Tan Twan Eng: Writing a Novel to Reflect a Short Story That Reflects the Novel
Tan Twan Eng was born in Penang but lived in various places in Malaysia as a child. He studied law through the University of London, and later worked as an advocate and solicitor in one of Kuala Lumpur’s most reputable law firms.
His first novel, The Gift of Rain, was longlisted for the Man Booker in 2007. His second, The Garden of Evening Mists was a major international bestseller, shortlisted for the Man Booker in 2012 and winner of the Man Asia Literary Prize 2012 and the Walter Scott Prize for historical fiction. It was adapted into an award-winning film in 2019 that was directed by Tom Lin.
Twan divides his time between Malaysia and South Africa. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
Tan Twan Eng (Photo credit: Lloyd Smith)
In this post, Twan shares what his most enjoyable part of the writing process is, which story inspired his latest novel, and more.
Name: Tan Twan Eng
Literary agent: Jessica Woollard, David Higham & Co.
Book title: The House of Doors
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release date: October 17, 2023
Genre/category: Literary Fiction
Previous titles: The Gift of Rain; The Garden of Evening Mists
Elevator pitch for the book: A story of murder and the lies and silences that sustain a marriage, told to Somerset Maugham on his travel to Penang, Malaya.
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What prompted you to write this book?
My interest in Somerset Maugham and his short story, “The Letter.” I found it a compelling story, and I was even more intrigued when I discovered that he had based it on the murder trial of Ethel Proudlock in Kuala Lumpur, the first Englishwoman to have been charged with that crime in Malaya in 1910.
How long did it take to go from idea to publication? And did the idea change during the process?
Almost 10 years. The initial idea grew to include the real-life character Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the Chinese revolutionary who was fighting to bring down the monarchy in China.
Were there any surprises or learning moments in the publishing process for this title?
It was revelatory to discover how intensive and extensive the promotion and marketing for this book was. I am in awe of the passionate and highly efficient publicity team.
Were there any surprises in the writing process for this book?
Writing about real-life historical characters was so much more restrictive than writing about my own fictional ones. The directions of my narrative had to remain authentic and true to these real-life figures’ psychological characteristics.
What do you hope readers will get out of your book?
I hope readers will read Maugham’s short story, “The Letter,” after finishing my novel. How they read The House of Doors will affect their reading of “The Letter,” and vice versa. I see them both as mirrors, reflecting each other. The slightest tilt in the angle will change the perception of each work.
If you could share one piece of advice with other writers, what would it be?
Always rewrite. I find it the most enjoyable part of the writing process. I can keep rewriting a book I’m working on for years if I were allowed to.