Terrific. I really did like this a lot. If you want a book that will transport you to a different time and place this is it. Beautifully written, fascinating, complex, beguiling, engrossing. Loved it.

The novel is set in Malaysia around the time of their independence, and it centers around the story of Jonny Lim, a cloth merchant who may also be a gangster, a communist or a collaborator with the enemy. It's told from three viewpoints, and it's clear by the end that nobody has the whole story about who Johhny really was. It took me a bit to get into the book, but after the first 30-40 pages, I was hooked. I recommend it and would like to read more by the author.

this was another oakland library discard pile scoop. i think i'd really give it 3.5 stars, but since i think it needs a pump up in rating i'm posting it as 4.

i love the idea of never hearing from the central character - jimmy. i wasn't able to form a clear picture of him from the 3 incredibly varied views of the narrators jasper [son], snow [wife], peter [friend]. i love how the narrative revolves around the "TRUTH" for each of them, and yet we are never quite clear what the truth really is. such is life. "real" life. and a plot device i've never seen used in this way [in other books at some point you hear from the main character usually].

i also admire greatly how each character has a completely distinct and very believable voice. their sense of self and character are completely apparent with in the framework of their sections.

i also am a sucker for all the metaphoric allusions. they were done well. i can see why it won awards and accolades. definitely worth a read. [the history about malayasia/china/communism/japaese invasion was also of interest]

Three disjointed stories, none with much in the way of resolution. I liked the first part, Jasper's story, then it went downhill.

Read about 1/4 of it. Wasn't interested in finishing it. Quite disappointed as this is my first encounter with Malaysian literature in English as a Malaysian young adult. I might or might not pick it up again in the future. The style seemed flat and I simply wasn't interested in the subject.

The story of Johnny Lim, a man of many faces, told by four different narrators. The writing matches the setting, lush and rich. The characters are totally absorbing. The plot is not the essence of this book, rather it carries along the characters who reveal themselves more than they do Johnny, the subject of their thoughts but the most mysterious character in the book. It's not until the final narrator has his say that you can really piece together Johnny's true self.[return]This has piqued my interest in Tash Aw, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another of his novels.

This complex story of three different people linked by one Chinese man in Malaysia is engaging and mysterious. Each person's story is true to their point of view and the style of language fits each one well.

I liked the first section of the book --Johnny Lim's son Jasper gives his view of his father. The second section is narrated by Snow, Johnny's wife who died in childbirth. I began losing interest as the author never quite got her voice. The third section is narrated by Peter, a Brit who tells a different narrative of Johnny and Snow, and seems to be quite a different person than described by Snow.