Tan Twan Eng was born in Penang and is of Chinese descent. He studied at the University of London and worked at one of the most prestigious law firms in Kuala Lumpur before turning to writing. He also holds a first-degree black belt in Aikido.

His three novels, *The Gift of Rain*, *The Garden of Mists*, and *The House of Doors*, were shortlisted for the prestigious Booker International Prize in 2007, 2012, and 2023. He also won the Man Asian Literary Award and the Walter Scott Award for Historical Fiction.