[BWF] The House of Doors, by Tan Twan Eng (4 stars but only just)

[KateNZ]

The writer William Somerset Maugham (Willie to his friends) comes to Penang in 1921 to stay with Lesley and her lawyer husband Robert. Somerset Maugham has just had a nasty financial setback and urgently needs to write a popular collection of stories to make up lost ground. The British expat community proves a good source of inspiration - people have a habit of opening up to him, only to find themselves rather identifiably and not always favourably immortalised. Lesley is aware of this but, for her own reasons, finds herself reminiscing to Somerset Maugham anyhow, particularly about the murder trial of a friend of hers (the trial was real as was the story Somerset Maugham wrote about it). She also tells him about her interactions with Sun Yat Sen just prior to him becoming the President of the new China.

The book alternates between Lesley’s first person narrative and Somerset Maugham’s third person narrative. It works but Lesley is still not a person who lets you close to her - Willie is often more real on the page than she is. Some strong feminist themes from Lesley, but also some rampant displays of homophobia. It’s also interesting that the author chose to tell his story from the perspective of the British expats rather than from a Malay or Chinese perspective - and to do so from an apparently uncritical stance. He lets the reader do all the judging.

The aspect of the story that I loved the most (apart from taking me down numerous internet rabbit holes) was the descriptions of Penang - the author’s love for his native land shines through everything. It’s a special connection for me too as my dad was stationed in Malaya (as it then was) during the 50s, and spent time in Penang. He adored it and loved the people. I felt him at my shoulder at times while I was reading. To be honest if it hadn’t been for that it would have been a three star for me.

Longlisted for the Booker prize in 2023.

Team Sassy Sisterhood. Extra for H. Tagged x 5

[Jgrace]

That's exactly how I felt, 4 stars, but only just. I loved The Garden of Evening Mists and this book wasn't nearly as good.

[Joy D]

I gave this one 4 stars too, and I agree it is not up to the same level of The Garden of Evening Mists or The Gift of Rain - both were 5 stars for me.

[Joanne]

I have this on my TBR-You all know Literary Fiction is not my thing, however the history aspect of it keeps me intrigued and stops me from taking it off the shelf. You know my reading, Joy, what do you think, should I give it a go?

[Joy D]

I think you would appreciate The Garden of Evening Mists or The Gift of Rain more than this one (and in that order). Those two are based around real events that took place in Malaysia during WWII - the first has to do with the Japanese occupation and its impact on the locals as well as the Dutch colonials who lived there. The second has to do with a man looking back on his memories of the time he trained with a Japanese tutor/martial arts expert, and how he came to be called both a loyalist and a traitor to Malaysia.

The House of Doors is more of a slow burn. It includes lots of historic details, but, as Katrine says, the featured protagonists are not ones who allow the reader to feel much of a connection to them.

[Joanne]

Thanks Joy, I will follow your instincts.

[KateNZ]

I agree with Joy - while the historical setting and characters are interesting, I don’t think there’s enough of that to keep your attention. I haven’t read his other books yet but I definitely will.

[NancyJ]

Great review. I enjoyed the descriptions of Malaysia in every book I read about it, and it’s so nice that you have that personal connection. I love it when a book makes me feel more connected to my late father. My only interest in Somerset Maugham comes from the gorgeous film adaptation of The Painted Veil.

I want to read the Gift of Rain soon.

[KateNZ]

Thanks Nancy :) I haven’t seen the film - will look it up!