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This was a 4.5 star book for me.
In this magnificently ambition tale a politically naïve Percival Chen, the headmaster of a successful English academy in 1960s Saigon believes in the superiority of his Chinese heritage and the value bribes are the keys to his success. After all this has worked with past conquerors, the Japanese, the French and the Americans–no matter how temporary their stay but being oblivious to the newest player for control will challenge Percival beyond his nightmares.
I was ...more
In this magnificently ambition tale a politically naïve Percival Chen, the headmaster of a successful English academy in 1960s Saigon believes in the superiority of his Chinese heritage and the value bribes are the keys to his success. After all this has worked with past conquerors, the Japanese, the French and the Americans–no matter how temporary their stay but being oblivious to the newest player for control will challenge Percival beyond his nightmares.
I was ...more

Either gullible, stupid or selfless.... But a very compelling story.
Nominated for Canada's Governor General's Award ...more
Nominated for Canada's Governor General's Award ...more


Sep 02, 2012
Sam
marked it as to-read

Mar 15, 2013
Jayme Pendergraft
marked it as to-read

Jul 25, 2018
Erica
marked it as to-read