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kathleenww's review against another edition
5.0
This was a book I selected to read and be the moderator for on an online (Facebook) book group. Initially, I was hesitant and a bit worried, since I was not sure if I would like this book, the premise sounded weird. Do not fear, I was immediately sucked into this story. It reads like an Amy Tan story (the close family ties, hopes and dreams of a Chinese family for their future and children), but is set in Vietnam during that terrible conflict.
Percival is a person with many faults, but his worse fault may also be most beneficial to his survival: he is in constant denial of the actual situations in front if him. Whether it is about his son, his father, his ex-wife, his new girlfriend, or the person he entrusts his family business to, he really never seems to be able to acknowledge what the truth is. Percival's story is both painful and illuminating, and his experience as a Chinese national in Vietnam in the 1970's will have the reader nervous. Tons of symbolism and interesting statements for discussion here, this would truly be a great read for any book group. Historical fiction at its best!
Percival is a person with many faults, but his worse fault may also be most beneficial to his survival: he is in constant denial of the actual situations in front if him. Whether it is about his son, his father, his ex-wife, his new girlfriend, or the person he entrusts his family business to, he really never seems to be able to acknowledge what the truth is. Percival's story is both painful and illuminating, and his experience as a Chinese national in Vietnam in the 1970's will have the reader nervous. Tons of symbolism and interesting statements for discussion here, this would truly be a great read for any book group. Historical fiction at its best!
mrstupper's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
ldv's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know if it is social commentary, stereotype, or simply characterization that led Lam to make his title character a Chinese ex-pat with such stereotype values, that of making money and love for his son, but that is what propels this story.
The setting is primarily Vietnam, from Japanese occupation to Northern Viet Cong "liberation." Percival is headmaster at an English school. He has the benefit of befriending someone who is very well connected and crafty to make the impossible happen. Good thing, because while Percival can gamble and pick up prostitutes, he is rather single-mindedly focussed on his son, his money, and his selfish desires.
I expected the book to be a typical tragedy in which the protagonist is at the top of his world only to be brought down low on a rollercoster ride, but that is not quite how the story progresses. Percival has a lot of luck (he does like to wager, a theme that carries throughout the story). The question sits with the reader: should Percival be making all these wagers or is he foolish to do so, even though he wins often enough? When should a person go "all in" for something they feel strongly about? Set in the historical period and setting it is makes this question more interesting than if it was in Las Vegas, for example.
It's a long story, sometimes frustrating because I did not 'care' for the headmaster, as I often prefer to feel for the protagonist. I was frustrated by his obsession with his son, but I was still pulled through the novel.
Not a top ten for me, but certainly interesting particularly because of its context.
The setting is primarily Vietnam, from Japanese occupation to Northern Viet Cong "liberation." Percival is headmaster at an English school. He has the benefit of befriending someone who is very well connected and crafty to make the impossible happen. Good thing, because while Percival can gamble and pick up prostitutes, he is rather single-mindedly focussed on his son, his money, and his selfish desires.
I expected the book to be a typical tragedy in which the protagonist is at the top of his world only to be brought down low on a rollercoster ride, but that is not quite how the story progresses. Percival has a lot of luck (he does like to wager, a theme that carries throughout the story). The question sits with the reader: should Percival be making all these wagers or is he foolish to do so, even though he wins often enough? When should a person go "all in" for something they feel strongly about? Set in the historical period and setting it is makes this question more interesting than if it was in Las Vegas, for example.
It's a long story, sometimes frustrating because I did not 'care' for the headmaster, as I often prefer to feel for the protagonist. I was frustrated by his obsession with his son, but I was still pulled through the novel.
Not a top ten for me, but certainly interesting particularly because of its context.
scallywag316's review against another edition
4.0
Well written characters kept me reading, the history intrigue me and of course Percival’s pride and prejudices which are ingrained in his character just as much as the traditions of his culture.
ibebrie's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting perspective on the Vietnam War. Even more interesting how the War was so far in the background. Enjoyed the mix of blatant and subtle irony as well as the cyclical manner of time and events.
orionmerlin's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Characters – 7/10
While Vincent Lam created a protagonist who was undeniably complex, Percival Chen’s stubbornness and self-absorption often bordered on frustrating to the point of alienation. His repeated misjudgments made sense for his character, but they also made it difficult to fully invest in his fate. At times, his obliviousness to the changing political climate felt exaggerated, almost to the point of contrivance. The supporting characters were stronger—Mak was easily the most compelling, with his quiet loyalty and mysterious past, while Jacqueline provided a welcome contrast to Percival’s arrogance. However, some characters felt underdeveloped, particularly Percival’s son, Dai Jai, whose emotional depth was never fully explored despite being central to the plot.
Atmosphere/Setting – 9/10
The historical setting was easily one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Lam’s depiction of 1960s and 1970s Saigon was immersive, capturing the underlying tension of a city on the brink of war. The sensory details—the humidity, the cigarette smoke, the bustling gambling dens—felt vivid and authentic. However, at times, the setting felt more like a meticulously researched backdrop rather than an organic part of the story. There were moments where the historical details felt inserted for effect rather than seamlessly integrated. While the atmosphere undeniably enhanced the novel, it occasionally leaned toward over-description, slowing the narrative’s momentum.
Writing Style – 7/10
Lam’s writing was strong, but it wasn’t always consistent. There were passages of stunning prose, particularly in the descriptions of Saigon’s decaying opulence and the paranoia of war, but there were also moments where the narrative became bogged down in unnecessary detail. His tendency to repeat Percival’s internal conflicts felt redundant at times, making certain sections feel longer than necessary. Dialogue was generally well-crafted, but there were occasional instances where characters felt like mouthpieces for historical exposition rather than fully realized individuals. While I appreciated the overall style, it lacked the sharp precision that could have elevated the novel to something truly exceptional.
Plot – 6/10
The story’s pacing was its biggest weakness. The first half took too long to establish key conflicts, and while the slow burn allowed for deep character exploration, it also tested my patience. Percival’s repeated failures to recognize the shifting tides of war and his own precarious situation felt predictable after a while, making his downfall less impactful than it could have been. While the plot had its moments of intrigue—particularly in the latter half—the narrative occasionally meandered, losing its sense of urgency. The climax was effective, but the resolution felt slightly abrupt, leaving certain character arcs unresolved in a way that was more frustrating than thought-provoking.
Intrigue – 6/10
There were stretches where I felt fully invested, particularly in moments of political tension or personal betrayal, but the novel didn’t consistently hold my attention. The stakes were clear, yet the pacing dulled their impact. There were long passages where Percival’s reflections became repetitive, making it easy to disengage. While I wanted to see where the story was headed, I wasn’t always eager to pick up the book after setting it down. The latter half of the novel regained some momentum, but it didn’t fully compensate for the sluggish buildup.
Logic/Relationships – 7/10
Most of the relationships in the novel felt authentic, but they weren’t always fully developed. Percival’s relationship with Jacqueline, while compelling, lacked a deeper emotional core—it often felt more transactional than truly intimate, which made later developments feel less impactful. His bond with Mak was fascinating, but I wanted more from it; Mak’s background and motivations were hinted at but never fully explored. The father-son dynamic between Percival and Dai Jai had potential, but it wasn’t given enough depth to make Dai Jai’s fate as heartbreaking as it should have been. The political backdrop was well-handled, but Percival’s continued naivety stretched believability, making him feel like a man frozen in time rather than someone adapting to the realities around him.
Enjoyment – 7/10
I appreciated the novel’s ambition, but it wasn’t always an enjoyable read. While the historical depth and character complexity were commendable, the slow pacing and repetitive internal conflicts made sections feel like a slog. I never felt fully disconnected from the book, but I also never experienced the unshakable urge to devour it in one sitting. It’s a well-crafted novel with significant strengths, but its pacing issues and occasional lack of narrative focus prevented me from enjoying it as much as I had hoped. I would recommend it to those interested in historical fiction with rich atmosphere and political intrigue, but with the caveat that patience is required.
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.