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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
Thank you Netgalley and Canongate for this eCopy to review
I really enjoyed The House of Doors, it had a wonderful sense of place and the characters were really well described. I was completely drawn in to Lesley's life seen through both her point of view and that of Somerset Maugham. It follows how Lesley learns of her husband's infidelity and how she learns to live with that by supporting Dr Sun Wen, a Chinese revolutionary who is exiled from China and many countries so he keeps travelling to raise awareness of his cause and fundraise to keep his revolution going. Lesley helps translate their pamphlets and whilst doing this she grows closer to Arthur a Doctor who is helping Sun Wen. They start an affair and meet in his family house, the house of doors. When Sun Wen is deported from Penang Arthur goes with him to China and their affair ends. During this time her friend in Kuala Lumpu is charged with murder, Lesley tries her best to help but cannot understand why her friend won't save herself. As the mystery unravels we see how Lesley comes to terms with her life and after Maugham's stay goes with her husband to Africa where the climate is better for his health. However she never gives up hope of being reunited with Arthur
A truly great historical masterpiece, with beautiful prose and how people have both a private and public self, definitely a future classic in the making
I really enjoyed The House of Doors, it had a wonderful sense of place and the characters were really well described. I was completely drawn in to Lesley's life seen through both her point of view and that of Somerset Maugham. It follows how Lesley learns of her husband's infidelity and how she learns to live with that by supporting Dr Sun Wen, a Chinese revolutionary who is exiled from China and many countries so he keeps travelling to raise awareness of his cause and fundraise to keep his revolution going. Lesley helps translate their pamphlets and whilst doing this she grows closer to Arthur a Doctor who is helping Sun Wen. They start an affair and meet in his family house, the house of doors. When Sun Wen is deported from Penang Arthur goes with him to China and their affair ends. During this time her friend in Kuala Lumpu is charged with murder, Lesley tries her best to help but cannot understand why her friend won't save herself. As the mystery unravels we see how Lesley comes to terms with her life and after Maugham's stay goes with her husband to Africa where the climate is better for his health. However she never gives up hope of being reunited with Arthur
A truly great historical masterpiece, with beautiful prose and how people have both a private and public self, definitely a future classic in the making
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not really my typical read/listen, so I found it less enjoyable outright and you should take that into consideration for my rating.
I did enjoy the writing and the strong descriptions and while my attention waned at times, certain parts of the story did get me to focus on what I was listening to.
If this is the type of novel you typically read, I believe you will think highly of it.
I did enjoy the writing and the strong descriptions and while my attention waned at times, certain parts of the story did get me to focus on what I was listening to.
If this is the type of novel you typically read, I believe you will think highly of it.
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a unique historical perspective on a country I don't know much about. The main characters were quite complex and their personal stories were compelling. Except when it came to the political movements. I found myself bored during those times even though they were important moments of growth for at least one character. I am glad to have read this novel and I will read more from this author.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Infidelity, Racism, Grief, Murder, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Colonisation, Classism
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes