Books
by Tan Twan Eng
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The Garden of Evening Mists |
There are so many threads to this book - memory and its loss, war, gardens, art, archery and tattooing - but the author draws you in with his skilful writing, contrasting descriptions and sometimes Zen atmosphere. Yun Ling experienced the brutality of a Japanese camp in which her sister died and subsequently helped to prosecute war criminals. The story unfolds with her dilemma of working with a famous Japanese gardener to create a garden in her sister's memory.
(Christine Miller - bwl 66 Autumn 2012) |
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The House of Doors |
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
Kuala Lumpur and Penang in 1910 and the 1920s, Dr Sun Yat-sen, Chinese revolutionary and founder of the Republic of China, together with the life of W Somerset Maughan are the backbone of this fictional but fact-based story. Add to that a real life whodunnit, romantic intrigue (homo and heterosexual) and a study of marriage and relationships in general, and you have a very accomplished book. Sun Yat Sen (d. 1925) spent much time in Hertfordshire at the Cottered country home of his lifelong supporter and life-saver, the physician, Sir James Cantlie. The 100th anniversary of his death was commemorated at the Cottered Parish Church of St John the Baptist.
(Ros Cook - bwl 119 Winter 2026) |
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