In the chaos and corruption of 1980s’ Vietnam, three seemingly unconnected lives are brought together by greed, fear and hope.
As a US Army deserter, Alexander is a man without country; trapped in a life he no longer controls and embroiled in the dark business of trading women. His latest victim is Hanh, a rural girl who moved to Hanoi to escape inevitable poverty and who sees Alexander’s arrival as the answer to her prayers. Neither of them has ever met Phuc – a Vietnamese businessman who backed the wrong side in the war and is now unable to pay his financial and political debts to the Party. But his struggles are about to change both their lives.
From a society torn apart by war comes a tale of redemption and salvation; a thrilling saga and an explosive debut novel.
As a US Army deserter, Alexander is a man without country; trapped in a life he no longer controls and embroiled in the dark business of trading women. His latest victim is Hanh, a rural girl who moved to Hanoi to escape inevitable poverty and who sees Alexander’s arrival as the answer to her prayers. Neither of them has ever met Phuc – a Vietnamese businessman who backed the wrong side in the war and is now unable to pay his financial and political debts to the Party. But his struggles are about to change both their lives.
From a society torn apart by war comes a tale of redemption and salvation; a thrilling saga and an explosive debut novel.
Newsletter Signup
By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Reviews
'A gripping tale that is complex and profound ... Beautifully written, immensely atmospheric, the characters are unforgettable ... This is a compelling story that will touch your heart' Kate Furnivall.
'A touching, sometimes brutal slice of life from the Saigon that remained when the war correspondents went home. Authentic, beautiful and highly accomplished; all novels should aspire to be this good' Bookbag.
'Vivid, startling and absorbing ... a really compelling novel' Matthew Plampin.
Compelling and involving... there is a raw energy
A gripping tale that is complex and profound... Beautifully written, immensely atmospheric, the characters are unforgettable... This is a compelling story that will touch your heart
A touching, sometimes brutal slice of life from the Saigon that remained when the war correspondents went home. It's authentic, beautiful and highly accomplished: all novels should aspire to be this good
Vivid, startling and absorbing
A beautifully atmospheric novel. Cruickshanks' writing and detailed descriptions of the post-civil war country simply leaves me wanting more