The House of Doors By Tan Twan Eng

The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng is a captivating historical novel set in 1921 on the Straits Settlement of Penang, blending themes of love, betrayal, colonialism, and revolution. Lesley Hamlyn and her husband Robert, a lawyer and war veteran, live a seemingly idyllic life at Cassowary House. However, their world is shaken when the renowned novelist W. Somerset Maugham, an old friend of Robert's, arrives for an extended stay with his secretary, Gerald. Maugham is at a low point in his life—struggling with his failing health, financial troubles, and the constraints of hiding his homosexuality within a marriage of convenience.

During his visit, Maugham becomes intrigued by Lesley, suspecting secrets in her marriage and probing into her past. His curiosity leads him to uncover Lesley's connection to the Chinese revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat Sen and her involvement in a scandalous affair. As their friendship deepens, Lesley confides in Maugham, revealing not only her emotional turmoil but also her knowledge of a sensational trial involving an Englishwoman accused of murder.

Maugham sees in Lesley's life a story worth telling, one that intertwines personal and political conflict, race, power, and sexuality under British colonial rule. Inspired by real events, The House of Doors is a richly layered exploration of the complexities of love, friendship, and storytelling in the shadow of empire. Tan Twan Eng's prose vividly captures the tension between truth and fiction, making this novel a haunting and immersive read.