It is 1921 and Lesley and Robert Hamlyn live in a lovely home on the Indian Ocean in Penang, Malaysia. W. Somerset Maugham, known as Willie, and his lover/secretary are their house guests, invited by Robert. Late one night when neither Willie nor Lesley can sleep, they begin to get to know each other. Ultimately, Lesley divulges secrets she has never told anyone else. Willie is a good listener, but he also thinks Lesley’s confessions will make a great short story.

Several characters and events in The House of Doors are real. Eng is a good writer and this work of historical fiction is enjoyable and informative. Although I did not think it was as fine a work of fiction as his first novel, The Gift of Rain, The House of Doors is a worthwhile read.