In 1947 South Africa, shortly after her husband Robert’s death, Lesley Hamlyn receives a package that has come a long way, through circuitous routes, to find her. It has no note and does not say who sent it, but it is a book written by Somerset Maugham more than 20 years ago.
This gift returns her memories to 1921, when she and Robert lived on the island of Penang and were visited by Maugham. The point of view shifts to that of Maugham, who soon learns that his broker has gone under and lost all his money. Although he is dreading his wife’s reaction from England, he is more afraid that Gerald, his secretary and lover, will leave him if he is broke.
He and Lesley begin to get to know each other. Eventually, she tells him about her life 10 years before. On the same day that she heard her best friend, Ethel, had been arrested for murder, she also learned her husband was having an affair.
Tan skillfully weaves the story of Lesley’s relationship with Ethel and the trial with her experiences resulting from meeting Dr. Sun Yat Sen, who has been attempting the overthrow of the Manchu dynasty in China. Lesley begins helping his organization translate its brochure and eventually has an affair with a Chinese man. They meet in the House of Doors.
I was interested in all these stories and although I know very little about Maugham, I spotted the seeds of more than one of his stories in them. For example, Ethel’s story is very similar to that of The Letter, which I am familiar with because of the movie with Bette Davis.
As much as I enjoyed The Garden of Evening Mists, I think I liked this novel even more. Although I read it for my Walter Scott Prize project, I probably would have read it anyway.
What? Me Read? 
You enjoyed this more than I did, although I did love the Malaysian setting. I preferred The Garden of Evening Mists.
I liked the parts about Maugham.
I liked this one too, although having recently read some of Maugham’s stories including The Letter, I felt Maugham told them better. I never think it’s a wise idea for an author to set himself up for comparison like that, unless he can be sure his writing is as good as the original.
Well, to be fair, she told the story from a different point of view.
A favourite author although I have only read one book by him. I just have to get around reading his other books, this one for example.
I have had this author on my TBR list for an age! I must get to read it soon!
Thanks for sharing your review with the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge.
I don’t think you’ll regret it!