Comments (15)

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Oct 14, 2023StoriedLife rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
Ambitious but uneven work that is interesting mostly for its evocation of Penang and the role the area played in World War II. Unfortunately, the characters are unbelievably wooden, particularly the one-note Japanese soldiers. The story is…
Aug 14, 2021steverino4 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Brilliant novel set in Malaysia before and during WWII (and today). Deals with the clash of civilizations through strongly depicted protagonists from different cultures. Puts his martial arts knowledge to good use.
Nov 27, 2018dubonnet rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I've read both books by this author and loved them! This is an incredible debut novel..the writing superb, although one must pay attention to the way the story is laid out in paragraphs and punctuation. It has everything and I found it…
Dec 13, 2017pearlydayze rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This was an amazing, well written deput book, with many twists and turns. It exolores the so very complex relationships, we as human beings are capable of. Set on backdrop of Maylasia & surrounding areas, pre Japans Historical invasion…
Jul 03, 2017exlibrarian rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Beautifully written. Engrossing war story set in an area that I knew little about.
Oct 22, 2016
This book is a puzzle, but not in a good way. Its high marks from readers feel unearned. I found the prose too ornate for the divided loyalties of its protagonist, whom I felt Eng used as a symbol without really inhabiting the…
May 13, 2016scrubble4 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Compelling story with excellent writing. Tan's writing evokes emotions, images and understanding. I look forward to reading his second novel. If you like just stories, this will appeal. It is full of complex relationships…
May 01, 2015HEFFCO53 rated this title 1.5 out of 5 stars
I was disappointed in this book. I had read his second book "The garden of evening mists" and it thought it was a lot better. I find that the description of his characters a little wanting and I find it difficult to actually visualize…
Feb 06, 2015Fairmary rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book; Tan's writing is beautiful and so evocative in his descriptions of Penang before and during WWII and during the Japanese Occupation. I found myself seeking out additional information to learn more about this time and…
Dec 03, 2013pokano rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
One of the better books I've ever read. Tan Twan Eng makes Penang come alive in this tale of a half-Chinese, half-English young man who, after coming under the influence of a Japanese aikido master, decides to work for the Japanese during…
Sep 11, 2013
The author's first novel and one that was long-listed for the Booker Prize. Set in Malaysia primarily during World War II and deals with the Japanese occupation. One of my 2013 favorites
Sep 06, 2013
August 2014
Sep 06, 2013
August 2014
Aug 18, 2012DanglingConversations rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is an interesting view of what "Empire" was up to in the Orient before politics became global after world wars made us more aware of our common humanity. A bit slow reading for the first few chapters and it is initially unclear…
Jun 27, 2011
A beautiful story about Malaya's history. It shows the relativity of good or bad in time of war from the perspective of an young man. Lovely reading journey, a hard to put apart book. Recommended for the people who loves history and Far…