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Courtenay does information technology again! In this excellent historical novel, nosotros enter the life of an Aussie with strong Chinese family unit ties, as he moves from his home in Oz to work in an advertising firm being created in Singapore. Courtenay draws on his years of experience in ad and peppers it with his excellent desire to teach the reader about the history of the region. What seems like a volume that takes you downwardly one path leads you to many other outcomes as the forks in the road have you to another di Courtenay does it once more! In this first-class historical novel, we enter the life of an Aussie with strong Chinese family ties, as he moves from his dwelling in Oz to work in an advertizing firm beingness created in Singapore. Courtenay draws on his years of experience in advertising and peppers it with his splendid desire to teach the reader about the history of the region. What seems like a volume that takes you downwards i path leads you to many other outcomes equally the forks in the road take you to another dimension entirely.

Courtenay paints some of his usual romantic enticement with the chief character and has u.s. begging for the ii of them to terminate upward together. While spice up the story with the locals (and the struggles of linguistic discrepancies) and some of the historical goings-on during the time, Courtenay pushes the story forward and leaves the reader in the dust, unless they pick up their jaw and forge ahead. Only when you lot call back you know how it will all end, BAM, the major change leaves you tying up all the loose ends and shaking your caput. I had to acknowledge, Courtenay drew me in and left me laughing.

Well done Mr. Courtenay. I have yet to find a book of yours I did not adore!

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January 03, 2011 Julie rated it it was ok

I'm intrigued enough to keep going, but I do detect the primary character - the narrator - annoying. Courtenay requires that the reader maintains the image of an extremely stocky chinese man, which is fine, but so he has to also continually ram in the fact of his (Simon's) Australian-ness. 4th Generation. Yup I got it, thanks... Simon's every bit Aussie as they come, he just doesn't look like it and he only can't assist just use every corny Aussie expression that always was even though he just has to keep e I'm intrigued plenty to go along going, but I practice find the master character - the narrator - annoying. Courtenay requires that the reader maintains the paradigm of an extremely stocky chinese homo, which is fine, just then he has to also continually ram in the fact of his (Simon's) Australian-ness. Fourth Generation. Yup I got it, cheers... Simon's as Aussie equally they come up, he but doesn't wait like it and he merely tin can't aid merely apply every corny Aussie expression that ever was even though he just has to keep explaining them to anybody he speaks to. Once more and once more and over again.

Contrived, cliched, corny and condescending. Completely lacking whatsoever wit whatsoever. Tediously repetitive running unfunny "jokes" throughout referring jockstraps and bad breath (to cite just ii).

The history lessons (which I actually enjoyed very much and, I think, are pretty much the just fourth dimension the author spent some actual attempt with the writing) contained within the book all the same, it'south been written for readers who really hate to retrieve.

He also spends so much fourth dimension and energy repeating in diverse ways the notion that he Respects Women Enormously. To such a degree that I actually don't think he does and, having now Googled the question, I find that I may just be correct.

I've read two of Courtenays previous novels and April Fools Day(which had me blubbering in all the right places) even though the novels were almost as contrived, cliched etc. as this one. Simply it's the offset time I detect myself actively disliking the writer.

Am I older and wiser or simply one-time and biting?

...more

Jan 23, 2011 Sam Still Reading rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: people looking for a good read

Recommended to Sam Nevertheless Reading by: read other books past the same author

I think I need to showtime off this review past maxim that this novel is quite different from the other books I've read by Bryce Courtenay (I haven't read all of them though). He is most well-known for his Australian historical books (such equally The Story of Danny Dunn, The Potato Factory) but this volume is a departure from those.

Why? For starters, this volume is set in the 1960s and very little of the action takes place in Australia. The majority is set in Singapore, merely after Lee Kwan Yew came to power

I think I need to start off this review past maxim that this novel is quite different from the other books I've read by Bryce Courtenay (I haven't read all of them though). He is most well-known for his Australian historical books (such as The Story of Danny Dunn, The Irish potato Factory) but this book is a departure from those.

Why? For starters, this book is ready in the 1960s and very niggling of the activity takes identify in Australia. The majority is fix in Singapore, just later Lee Kwan Yew came to power with the PAP. The protagonist, Simon Koo is an Australian born Chinese (his family arrived during the gilt rush in the 1850s) and he is the most Chinese looking of all of his family (in fact, he is often referred to as looking like a 'Chinese peasant' – well-built and not the prettiest). He speaks little Cantonese and although he harbours dreams of condign an artist, he works in advert.

Sent to Singapore equally artistic manager of a new multinational advert company, Simon finds his path is fraught with obstacles. He needs to learn the Chinese idea of 'face', battle his bosses and endeavor to support his alcoholic one-half-day colleague, Dansford Drocker. In that location's a lilliputian of the Mad Men touch here every bit advertizement campaigns are explained. Fortunately, Simon has a friend and eventually lover in Mercy B. Lord but in that location are problems in that expanse too. Where does Mercy B. Lord disappear to on Thursdays? Why is she and so secretive?

There's a lot of interesting snippets too most the reform of Singapore also every bit Chinese-Australian history. You don't come across a lot of the Singapore that exists today apart from The Raffles and Goodwood Park Hotel (which I'chiliad aback to say that I haven't yet been into). The characters are fantastic too, from Molly Ong (quondam Miss Singapore) to Dansford and his wife, Chicken Wing and Willy Wonka. There's likewise a character chosen Louie da Fly, a reference to Mortein's own advertizing entrada for Louie the Wing which Bryce Courtnenay wrote himself.

The catastrophe of this book was fantastic – didn't come across that one coming! I read this chop-chop, information technology's a book to exist devoured in big chunks. Equally a Singapore lover, I enjoyed the references to the hotels, humidity and food. I'll definitely be looking for the ghosts of Dansford at the Goodwood!

I'd be interested to know if this book will be published in Singapore and what Singaporeans retrieve of it.

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This is a tricky ane to review. On one side this was a great story with corking characters. On the other hand the Courtenay clearly isn't a fan of brevity. In fact in this book he gave brevity a running kick to the nuts. This book could (should) have been a third shorter. Some of the descriptions were agonising, and yet I finished it in just over a calendar week, then actually I must have enjoyed it :) This is a tricky one to review. On i side this was a slap-up story with peachy characters. On the other manus the Courtenay conspicuously isn't a fan of brevity. In fact in this book he gave brevity a running kicking to the nuts. This volume could (should) have been a 3rd shorter. Some of the descriptions were agonising, and yet I finished information technology in just over a week, so really I must take enjoyed it :) ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Spoilt, sheltered and bored advertising honcho with artistic pretensions goes to 1960s Singapore to take on an executive role for a company run by three evil Chinese brothers. Despite their evilness our hero is of course a stellar business organisation success, and 1 who enjoys the nearly shallow and primitive aspects of Expat debauchery, including regular sex with prostitutes and a culture of constant heavy drinking, without qualms or signs of redemption. He falls in lust with his relocation counsellor, a 1000 Spoilt, sheltered and bored advertising honcho with creative pretensions goes to 1960s Singapore to take on an executive role for a company run by three evil Chinese brothers. Despite their evilness our hero is of course a stellar business organization success, and ane who enjoys the near shallow and primitive aspects of Expat immoderacy, including regular sex with prostitutes and a culture of abiding heavy drinking, without qualms or signs of redemption. He falls in lust with his relocation counsellor, a mysterious oriental dazzler with a night secret and an orphan background. In lifting this secret, the unlikable hero gets his daughter, wraps upwardly a sinister drug smuggling plot, wins international fine art prizes - and helps clean upwards Singapore. All of this in fulfillment of a prophetic dream ane of his own Chinese migrant forebears had in the nineteenth century.

Yup.

Ok, and so I read this chance-cum-romance novel recuperating from an illness. My attention span was more suited to inflight reading than annihilation else. If y'all are in a like position, you could do worse than this one, especially if you are interested in Australian-Chinese-Singaporean topics and related themes of confront, money, drugs and Anglo-Chinese history.

Unfortunately, the book firstly has pretensions of being a Bildungsroman, which it is non by any stretch. It is in fact surprisingly immoral but as well shallow and trite to be an "Anti-Bildungsroman". Secondly, the unwieldy story seems to have not been edited at all, except for the opening chapters. Information technology is extremely long in parts, with redundant (and in many instances: verbatim repeated) passages swamping the story from about the halfway-mark, in improver to extremely dull, long-winded and utterly useless reiterations of descriptions that add nothing to the story and frankly read like the droning monologue of a terminally uninteresting and unlikable relative at an countless family unit gathering. Add some incredible clichés about hard drinking expats, the apologetic undertones when it comes to prostitution (covered up with pseudo-egalitarian rants sprinkled hither and there) and a hefty dose of Orientalism with a capital "O", and you have a fair assessment of what'due south awaiting the innocent reader.

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Dec 18, 2014 Debby rated it really liked it

I am aural book aficionado, and this is why listening to a good narrator is vital to me. I recall the main reason that I listen to Bryce Courtenay's books is that Humphrey Bower remains one of my favorite narrators. He makes the story interesting, just by all his unlike voices and accents. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, merely I did. I found the history of Singapore, the Chinese, the reformation to exist quite interesting. I got a little tired of hearing Simon referring to himself as I am audible book addict, and this is why listening to a good narrator is vital to me. I remember the main reason that I listen to Bryce Courtenay'due south books is that Humphrey Bower remains i of my favorite narrators. He makes the story interesting, merely by all his unlike voices and accents. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, but I did. I establish the history of Singapore, the Chinese, the reformation to be quite interesting. I got a little tired of hearing Simon referring to himself as ugly (apartment-faced, build like a trunk... yadda, yadda, yadda). Okay, I become it. But that was minor. The ending had a great twist or two. I found myself going on a marathon "listen" to get to the terminate of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and now I'm off to find another ane of Mr. Courtenay's stories to mind to, bless his soul. ...more than

I was recommended Bryce Courtenay past my friends who adore the author. Because of all the praise for Courtenay, I was surprised at how awful this volume was. Wow, was this a boring read. I couldn't even stop it. I know rating a book before it is finished isn't really all-time practice simply reading information technology was basically torture. I'k okay with despising or loving a protagonist, or even sort of liking them or sort of hating them; but non feeling annihilation virtually the main character in a novel does not make for a I was recommended Bryce Courtenay by my friends who adore the author. Considering of all the praise for Courtenay, I was surprised at how atrocious this book was. Wow, was this a dull read. I couldn't fifty-fifty finish it. I know rating a book before it is finished isn't really best exercise just reading it was basically torture. I'm okay with despising or loving a protagonist, or fifty-fifty sort of liking them or sort of hating them; but not feeling anything about the main character in a novel does not make for an piece of cake read. In fact, I couldn't care less about -any- of the characters in this novel. Courtenay'southward repetitive writing and lame characters fabricated me thrust this book far away. Perhaps I'll read one of Courtenay's more than pop novels next time. ...more than

Abandoned it about 200 pages in. The narrator's vox didn't capture me the way it did in his novel The Power of I, which I liked a lot. And because the narrator summarizes a lot, I institute myself craving more scenes, more than activeness, not simply his talking at me. Of course if the voice was captivating, I wouldn't accept minded. Abandoned it about 200 pages in. The narrator's voice didn't capture me the style it did in his novel The Power of Ane, which I liked a lot. And considering the narrator summarizes a lot, I plant myself craving more scenes, more action, not just his talking at me. Of course if the voice was captivating, I wouldn't have minded. ...more than

Looking dorsum on a book I've read, I tend to recollect most conspicuously the ways it disappointed me. This has troubled me to some degree because this volume in particular deserves a stellar review, with much praise paid to the intricate characters and its wonderfully realized world, praise for Bryce Courtenay's skill with suspense and the seamless way his story progresses. And yet, these achievements are overshadowed in my listen by the feeling that he just gave upwardly while writing the final chapters. (view Looking back on a book I've read, I tend to remember most clearly the ways information technology disappointed me. This has troubled me to some degree because this book in detail deserves a stellar review, with much praise paid to the intricate characters and its wonderfully realized globe, praise for Bryce Courtenay's skill with suspense and the seamless fashion his story progresses. And yet, these achievements are overshadowed in my mind by the feeling that he just gave upwards while writing the concluding chapters. (view spoiler)[While in the real world information technology is all too mutual for an inconspicuous foreigner to be a secret agent, the twist that Dansford and Chicken Wing were, felt like a huge betrayal. The readers had been waiting for the long-in-coming climax, only to take them snatch it away and tell it post-fact with some sub-par explanation. (hide spoiler)] Equally I saturday and listened (my book beingness read past Humphrey Bower), I had a vision for what the ending could have been: somehow, Guanxi, would prove to have poetic justice in shop for the Wing brothers whom thought so much of it. But, Bryce Courtenay is a down-to-earth writer. Poetic justice in his stories is often only a character'south passing fancy. In his stories reality is oft more mundane than fiction. ...more

November 23, 2011 VelveetaRanch rated it really liked information technology

Ah Koo, the lone survivor of his ancient family and great-great-grandfather of the book'southward protagonist, Simon Koo, flees his home in China during the Taiping Rebellion and begins a new life in the gilded fields of 1850′s Commonwealth of australia. Through hard work and perseverance, Ah Koo eventually acquires a fleck of state (x acres of plundered cedar beside a permanently running creek), a Chinese wife named Footling Sparrow (thanks to an arrangement with the headman of his village in China, of whom he requested tha Ah Koo, the lone survivor of his ancient family unit and groovy-great-granddad of the book's protagonist, Simon Koo, flees his dwelling house in China during the Taiping Rebellion and begins a new life in the gilded fields of 1850′s Australia. Through hard work and perseverance, Ah Koo eventually acquires a flake of land (x acres of plundered cedar beside a permanently running creek), a Chinese wife named Piffling Sparrow (thanks to an arrangement with the headman of his village in Red china, of whom he requested that she should exist strong and willing to piece of work and must come up from a lucky family with a reputation for predominantly male offspring), and a total set of carpenter'due south chisels.

Little Sparrow's recurring dream and information technology'due south subsequent interpretations left me common cold and had me wondering if I was going to cease reading this book. Unless it's sci-fi, dream sequences and premonitions or anything non grounded in reality (yeah, I know, it's my reality – your mileage may vary) ordinarily indicate a lazy author who doesn't know how to stay in control of their storyline. Then at this point I'm thinking maybe a 2-star rating.

As the story continues Ah Koo and his new bride set up about creating the beginnings of what presently becomes a familial dynasty of lawyers, doctors and businessmen.

Fast forward a few generations to the 1960′s where Simon, who wants to be his ain human being and prove himself, is reluctant to go to piece of work for whatsoever of the family unit businesses. Instead, he says adieu to Commonwealth of australia and his well-to-exercise family unit and finds employment in Singapore every bit an advertizing executive for Fly Brothers Advertising, a terrible trio of odd and crooked brothers.

Things option upward every bit we are introduced to Singapore, the squeeze and the culture of the Orient (where saving face is valued more than money) and meet a cast of interesting new characters.

While Simon is busy learning the ins and outs of Singapore'due south advertising earth and condign more aware by the day of the Wing Brothers peculiarities, he meets the impeccably beautiful, and seemingly unobtainable, Miss Mercy B. Lord. What a great name for a gorgeous woman, eh? That alone merits a bump upwardly in the ratings—iii stars! Simon is quickly warned by the Wing Brothers, in no uncertain terms, to stay abroad from Miss Mercy B. Lord, but it's as well belatedly. He has already fallen in love with her.

As Simon and Mercy brainstorm to claw up, also very much against the sternly expressed desires of Mercy's fearsome boss, Beatrice Fong, who, evidently, has it within her power to brand life miserable for Mercy, things begin to heat upwards. It turns out that Mercy and Beatrice have a mysterious hush-hush which Mercy is keeping from Simon and the remainder of us. It's a secret that could put an end to Simon and Mercy's budding romance, and Mercy puts it to Simon merely that way—have her as she is and enquire no questions or she will leave and he volition never see her over again.

Fortune Cookie was my introduction to Bryce Courtenay. I like the way he writes and I'one thousand looking frontward to reading more of his books. I initially rated the volume at 3-stars. It wasn't until a few days later on that I decided I really liked information technology and bumped it up to four-stars. Strange how that happens sometimes.

...more than

Bryce Courtenay is without a doubt my favourite author but this book was a thwarting. I got tired of hearing nearly the fact that in spite of the main graphic symbol being short and stocky he was considered a practiced lover. Tell us once...perhaps twice, but for goodness sake, don't insult the reader by telling us over and over! I actually institute myself skipping over some pages which for me is nigh unusual. I think in this case Mr. Courtenay committed the dreaded sin against which Elmore Leonard cauti Bryce Courtenay is without a doubtfulness my favourite author merely this book was a disappointment. I got tired of hearing virtually the fact that in spite of the main character being curt and stocky he was considered a practiced lover. Tell the states one time...possibly twice, but for goodness sake, don't insult the reader by telling us over and over! I actually found myself skipping over some pages which for me is most unusual. I think in this case Mr. Courtenay committed the dreaded sin against which Elmore Leonard cautions: to leave out the boring parts [sic].
I'yard nevertheless a Bryce Courtenay fan, and I will read this book again and hopefully enjoy information technology more the second time. I tend to gobble them up the first read - have read ALL of his books (except The Family unit Frying Pan, which I can't get) three or four times!
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Feb 27, 2012 Myriam rated it it was amazing

I loved this book. It was a little tedious going but it fabricated it all the better. The characters are lively and engaging. You go caught in the story and find yourself relishing the exotic time travel experience offered.
There is a mix of plausible, incredible and totally possible that makes this book stand up out...Perhaps I am going to be hated when I say this but it'southward virtually the feeling I get when I read a James Bond novel, except that I appreciate information technology a lot more because I don't spend a quarter of the r I loved this volume. Information technology was a niggling wearisome going merely it made it all the better. The characters are lively and engaging. You go caught in the story and observe yourself relishing the exotic fourth dimension travel experience offered.
At that place is a mix of plausible, incredible and totally possible that makes this book stand out...Maybe I am going to be hated when I say this but it'southward most the feeling I go when I read a James Bond novel, except that I appreciate it a lot more because I don't spend a quarter of the read scoffing at some of the stuff the main character does.
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Jun xix, 2012 Susan rated information technology liked information technology

As with many of his later books I discover I want him to become on with information technology and not digress so much. I loved his first books and am notwithstanding hooked after The Ability of One and The Potato Factory, the first of his trilogy. There were many interesting details of Asian cultural means and thinking in this book but the characters lacked somehow. This said, I am still ever waiting for another of his books to appear.

Mar xv, 2017 Ina Steinke rated it did not similar information technology

waaaa, terrible. I had to terminate reading afterward finishing 2/3 because I. Just. Could. Not. Anymore. And I Always!!! finish the books I read (it's bones respect to the author, if you lot ask me). The book goes on forever, the characters are tedious, the setting is dull and... I can't even find the words to describe it right.
The only reason I went on so far because I wanted to find out what happened to Mercy B. Lord. And I still want to know. Can someone tell me? waaaa, terrible. I had to terminate reading later on finishing 2/iii because I. Simply. Could. Not. Anymore. And I Ever!!! finish the books I read (information technology's basic respect to the author, if you enquire me). The book goes on forever, the characters are tedious, the setting is ho-hum and... I can't even find the words to depict it right.
The only reason I went on so far because I wanted to find out what happened to Mercy B. Lord. And I still want to know. Can someone tell me? ...more than

May 03, 2014 Maureen rated it liked it

My beginning Bryce Courtney book and I loved it. Have been to Singapore and could relate to the place and too the time frame of the 1960's. My start Bryce Courtney book and I loved it. Take been to Singapore and could relate to the place and too the fourth dimension frame of the 1960'south. ...more

Sep 17, 2014 Raha rated it really liked information technology

The story is easy to read. There are some repetitions here and there, simply overall a pleasant novel masterfully portraying the intricacies of dealing with a foreign culture.

The novel is told from the point of view of Simon Koo a adverting specialist who moves to Singapore. He falls for a mysterious, forbidden fruit of a woman name Mercy B. Lord.

Fortune Cookie was a frustrating read. Glad I read it and finished it. But I practice take umbrage regarding the manner the story was told. Simon's quest isn't the almost interesting and events play out around him, happen to other people or despite him. It's a problem I have with a beloved Dickens novel and then Bryce Courtney is in good com

The novel is told from the betoken of view of Simon Koo a adverting specialist who moves to Singapore. He falls for a mysterious, forbidden fruit of a adult female proper name Mercy B. Lord.

Fortune Cookie was a frustrating read. Glad I read it and finished it. But I practise have umbrage regarding the way the story was told. Simon'southward quest isn't the most interesting and events play out effectually him, happen to other people or despite him. Information technology'due south a problem I have with a beloved Dickens novel then Bryce Courtney is in good company in this regard.

Okay it'due south called Fortune Cookie, this ordinary person bites into his has no idea what he is in for. Certain, it tin exist suspenseful to exist fed staff of life crumbs most what is going on but series of revelations nigh the cease felt like late exposition. I never felt the graphic symbol had plunged to the depths of hell to consummate his heroes journeying. Not every character has to become a badass and fight Darth Vader at the end but I felt this was a story problem that hadn't been solved rather than an informed creative choice.

I will read Bryce Courtenay again, 'Power of I' I hear is awesome, but this felt besides slight to be fulfilling.

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Mar 25, 2019 Mary Monks rated information technology information technology was amazing

I found this volume a little fleck slow at the beginning, only when I looked dorsum later, it was handy to have been given the historical perspective! Once the action started, there was no stopping it!!!
Simon Koo ( an Aussie with Chinese heritage) goes to work in Singapore for an advertisement agency.
He falls completely in love with a adult female called Mercy B. Lord (named so considering when, as an orphan, she was plant on the orphanage steps by a nun who exclaimed "Mercy exist Lord"!!!)
He is warned off this beauti I found this book a fiddling bit slow at the first, just when I looked back later, it was handy to have been given the historical perspective! Once the action started, there was no stopping it!!!
Simon Koo ( an Aussie with Chinese heritage) goes to work in Singapore for an advertising bureau.
He falls completely in love with a adult female called Mercy B. Lord (named so because when, equally an orphan, she was constitute on the orphanage steps by a nun who exclaimed "Mercy be Lord"!!!)
He is warned off this beautiful woman in no uncertain terms, just he takes piffling observe.
Mercy disappears every Thursday, and vehemently refuses to tell Simon where she goes and why.
Simon and Mercy are under the power of very influential people and their lives are, at times, in danger.
People it seems are not always who you retrieve they are!
The catastrophe is activity-packed and, as the reader, you never know what will happen side by side!
I highly recommend this book by the master storyteller Bryce Courtney! ...more

Jul 25, 2017 Leslie rated it it was amazing

Courtenay is a wonderful storyteller. I was first introduced to him with "Jack of Diamonds" and "Power of Ane", both of which I loved. Wasn't equally crazy about "Jessica" but withal a adept read. This was ameliorate, probably a 4-1/2, which I've rounded up. He loves self-deprecating, capable and decent heroes. Main complaint is that the book clarification on the jacket cover was a spoiler, giving info that didn't emerge until about the cease of the volume. Courtenay is a wonderful storyteller. I was first introduced to him with "Jack of Diamonds" and "Power of One", both of which I loved. Wasn't as crazy most "Jessica" but still a good read. This was amend, probably a 4-ane/2, which I've rounded upwardly. He loves self-deprecating, capable and decent heroes. Main complaint is that the book description on the jacket cover was a spoiler, giving info that didn't emerge until near the cease of the book. ...more

Jun 27, 2018 Wyktor Paul rated it information technology was amazing

I'm a huge fan of Bryce Courtenay and this book is no exception. Well written, and exceedingly well-researched. A novel about Singapore, the Chinese mode of thinking and doing business concern, and the history of both the Chinese aureate diggers in Australia, the Chinese in Singapore, and what happened in Singapore, and to the Chinese during the Second World State of war. A truly wonderful novel filled with exceptional characters. I'1000 a huge fan of Bryce Courtenay and this book is no exception. Well written, and exceedingly well-researched. A novel about Singapore, the Chinese way of thinking and doing business, and the history of both the Chinese golden diggers in Australia, the Chinese in Singapore, and what happened in Singapore, and to the Chinese during the Second Globe War. A truly wonderful novel filled with exceptional characters. ...more

My second Courtney book and it was an ok read. Too long and too much repetition. The story line was set in Commonwealth of australia and Singapore. Rich Chinese Australian child goes to Singapore to work as a creative director in an Ad agency. Triads, drug, human trafficking is included here. As Courtney is well known for his research, this story doesn't fail on that score. My second Courtney volume and it was an ok read. Besides long and too much repetition. The story line was set in Australia and Singapore. Rich Chinese Australian kid goes to Singapore to work as a artistic managing director in an Advert agency. Triads, drug, human trafficking is included hither. Every bit Courtney is well known for his research, this story doesn't fail on that score. ...more

A decent story well told, but one would expect no less from the author of The Power of One. I wouldn't go then far as to say, "fantabulous" or recommend it to my volume order, merely it's worth reading if only for insights into a bit of Asian history.
A decent story well told, simply one would expect no less from the writer of The Power of One. I wouldn't go and then far as to say, "excellent" or recommend it to my book club, but it'southward worth reading if simply for insights into a bit of Asian history.
...more

There are some great bits in this book, but there is as well a lot of unnecessary repetition. If information technology's the writer's job to create the brilliant stock for the editor to carve downwardly to a brilliant novel, then this book was let downward by the editor not the writer. In that location are some great bits in this book, simply there is too a lot of unnecessary repetition. If it'southward the writer's job to create the brilliant stock for the editor to carve down to a bright novel, so this book was let down past the editor not the author. ...more

A very slow starting book merely by the finish I didn't want it to terminate.
Gives a actually proficient insight to the Chinese establishments.
Oh what money can buy and how peoples lives can change so quickly.

Would recommend if you want a little civilization experience

A very slow starting book but by the finish I didn't want it to finish.
Gives a really good insight to the Chinese establishments.
Oh what money can buy and how peoples lives tin can modify so apace.

Would recommend if you want a piffling civilization feel

...more

This has got to exist his worst volume with more characters y'all experience no empathy with. It started out as a typical family unit saga and 400 pages in turns into a spy novel. What the? I really hate how he appropriates historical events and makes his characters the about of import thing in them.

Very much enjoyed this book.

Aug 30, 2019 Jane rated it liked information technology

Really well written, and a good sense of time and place but I didn't really connect with the characters that much.

Aug 08, 2020 Diane rated it it was ok

The length of the book got me. I finished the book because I had bought it. Nonetheless, the story had potential.

I enjoyed the get-go function of this book best, about Little Sparrow. The Singaporean context was interesting. Sometimes I got a fleck irritated with Simon and his attitude to women. In parts I thought detail too much and sometimes repeated. It could have been condensed a bit as it was a long volume.

I didn't savor this book at all. I'm not sure if that's because I've set a loftier standard for Courtenay due to how much I take appreciated his other work, or if it'southward just because this book sucked. I didn't enjoy this book at all. I'm not sure if that's considering I've set a high standard for Courtenay due to how much I have appreciated his other work, or if it's only considering this volume sucked. ...more than

I was born illegitimately in 1933 in S Africa and spent my early babyhood years in a small town deep in the middle of the Lebombo mountains.

Information technology was a somewhat isolated community and I grew up among farm folk and the African people. At the historic period of five I was sent to a boarding school which might exist amend described as a combination orphanage and reform school, where I learned to box - though less

I was built-in illegitimately in 1933 in South Africa and spent my early on childhood years in a small boondocks deep in the middle of the Lebombo mountains.

It was a somewhat isolated community and I grew upwardly amidst farm folk and the African people. At the age of five I was sent to a boarding school which might exist better described every bit a combination orphanage and reform school, where I learned to box - though less as a sport and more every bit a means to stay live.

Merely I survived to return to a minor mountain town named Barberton in the Northward Eastern part of the country.

Here I met Physician, a drunken German music teacher who spent the next few years filling my immature mind with the wonders of nature as we roamed the high mountains. His was the best pedagogy I was e'er to receive, despite the scholarship I won to a prestigious boy'southward schoolhouse and thereafter to a academy in England where I studied Journalism.

I came to Australia because I was banned from returning to my own state.

This was due to the fact that I had started a weekend school for Africans in the schoolhouse hall of the prestigious boy's schoolhouse I attended.

One day the school hall was raided by the police who then branded me a Communist equally they considered educating Africans a subversive act.

While studying journalism, I met a wonderful Australian girl.

"Come up to my country!" Benita invited.

I did, and shortly after arriving in Australia, married her. Benita gave me three fantabulous sons, Brett, Adam and Damon. Brett, who married Ann has given me 3 lovely grandsons, Ben at present 14, Jake is about to turn 12 and Marcus is almost half-dozen years old.

I accept lived all my Australian life in Sydney (the nicest place on globe) and, until I started writing fiction, made my career in advertizing working equally a copywriter and creative director.

At the age of 55 I decided to take the plunge. I had been telling stories since the age of five and had ever known I would be a author some day, though life kept getting in the way until I realised that it was either now or never.

Bryce Courtenay died at his habitation in Canberra, Australia. He was 79.

Courtenay is survived by his 2nd married woman Christine Gee and his children Adam and Brett.

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