Key to the Door is a historical novel by Kate Furnivall that tells the story of a young man, Philip, as he comes of age in post-World War II Malaya. The novel explores themes of identity, personal growth, and the search for belonging against a backdrop of political upheaval and cultural change. Philip, born into a complex family situation and facing the challenges of adolescence, embarks on a journey of self-discovery that takes him from England to Southeast Asia. His experiences are shaped by both external events — colonial tensions, local customs, and the realities of war — and internal struggles, including family expectations, moral dilemmas, and the quest to define his own path.