journey of selfdiscovery exposes layers of secrets and betrayals, ultimately challenging her very existence.
Through nuanced character development and intricate plotlines, Tan delves into themes of identity, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth amidst societal expectations. The evolving dynamics between Lesley and Maugham serve as a lens through which broader cultural and historical tensions are examined, enriching the narrative with depth and complexity.
Tan’s novel transcends mere storytelling; it weaves a complex tapestry that intertwines fiction with historical truths, creating a vivid world where characters’ lives are intertwined with the tides of history. Through the lens of characters like Lesley and Maugham, the novel explores themes of identity, betrayal, and the search for personal truth amid societal expectations.
The character development is particularly notable, with Lesley’s transformation and Maugham’s introspective journey offering profound insights into their psyche, unveiling their struggles, desires, and moral dilemmas. Tan’s portrayal of these characters serves as a mirror reflecting the broader societal and cultural dynamics of the time.
Moreover, the novel’s engagement with real historical figures and events, such as the trial of Ethel Proudlock and the depiction of Sun Yat-sen, adds authenticity and depth, encouraging readers to ponder the intersection of personal and historical narratives.
Tan’s meticulous research and eloquent prose breathe life into the historical context, providing readers with a richly detailed and immersive experience. The novel’s ability to balance historical accuracy with engaging storytelling is a testament to Tan’s skill as a novelist.
“The House of Doors” transcends the confines of a mere historical novel; it is an exploration of the human condition set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. It challenges readers to contemplate the nature of truth and fiction and the intricate ways in which personal and public histories intertwine.
In conclusion, “The House of Doors” is a mesmerizingly beautiful novel based on real events, tracing the fault lines of race, gender and sexuality. It delves deep into the complicated nature of love and friendship in the shadow of historical forces.
