Book Review of The House of Doors

Name Tutor Course Date Book Review of the House of Doors Tan Twan Eng's "The House of Doors" was set in the 1930s in colonial Malaya. Eng tracks the lives of Lesley, a woman trying to understand her identity due to her European and Chinese backgrounds, and Willie, a servant who has faced discrimination yet is trying to pursue his goals. The author shows the complexities of colonialism and how it influenced different people, such as political positions in the Chinese government and social and economic status, for instance, where Eng (p.106) states, "But the emperors have stolen China's wealth" which led to inequality among people. The plot follows Lesley's life, marriage to Robert, separation from her friends, and resettling in South Africa, bringing up her two children and mysteries in "The House of Doors" (Eng 145). Eng uses first, second, and third persons, giving the plat an exciting twist. It allows the reader to be engaged throughout the reading and avoid getting lost in a single monotony of narration. Characterization is based on the plot, as Eng develops new characters along the narration. Overall, Eng uses plot and characters to portray colonial Malaya and engage readers in an exciting fantasy journey of the past. In "The House of Doors," Tan Twan Eng uses first, second, and third-person narrative voices. Each voice plays a critical role in developing the plot and characterization. In the third person, Eng gives an omniscient viewpoint on the events in the narrative. He applies rich and evocative language, meticulous detail, and vivid images to take readers to the exotic landscapes of pre-war Malaya. Eng immerses readers in the scene's historical and cultural context by capturing the era's spirit in his evocative words. For instance, in chapter 1, set in Penang, Eng provides a vivid description of what was happening to Somerset Maugham, including a vivid description of the environment. First-person narration creates emotional depth, authenticity, and relatability between the reader and the protagonist. Eng's perspective gives readers detailed insights into the character's thoughts, feelings, and motives, deepening their engagement with the story. This narrative technique allows for rich character development, subjective truth investigation, and tension and suspense, creating immersive and evocative stories that capture readers from start to finish. This is visible in Chapter 2, where the narrator, Lesley, discusses his experience. For example, "The traffic heading into town was still heavy when I left home," allowing readers to understand better what was happening (Eng 30). Second-person narration immerses the reader in the story by directly addressing the reader as the protagonist. This narrative approach offers immediacy and intimate connection, making readers feel like they are experiencing the story. Eng uses this ideology in conversations between characters within the novel. For example, in the dialogue between Lesley and Robert, "Robert's smile spread almost as wide as his arms. 'My dear, dear Willie – welcome to Cassowary House.' I caught the flash of dismay in the writer's eyes before he masked it smoothly. 'Robert, how … good to see you,' he said, his nasal voice compressing his words. 'You haven't changed … a jot.'" (Eng 33). "The House of Doors" remarkably weaves Malaysian historical context into the tale, demonstrating the country's intricate past and complex cultural fabric. The narration reflects the relationship between the multiple ethnic groups living together in colonial Malaya's cosmopolitan society. Lesley is Eurasian, and mixed ancestry is the norm in colonial life. His upbringing exemplifies the close interaction between Europeans and Asians, which was common among Eurasians at that age. In a conversation between Willie and Gerald, Lesley's ethnicity is confirmed and traced to her mother, who had Chinese blood. "The old lady – the talk was she had some Chinese blood in her family – died in her sleep a few years later. Our memsahib had just started teaching at a school in town.' 'She doesn't look Eurasian to me,' said Willie" (p.67). This shows how different ethnic groups met and mingled during the period. Moreover, Willie epitomizes the racial order and the marginalized ethnicity of that period in Malaya's colonial setting. The tale is centered on people's quest for identity, belonging, and the imprint of colonialism through stories like Lesley and Willie, offering a peek into their private lives during this crucial period. Eng brings various Chinese and Malay cultural elements, including superstitions and folktales, such as the Hungry Ghost Festival (Eng 153). The Malaysian culture is also portrayed by their dress, hairstyle, and general outlook. Lesley explained to Gerald and Willie how she wore the cultural attire, "I was in the full Straits Chinese ensemble: the kebaya, the manik-manik shoes, and I’d done up my hair in the Nyonya style, pinning the bun with a row of jewelled hairpins" (Eng 241). By exploring multiple overarching themes that recur throughout the story, "The House of Doors" enhances the reader's experience and provides insights into colonial Malaya. The investigation of identity and belonging is a recurring theme, best illustrated by Lesley's journey of ...