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phenomenal_woman's review against another edition
3.0
characters: Chen Pie Sou or Percival Chen, Pai Jai, Cecilia, Mak, Jacqueline, Laing Jai)
Very different from Lam's first book. Historically set in Vietnam during the war, the story of one man and his devotion to his son(s) in trying not to repeat the mistakes of his own father. But I couldn't help wondering, what is Lam trying to say? That we are destined to repeat the mistakes of our parents? That love is blindly optimistic? Good book, but missing a nugget of something for me.
Very different from Lam's first book. Historically set in Vietnam during the war, the story of one man and his devotion to his son(s) in trying not to repeat the mistakes of his own father. But I couldn't help wondering, what is Lam trying to say? That we are destined to repeat the mistakes of our parents? That love is blindly optimistic? Good book, but missing a nugget of something for me.
mkesten's review against another edition
3.0
Many years ago I was chatting with an accountant friend who was of Chinese heritage but who grew up in Indonesia. We were discussing racial stereotypes in the east and in the west. I remember his comment that "The Chinese are the Jews of the East." His point was that outside of China, the Chinese are viewed with suspicion and resentment, and that anytime a society faces a major tragedy or challenge, the Chinese are the first to be blamed. I was reminded of this reading The Headmaster's Wager by Vincent Lam. Racism and racial stereotypes underlie much of the action in this serious novel. I emphasize serious because this is not a happy novel. Lam's protagonist, Percival Chen, is an ex patriot Chinese living outside of Saigon in the cruel years of WWII up until the American withdrawal in the 1970's. The Japanese invaders ruled with legendary brutality. Life in South Vietnam after the Japanese improved, but the regime's sponsors often looked the other way to corruption, violence, and cruelty. And political killings continued after the unification of Communist Vietnam. Chen is a great mirror for events of the time specifically because he is an outsider. Vietnamese usually show him the worst side of themselves, and people see him as just another money grubbing Chinese. He gambles. He whores. He eats sumptuous meals. I think the meals are probably the most appetizing part of the story, an offset to the gross beatings, and disembowelments, and suicide. I'm sure there was something nice about living in Vietnam during this period. The American occupation seems to have brought out the worst and sometimes the best in the very nationalistic Vietnamese. I recommend this story to readers. But be prepared for the worst...and sometimes the best in human ingenuity.
megan_prairierose's review against another edition
3.0
The book was very well written, but the main character was such a jerk that it was impossible for me to have any sympathy for him.
309804490's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mikayladlewis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Following the life of Percival, a Chinese living in Vietnam during the 50s, 60s, and 70s you are taken on a journey of corruption, greed, ignorance, and love.
This book was not an easy read, and I don't think it was meant to be an easy read. The main character is a hot mess and very human, I think that is why I kept reading. His story is tragic, and his perseverance is admirable, I couldn't fault him on his decisions because who is to say I would/wouldn't do any differently. The author created a story that felt very real and honest, painting a brutal picture of this time while also capturing some of the beauty. I struggled with the pacing sometimes and the lack of self-control from the main character, however, it was an excellent story of such a difficult time.
This book was not an easy read, and I don't think it was meant to be an easy read. The main character is a hot mess and very human, I think that is why I kept reading. His story is tragic, and his perseverance is admirable, I couldn't fault him on his decisions because who is to say I would/wouldn't do any differently. The author created a story that felt very real and honest, painting a brutal picture of this time while also capturing some of the beauty. I struggled with the pacing sometimes and the lack of self-control from the main character, however, it was an excellent story of such a difficult time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Racism, Torture, Transphobia, Kidnapping, Mass/school shootings, and War
Minor: Suicide
audzzato's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
spiderfelt's review against another edition
3.0
On the one hand, it was interesting to learn about a place and time unfamiliar to me, yet I found the main character so distasteful I came close to bailing halfway. How do we judge the survivors of a world filled with political peril? It takes a knack for manipulation to emerge alive.
thereshegoesagain's review against another edition
5.0
Cho Lon is one of my favorite areas in HCMC today, so I was eager to pick this book up when I saw the premise. I didn’t think I could like a book while hating the main character, but here we are. Lam does a great job at bringing the city and time to life, and liked all the characters except Percy. That man was such an example of failing upwards.