The House of Doors

Though the novel is titled The House of Doors, Lesley spends little narrative time in the House of Doors in the text. What does the novel suggest is so transformative about this location such that it merits the title? What does it suggest beyond Lesley’s romance with Arthur?

In an interview with Publisher’s Weekly, Tan said, “I think writers should be out in the world with jobs. It forces you to grow up” (Ermelino, Louisa. “Enter Tan Twan Eng’s New Novel, ‘The House of Doors.’” Publishers Weekly, 21 July 2023). How does this perspective from the author alter your understanding of how the novel presents Willie? What does this say about the author’s crafting of the character of Willie in terms of his function?

World War I haunts The House of Doors, yet very little narrative time is spent during wartime years—only the episode in which Willie meets Gerald. Compare the representation of the war in The House of Doors to the representation of the war in another 1920s-set novel you have read. Consider the community of the characters,