Mystery Book Discussion

The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng

A Lush Historical Novel of Memory, Mystery, and the Past’s Shadows

For September's meeting, we will be discussing The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng

A historical novel set in 1921 British colonial Malaya, centered on a fictionalized visit by author W. Somerset Maugham to Penang. The story, inspired by Maugham's real-life short story "The Letter," explores secrets, betrayal, and forbidden love through the eyes of Lesley Hamlyn, who confides in Maugham about her affair with a Chinese revolutionary and her friend's murder trial, weaving together themes of colonialism, race, gender, and the power of storytelling.

Print copies will be available at the circulation desk beginning approximately one month before the discussion. You may also be able to borrow this title in eBook and eAudiobook formats through MCPL's digital services (such as Libby/OverDrive and Hoopla, where available).

Questions about this program? Contact Quince Orchard Library at 240-777-0200.

Library program attendance (both virtual and in the branch) is limited to participants within the suggested age range of the program. Children attending an MCPL program under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults attending a program intended for children must have an accompanying child.

Accommodation Requests

To request an accommodation, contact the library branch where you want the accommodation. If they are unable to help, or if you need an accommodation for an online resource or event, complete our Accommodation Request Form online or call Library Administration at 240-777-0002.

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