Customer Reviews

Touching portrayal of SE Asia and Islam - By: Mark Kobayashi-Hillary, 19 Nov 2003
Burgess had his own personal connections to Malaysia having worked there & being something of an outsider himself. These three inter-connected, but independent stories tell of the end of empire. Burgess manages to be sympathetic to his white characters whilst also explaining the hopes & desires of the local people. It is of particular interest to anyone who knows modern Malaysia & Singapore. This book deserves far more acclaim as it documents the end of the British empirein the region without any patronising voice of reason. In addition to being a wonderful historical document, it is a fantastic read & the wonderful characters will keep you turning pages late into the night.