When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain was just as enchanting as its predecessor. Maybe even more so, as the incredibly subtle and nuanced – if not to say twisted – way it depicts love and sexuality makes for an even more enticing read.

The story is full of danger, betrayal, and reluctance to help a fellow person. Musings on different versions of the same tale by very different interpreters makes their fate even less certain. Yet, there is something about Nghi Vo's that makes you feel all warm and secure. There is emotional depth and ambiguity to every encounter and I'm sure the novel would fully unfold its depth only on when you really slow down and relish the experience on multiple rereads.

Quite literally a most fabulous world.

Rating: 5/5