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The House of Doors

The House of Doors

By Tan Twan Eng

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Description

The House of Doors is a captivating tale set in the vibrant backdrop of 1921 Penang, where the lives of three individuals intertwine in profound ways. Robert Hamlyn, a lawyer, and his wife Lesley extend their hospitality to the renowned but troubled writer, Willie Somerset Maugham. As Willie grapples with personal turmoil, including an unhappy marriage and ill-health, he is also struggling to write.

The Plot

Amidst the idyllic yet turbulent setting, Lesley’s burgeoning friendship with Willie unveils layers of his masked identity and hidden vulnerabilities. As the days pass, their conversations deepen, allowing Lesley to reveal her own secrets. Among them is how she came to know the charismatic revolutionary Dr Sun Yat Sen and, more scandalous still, her connection to an Englishwoman's murder trial in the Kuala Lumpur courts.

Themes and Writing Style

Tan Twan Eng’s narrative is rich with atmospheric detail and emotional depth, exploring themes of identity, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships. Through beautifully crafted prose, the novel delves into the interplay of art and life, reflecting on the burdens of creativity and the weight of personal history.

Similar Works

Readers who appreciate intricate character studies and historical drama may find themselves enthralled by Tan Twan Eng’s storytelling.
With each turn of the page, The House of Doors invites readers into a world of introspection and revelation, leaving a lasting impression long after the final chapter is closed.

Book details

Author
Tan Twan Eng
Publisher
Canongate Books
Publication date
Format
Hardback
Pages
320
ISBN-13
9781838858292
Language
English
Genre
Victorian Era, Biographical Fiction
Awards
  • Shortlisted: Walter Scott Prize 2024
  • Longlisted: Booker Prize 2023
Dimensions
161 × 243 × 34 mm
Weight
530 g

Express International delivery available. Shipping policy

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Free 30-day returns on UK orders. If a book arrives damaged, faulty or not as described, we'll refund or replace it free of charge — you usually won't need to send it back. Changed your mind? Contact us within 30 days of delivery. International orders also have 30 days: damaged or faulty books are refunded or replaced free; if you change your mind, the return postage is yours. Read our refund policy.

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In-stock orders are dispatched within 1 working day (Monday–Friday), and UK delivery usually takes 2–4 working days after dispatch. For Express International delivery to 21 more countries, see our Shipping Policy.

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Standard UK delivery is £2.99, and free on orders over £35. We also offer Express International delivery to 21 more countries — see our Shipping Policy for rates.

Are your books new? How are they so cheap?

Yes — all of our books are brand new, sourced direct from UK publishers and distributors. By buying in bulk direct from publishers and distributors, we secure lower trade costs and pass those savings on to you.