60 pages • 2 hours read
Tan Twan EngThe House of Doors
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng is a 2023 historical and literary fiction novel that centers on Lesley Hamlyn's story of friendship and personal intrigues in 1920s Penang, intertwining with the visit of author W. Somerset Maugham. The narrative shifts between different timelines and perspectives, reflecting on themes like the interplay between history and fiction, colonialism’s influence, and complexities of relationships, mirroring events such as the Ethel Proudlock murder case and Maugham's short story "The Letter." This book includes discussions involving racism, sexism, adultery, and violence, including gun violence and rape.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Eng's The House of Doors is praised for its lyrical prose and evocative depiction of Malaya, capturing the essence of colonial-era tension and identity crises. Some critics feel the pacing is uneven, with a few secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, it's a rich historical tapestry that resonates with emotional depth and vivid imagery.
Who Should Read The House of Doors?
Readers who relish historical fiction with a lush, literary style will find The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng captivating. Fans of The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, who appreciate intricate narratives and evocative settings, will particularly enjoy this novel's ambiance and depth.