The second world war left nothing untouched. It is fascinating really how in spite of what catastrophes may befall life, it will not stop to be. It goes on, one way or another. This book is set in war-time Hong Kong, when it is a melting pot of culture and still a British colony. I bought this book for 4 quid just because it was cheap and about Hong Kong, a city I will never forget. And I thought I won't like it. But the end of this book is a treat. The plot revolves around three complex characters and the way the author has played with the tense initially confuses you. But the characters are fascinating and the descriptions delicious, that you end up wanting to read what happens next. It tells the story of a British colonial society in Hong Kong. The descriptions of the places in Hong Kong are vivid.. I could almost feel the humid heavy air of the city and see the characters in the train going up the Peak.
Trudy Liang is a Eurasian beauty, alluring, young and full of life. A wealthy social butterfly, she is hard to ignore. You almost wish you were her (except the tragic truncated life part!). Will Truesdale is a man of the world, yet something of a recluse. But he is utterly besotted with Trudy. But he knows her well and understands that she cannot be held down. Claire Pendleton, a married Englishwoman is thrust into the life in Hong Kong. A bit insipid at first, she is a woman who has never had too much exposure before then. However, she finds that she thrives in hot humid Hong Kong. But the war changes all equations and now all their survival skills are put to the test. The Japanese invade and peoples' integrity and fidelity is revealed. Claire Pendleton suddenly finds herself in the eye of the storm in post-war Hong Kong and dealing with the aftermath of a world war. The end sees Claire make this unusual cross-cultural city her home.
The story is intense and so are the characters. It is quite a tightly woven plot and paints a good picture before one's eyes. But initially the plot does not make sense and may wear out someone who is just testing the book out. But I think it is worth bearing with it for a while. Its like peeling cashews (if you have ever done that), the peeling is a bit finicky but the there is the cashew to look forward to. Okay that may have been a slightly strange similie, but you get the point!
Rating: 6/10
Thought for the day: "Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open"- Elmer G. Letterman
