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The Straits Quartet #1
The Red Thread
Set against the backdrop of 1830s Singapore where piracy, crime, triads, and tigers are commonplace, this historical romance follows the struggle of two Zhen, a Chinese coolie and triad member, and Charlotte, an 18-year-old Scots woman and sister of Singapore's Head of Police. Two cultures bound together by the invisible threads of fate yet separated by cultural diversity.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 30, 2012
I had never heard of this book before it came up at book club, so knew nothing about it. I downloaded it to my kindle and started straight away, without reading any 'blurb'. I love to start a book in this way, as I like not having any preconceived ideas about whether I'm going to enjoy it or not.
With this in mind, I found myself confused about the date in which it was set, so I had to read up on this before I could continue.
Set in the Singapore of the 1830s, the story follows Charlotte and Zhen in their different, yet intertwined paths, the Red Thread of the title binding them together.
I wasn't too keen on either protagonist - I could cut Charlotte a little slack, trying to bear
in mind she was a) very young and b) not living in the same Singapore as I am lucky enough to inhabit today. Zhen, however 'super sexy' he was portrayed, it wasn't enough for me to like him and, consequently, I found myself unsympathetic towards them both in their trials of the heart.
Despite this, I thought the story was pretty well written, with some nice prose and some evocative passages, so I did enjoy the book, hence the three star review. However, I couldn't give more than three, as I didn't feel their pain at the end, rather I thought it all a bit inevitable - it was exactly what I thought would happen from about 25% of the way into the story.
So, read it if you'd like to know more about Singapore in the early days (assuming factual accuracy, I felt enlightened on this front), but don't expect something amazing.
With this in mind, I found myself confused about the date in which it was set, so I had to read up on this before I could continue.
Set in the Singapore of the 1830s, the story follows Charlotte and Zhen in their different, yet intertwined paths, the Red Thread of the title binding them together.
I wasn't too keen on either protagonist - I could cut Charlotte a little slack, trying to bear
in mind she was a) very young and b) not living in the same Singapore as I am lucky enough to inhabit today. Zhen, however 'super sexy' he was portrayed, it wasn't enough for me to like him and, consequently, I found myself unsympathetic towards them both in their trials of the heart.
Despite this, I thought the story was pretty well written, with some nice prose and some evocative passages, so I did enjoy the book, hence the three star review. However, I couldn't give more than three, as I didn't feel their pain at the end, rather I thought it all a bit inevitable - it was exactly what I thought would happen from about 25% of the way into the story.
So, read it if you'd like to know more about Singapore in the early days (assuming factual accuracy, I felt enlightened on this front), but don't expect something amazing.
March 27, 2014
I liked this book. The history of Singapore is somewhat fascinating to me and I really enjoyed how the author fitted real life characters of Singapore's past into the body of the story.
I liked the two main characters very much but I was a little frustrated with Charlotte that she kept a secret from Zhen. I live in a different era therefore I do not realise the struggles people went through due to racial differences. I felt the author handled these with great respect and simplicity - laying it out for us plainly.
Throughout this book there is a lot of poetry and I was not too keen on that. However, as it was the 1800's and there were no electronic gadgets of the modern day, I am aware that poetry and reading was a popular past-time and I appreciate that it really set the scene for the era that it was based in.
When I finished the book, I wan anxious to read book 2 in the series.
I liked the two main characters very much but I was a little frustrated with Charlotte that she kept a secret from Zhen. I live in a different era therefore I do not realise the struggles people went through due to racial differences. I felt the author handled these with great respect and simplicity - laying it out for us plainly.
Throughout this book there is a lot of poetry and I was not too keen on that. However, as it was the 1800's and there were no electronic gadgets of the modern day, I am aware that poetry and reading was a popular past-time and I appreciate that it really set the scene for the era that it was based in.
When I finished the book, I wan anxious to read book 2 in the series.
December 1, 2022
A lush and enjoyable read over a few days and nights while on a year end holiday in Singapore. I appreciate all the wonderful cultural and historical details infused into this tale of old Singapore in the 19th century. Even as a Southeast Asian native, there's still a plethora of new insights about what Singapore was really like back in the heady colonial days. I felt pleasurably immersed in the exotic plot intricacies and the unlikely and poignant romance between Charlotte and Zhen, lovers bound by the cosmic Red Thread of Fate. Their love story is set against a shimmering tapestry that Dawn Farnham has skillfully weaved, transporting the reader back to a bygone era of over a century ago. It's a vanished world that I can now imagine more richly beyond the dry record of dates, events and personalities in a history textbook. Ms Farnham very obviously has a thoroughly deep and intimate knowledge of Singapore's historical and cultural roots and social mores, as well as that of the immediate region. Her descriptions are earthy, mesmerising, sensual and magical; one can almost hear the sounds of the pouring tropical rain, feel the moist embrace of the stifling equatorial heat, and smell the dusk fragrance of blossoming tembusu flowers as the pages are flipped in what I found was a fairly light quick read. Highly recommended for those with a strong interest in the sizzling potpourri of cultures and ethnicities that made old Singapore uniquely cosmopolitan from the earliest years of the colonial era. In terms of perspective, this book also crafts a more equitable literary approach, with intimate descriptions of the often muted sensual and sexual thoughts and feelings of women, when they encounter men that they physically desire. The virile male protagonist being an object of masculine beauty and erotic desire as viewed through female eyes is refreshingly different, and a nice departure from the dynamics of so many mainstream narratives of love and lust. This first book in a series of four, is sufficiently interesting and I will definitely read the next volume, to find out where the story goes from here.
October 31, 2016
I always love to read the reviews before I choose a book so I knew this one was a slow starter. I thought I could handle slow, I was wrong.
I really wanted to love this book, there are some many great things about it. This is meticulously detailed historical fiction, the setting, old Singapore, and its inhabitants are skillfully evoked and described in great detail, the reader gets a real sense of being there, of discovering this exotic world through the eyes of Charlotte and Zhen. Singapore is a heady mix of different cultures and people. A rich tapestry of Chinese history, folklore and poetry weaves in and out of the story. But, crimoney, it is very slow.
There are a large number of characters, all described in great detail. Charlotte and here friends take many walks through the town and the geography, architecture, history and inhabitants are always painstakingly described – it is all very beautiful and absolutely admirable but it is just too much. I wanted to scream, “get on with it”. There are a lot of lists, long lists, of exotic foods, spices, wedding items,plants, lists of lists. Things do happen – people are attached by tigers or angry mobs, there is an ambush in the jungle, but we are never actually there, we are strolling sedately around the town hearing about these things second hand. Even when one of the main characters is violently attacked we only hear about it after the event, always just one step behind the action. One of the few times that we are actually 'in the action' is in the encounters between Charlotte and Zhen, and these are beautifully written (although perhaps a little too much poetry for my taste towards the end), but this is not enough to save the book. I made it to the end, more out of bloody-mindedness than any desire to know what happened to the characters.
I am glad I read this book, I have learned a lot about the history and culture of Singapore, but I wanted a gripping story, not a history lesson.
I really wanted to love this book, there are some many great things about it. This is meticulously detailed historical fiction, the setting, old Singapore, and its inhabitants are skillfully evoked and described in great detail, the reader gets a real sense of being there, of discovering this exotic world through the eyes of Charlotte and Zhen. Singapore is a heady mix of different cultures and people. A rich tapestry of Chinese history, folklore and poetry weaves in and out of the story. But, crimoney, it is very slow.
There are a large number of characters, all described in great detail. Charlotte and here friends take many walks through the town and the geography, architecture, history and inhabitants are always painstakingly described – it is all very beautiful and absolutely admirable but it is just too much. I wanted to scream, “get on with it”. There are a lot of lists, long lists, of exotic foods, spices, wedding items,plants, lists of lists. Things do happen – people are attached by tigers or angry mobs, there is an ambush in the jungle, but we are never actually there, we are strolling sedately around the town hearing about these things second hand. Even when one of the main characters is violently attacked we only hear about it after the event, always just one step behind the action. One of the few times that we are actually 'in the action' is in the encounters between Charlotte and Zhen, and these are beautifully written (although perhaps a little too much poetry for my taste towards the end), but this is not enough to save the book. I made it to the end, more out of bloody-mindedness than any desire to know what happened to the characters.
I am glad I read this book, I have learned a lot about the history and culture of Singapore, but I wanted a gripping story, not a history lesson.
March 27, 2015
This book should be getting 1 star because it is barely passable as chick lit let alone literature - but for the fact that despite ALL its flaws (super clunky prose, horrible racial stereotypes, badly incorporated poetry) I actually enjoyed it. The sex scenes were actually not too badly done and the characters were endearing on a slightly more than superficial level. And it's set in a city and time that I really enjoy. Still, I'll have no problem avoiding the rest of the series.
September 29, 2011
Interesting-enough read. I forced myself through it because of the historical and cultural perspectives of Singapore. If I didn't live in Singapore, I am not sure that I would have liked it as much.
September 23, 2017
A huge thank you to the lovely Faye for inviting me to take part in this blog tour and to Monsoon Books for sending me a free copy of The Red Thread, the first novel in a quartet in exchange for an honest review. One of my favourite things as a reader is to learn about different countries and cultures and I'm especially interested in places within Asia like China and Singapore whose customs are explored in the most intricate detail in this novel. I have to admit, when I first started the book, I wasn't quite sure if I was going to enjoy it as much as I had hoped, it was a bit of a slow burner although meticulously researched and beautifully descriptive. Then, by about halfway through, I became much more invested in the characters and their lives and found myself reading it a lot quicker, intrigued by the love story within.
The Red Thread is set predominantly in Singapore in the 1830's where there were a great variety of different nations and religious practices living together - from the Malaysian, Chinese and Indian to the European and British whites. Our heroine for the novel is Charlotte who has recently come over from Scotland where she had been living with an aunt to join her brother Robert, who has a very important job as Chief Of Police in Singapore. The story explores Charlotte adjusting to life in a foreign climate, learning the customs and nature of the people and making new friends and acquaintances.
From the very beginning on disembarking from the ship she comes into contact with a young Chinese labourer called Zhen and there is an instant attraction between them although they do not meet until about halfway into the novel. When they do, love starts to blossom and things become very difficult for both characters. Zhen is engaged to be married giving him an opportunity and money that he thought he would never have had yet because of the difference in their cultures and social status, their relationship is likely to be frowned upon, meaning that marriage between the two of them would be an impossibility.
I think if you want to learn more about Singapore and the wealth of different cultures in the 1800's, this book is perfect for you. Dawn Farnham writes a novel rich in exquisite detail and I especially enjoyed the sections that focused on the various cuisines available, Chinese folklore and beliefs - particularly about death and how a funeral is arranged and the vast effort that is also placed into arranging a marriage. As for the characters, I have to say I didn't really get on with Zhen. I loved the sections with him and his friend Qian and enjoyed the friendship that they shared but as a personality, he irked me slightly and I didn't agree with the way he treated his wife and even Charlotte herself at times.
Despite this, I did find this a fascinating story and it was so evocatively written that I was instantly pulled into the early nineteenth century in a land completely foreign to myself but somehow, it felt strangely familiar after merely a few pages. I also really appreciated how the author used actual historical figures, like Irishman George Coleman who was responsible for a lot of the architecture/buildings in Singapore at that time. His life and many others seemed effortlessly woven into the main narrative and by the end of the novel, I did feel like I knew a lot of the characters intimately. If you enjoy lavish historical detail, a slower paced plot, poetry and a forbidden love story, this just might be the book for you.
For my full review and many more please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
The Red Thread is set predominantly in Singapore in the 1830's where there were a great variety of different nations and religious practices living together - from the Malaysian, Chinese and Indian to the European and British whites. Our heroine for the novel is Charlotte who has recently come over from Scotland where she had been living with an aunt to join her brother Robert, who has a very important job as Chief Of Police in Singapore. The story explores Charlotte adjusting to life in a foreign climate, learning the customs and nature of the people and making new friends and acquaintances.
From the very beginning on disembarking from the ship she comes into contact with a young Chinese labourer called Zhen and there is an instant attraction between them although they do not meet until about halfway into the novel. When they do, love starts to blossom and things become very difficult for both characters. Zhen is engaged to be married giving him an opportunity and money that he thought he would never have had yet because of the difference in their cultures and social status, their relationship is likely to be frowned upon, meaning that marriage between the two of them would be an impossibility.
I think if you want to learn more about Singapore and the wealth of different cultures in the 1800's, this book is perfect for you. Dawn Farnham writes a novel rich in exquisite detail and I especially enjoyed the sections that focused on the various cuisines available, Chinese folklore and beliefs - particularly about death and how a funeral is arranged and the vast effort that is also placed into arranging a marriage. As for the characters, I have to say I didn't really get on with Zhen. I loved the sections with him and his friend Qian and enjoyed the friendship that they shared but as a personality, he irked me slightly and I didn't agree with the way he treated his wife and even Charlotte herself at times.
Despite this, I did find this a fascinating story and it was so evocatively written that I was instantly pulled into the early nineteenth century in a land completely foreign to myself but somehow, it felt strangely familiar after merely a few pages. I also really appreciated how the author used actual historical figures, like Irishman George Coleman who was responsible for a lot of the architecture/buildings in Singapore at that time. His life and many others seemed effortlessly woven into the main narrative and by the end of the novel, I did feel like I knew a lot of the characters intimately. If you enjoy lavish historical detail, a slower paced plot, poetry and a forbidden love story, this just might be the book for you.
For my full review and many more please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
September 22, 2017
I’m not afraid to say that it took me a little time to get into this story but a novel filled with so much culture, history and diversity cannot be rushed. From the vivid descriptions of the scenes set on the pages I was transported to a Singapore filled with heady scents and could visualise the changing colourful and sometimes dark landscape. From the first moment that Zhen laid eyes on Charlotte the intensity of the gaze was bewitching and as a reader you were willing for them to make an acquaintance. But this wasn’t the time to be foolhardy and life for both the Chinaman and the English woman moved in different directions for a while. However, the gods of luck were in their court and chances were brought their way to make this acquaintance happen.
Singapore in the 1830’s was becoming multicultural but not all were welcoming the newcomers to their lands. Political and social unrest was heightened and fear was felt for the lives of many. The author has woven this love story filled with angst, fear, drama, love and lust at a time were traditions and culture were so evident in many lives. It was fascinating reading about the varying traditions for life, love and death. The author was very honest with her writing and we saw life in Singapore in all its glory through the wonderful celebratory events and to times of terrible, horrific acts. These highs and lows were part of history and come as a package.
The Red Thread was a dangerous, passionate love story that was so touchingly tragic. In another world and another time there would be no barriers and love would win.
Singapore in the 1830’s was becoming multicultural but not all were welcoming the newcomers to their lands. Political and social unrest was heightened and fear was felt for the lives of many. The author has woven this love story filled with angst, fear, drama, love and lust at a time were traditions and culture were so evident in many lives. It was fascinating reading about the varying traditions for life, love and death. The author was very honest with her writing and we saw life in Singapore in all its glory through the wonderful celebratory events and to times of terrible, horrific acts. These highs and lows were part of history and come as a package.
The Red Thread was a dangerous, passionate love story that was so touchingly tragic. In another world and another time there would be no barriers and love would win.
May 18, 2018
A book set in a country that fascinates you
HOLY COW. The minute I finished this book I sat around hoping she had written another book to go with it. I could NOT let it end. I needed more.
I'm not really into romance novels. Let me just start with that. So if you've been hesitant to read this because it's a romance, dont let that stop you. I mean, I guess it is. But it's a romance in the way Outlander is.
It's filled to the BRIM with history. I loved reading more about Singapore history.
What I did like about the romance side is that it was very flowery, beautiful language. I generally try to read past stuff like that because frankly, it's usually stupid. But this was not. It's hard to explain exactly what it was about the romance, but I guess you can say it was exotic.
Yes, the entire book was exotic.
So, after finishing, I ran over to amazon (figuratively running) and looked to see if there was another book. Not only is there another book, there are several!!! I cannot wait to read them!
HOLY COW. The minute I finished this book I sat around hoping she had written another book to go with it. I could NOT let it end. I needed more.
I'm not really into romance novels. Let me just start with that. So if you've been hesitant to read this because it's a romance, dont let that stop you. I mean, I guess it is. But it's a romance in the way Outlander is.
It's filled to the BRIM with history. I loved reading more about Singapore history.
What I did like about the romance side is that it was very flowery, beautiful language. I generally try to read past stuff like that because frankly, it's usually stupid. But this was not. It's hard to explain exactly what it was about the romance, but I guess you can say it was exotic.
Yes, the entire book was exotic.
So, after finishing, I ran over to amazon (figuratively running) and looked to see if there was another book. Not only is there another book, there are several!!! I cannot wait to read them!
January 16, 2023
This is volume 1 of a tetralogy set in 19th-century colonial Singapore.
In essence, it is a love story between Zhen, a Chinese newcomer to the colony, and Charlotte, a young Englishwoman. Everything in that predestination-synchronicity-soul mates style, very passionate.
When I bought it on that trip, I was looking for something typically Singaporean, which portrayed the multicultural soul of that impressive city-state.
The author perfectly portrayed that reality, historic buildings, colonial palaces, temples, port, as well as elements of Chinese culture, myths, rituals.
The English founders of the city - Raffles and Coleman, who today have their names immortalized in avenues and public places, are characters in the novel.
Themes such as arranged marriages, virginity, homosexuality also appear , in the eastern view.
As I won't have access to the other volumes in the series, I must look for spoilers on the internet.
It was worth the read.
In essence, it is a love story between Zhen, a Chinese newcomer to the colony, and Charlotte, a young Englishwoman. Everything in that predestination-synchronicity-soul mates style, very passionate.
When I bought it on that trip, I was looking for something typically Singaporean, which portrayed the multicultural soul of that impressive city-state.
The author perfectly portrayed that reality, historic buildings, colonial palaces, temples, port, as well as elements of Chinese culture, myths, rituals.
The English founders of the city - Raffles and Coleman, who today have their names immortalized in avenues and public places, are characters in the novel.
Themes such as arranged marriages, virginity, homosexuality also appear , in the eastern view.
As I won't have access to the other volumes in the series, I must look for spoilers on the internet.
It was worth the read.
June 25, 2023
Finally read this first book of the trilogy, all three of which have been on my shelf for many years, since I lived in Singapore. The story is fun because it takes place in Singapore in the 1830s, and I learned a good bit about Singapore then. I find that although it is an historical novel, which I usually like, that this is a historical romance, which I don’t like too much. But I am glad to have finally taken the book off the shelf and read it, just as I went back to Singapore after several years (thank you COVID). I wouldn’t rush out to read this unless you like Singapore and like romance novels.
May 1, 2018
Not something i would usually read but for my interest in Colonial Singapore ( like you do). Jam packed with information and research that I am not expert enough to comment on the veracity thereof but it certainly creates a sense of the time, place and melting pot of cultures that was colonial Singapore (as distinct from ye olden Temasek or the modern shiny 50 yr old Singapore). The "romantic" or steamy parts are sufficiently steamy (blush). This book is part one of four. Undecided whether to read any further volumes.
December 6, 2017
Sigh. It's my fault for not noticing that this is a romance novel, which I don't read. While I somewhat enjoyed the portrayal of life in old Singapore, the primary romance between a Chinese coolie and a Scottish immigrant beggared belief. Ms. Farnham's purple prose also got in the way. "Floating, she felt liquified...." Please.
December 22, 2017
I appreciated this novel for the insights into life in Singapore during the 19th century, for the culturally and socially diverse cast of characters, and of course the relationship between Charlotte and Zhen. I didn't love the story though, as it moved far too slow for my liking, and the surely well-researched details tended at times to drown the main plot.
January 12, 2019
Wanted to read something different and picked up in Singapore airport. I enjoy historic novels and this introduces some of the history of Singapore, by a Scottish woman who falls in love with a Chinese coolie with a strong ambition. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
August 18, 2020
Not great littérature but as I couldn't concentrate on anything more serious during Covid confinement, I still enjoyed this book. The characters are quite endearing. Easy read. Cute love story. Arlequin kind.
September 27, 2018
An exciting love story ser in the tropical Singapore.
January 12, 2019
Can not wait to read the next instalment of this descriptive historic novel.
June 4, 2023
Too much detail, really slowed it down, too Mills & Boon. I skimmed so much of the last half.
Very interesting to learn so much about early Singapore though.
Very interesting to learn so much about early Singapore though.
September 2, 2023
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I love historical novels and Singapore is one of my favourite places in the world so it ticked all the boxes for me.
February 21, 2018
Pick it up at Bali Airport. Just love it. A novel of Singapore. The next book can’t wait to read.
March 18, 2012
When I’m away from home, I like to browse bookshops. I like to look at the different covers of books released overseas and I also like to discover new, local authors that I wouldn’t be exposed to at home. The Red Thread is the result of one of these browsings at Kinokuniya Ngee Ann City, Singapore. (If this bookstore was a man, I’d marry it. It is fantastic, crammed with all sorts of subjects and section on local authors. But I digress).
Dawn Farnham was born in England but grew up locally in Perth, Western Australia. She has lived in many places throughout Europe and Asia, before settling half in Perth, half in Singapore. (Source: author’s website, www.dawnfarnham.com) She is passionate about learning history, and the intensity of her research shines through in The Red Thread. (I’m interested too to see what she comes up with about Perth). The research for this book is first class; so much so, that I was about to take a modern day map of Singapore and trace where the characters were walking. I learned quite a bit about Singapore in the 1800s just from reading this book. It was also more interesting than reading plain history.
This book is more than just history. It also contains an incredibly passionate love story between Charlotte (a Scottish lass whose brother is chief of police) and Zhen, a Chinese man who has come to Singapore to work. Their eyes meet across the harbour and Zhen seeks Charlotte out. Despite the language barrier, love blossoms. Zhen is engaged to be married – what will happen to the couple?
In terms of characterisation, both real historical characters and fictional characters exist side by side. George Coleman, an Irish architect who built many of Singapore’s early buildings and designed roads, plays a large role in the story.
This book is the first book in a planned quartet – it will be interesting to see where Farnham takes the characters in the next book as they seemed to be in a bit of a corner at the end!
A quick read, and very interesting to those who either know Singapore well, or would like to get to know it better.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Dawn Farnham was born in England but grew up locally in Perth, Western Australia. She has lived in many places throughout Europe and Asia, before settling half in Perth, half in Singapore. (Source: author’s website, www.dawnfarnham.com) She is passionate about learning history, and the intensity of her research shines through in The Red Thread. (I’m interested too to see what she comes up with about Perth). The research for this book is first class; so much so, that I was about to take a modern day map of Singapore and trace where the characters were walking. I learned quite a bit about Singapore in the 1800s just from reading this book. It was also more interesting than reading plain history.
This book is more than just history. It also contains an incredibly passionate love story between Charlotte (a Scottish lass whose brother is chief of police) and Zhen, a Chinese man who has come to Singapore to work. Their eyes meet across the harbour and Zhen seeks Charlotte out. Despite the language barrier, love blossoms. Zhen is engaged to be married – what will happen to the couple?
In terms of characterisation, both real historical characters and fictional characters exist side by side. George Coleman, an Irish architect who built many of Singapore’s early buildings and designed roads, plays a large role in the story.
This book is the first book in a planned quartet – it will be interesting to see where Farnham takes the characters in the next book as they seemed to be in a bit of a corner at the end!
A quick read, and very interesting to those who either know Singapore well, or would like to get to know it better.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
June 27, 2016
as more or less in the synopsis -> ang moh lady come Singapore. China man come Singapore. love/lust at first sight. End up being together . hey...wait..seems the fella got earmarked by rich fella to be his son-in-law Man marries the rich man's daughter. An unexpected first night . Ang Moh lady broken heart and sail away with a secret...
that was the short version. but the full version is much better. can see that the author had done tonnes of research on Singapore, Malacca and Batavia. Her description on that era was very rich and detailed. readers can easily imagine all that has happen then.
long description can be good and bad. some parts I felt it was too long winded. But then I guess those part may capture the interest of those who does not know the history of these three places and the local custom.
thankfully the cats claws are not out yet in book 1 though there are indication of such near the ending. looking forward to book 2.
that was the short version. but the full version is much better. can see that the author had done tonnes of research on Singapore, Malacca and Batavia. Her description on that era was very rich and detailed. readers can easily imagine all that has happen then.
long description can be good and bad. some parts I felt it was too long winded. But then I guess those part may capture the interest of those who does not know the history of these three places and the local custom.
thankfully the cats claws are not out yet in book 1 though there are indication of such near the ending. looking forward to book 2.
October 7, 2013
If you are into Singapore and you are into historical fiction, this is a book for you. It's the first I have read ever of a love story set in Singapore in the 1830s. This means Coleman of Coleman Street, Balestier and Whampoa are alive in this fictitious story quite beautifully imagined by Farnham. It attempts to be lyrical as well, often dipping into poetry, if you like that sort of thing. Mind you, it gets rather steamy in the last quarter of the book. It took me a while to get through this, it wasn't immediately riveting. And for goodness sake, wasn't there an editor? Proofreader? A key character, Takouhi, had her name misspelled at least three times. Quite unforgivable for a book that aspires to be more.
February 27, 2014
Reading about historical Singapore was as much of a draw for me as the desire to find out what happens to the characters. The images of early SG were intriguing knowing how the city is laid out now and also how the different ethnic groups all interact. Some of the racy scenes were unexpected. I now know there are other books by Farnham that continue the story and will likely try to find them. For those interested in Singapore history, here is a romantic tale of unlikely, and quite steamy, love set in an amazing city.
August 11, 2015
Singapore in the 1830's was a wild town with an amazing mix of traditional cultures. The time and place are described thoroughly in this book. For example, there is a whole chapter about Charlotte's walk from the English colonial area through to Chinatown. If you live in Singapore, I imagine this history would be fascinating. Also, I have recently been on holiday in Singapore, staying in Chinatown, and I like to read fiction set in places I have visited - so I enjoyed it too.
November 25, 2012
Dawn Farnham's portrayal of Singapore during its time as a newly established trading post is vivid and realistic. Her descriptions of the different races residing and trading in Singapore, their customs, cuisine and lifestyles are painstakingly detailed and breathtaking. As such, Farnham's novel weaves a rich tapestry of life in 1830s Singapore.
June 18, 2015
This is a story of rough and tumble 1860s Singapore. Scottish Charlotte and Chinese Zhen connect and sparks fly. The setting and history of the story are based on a historical reality that makes this an interesting read. Underlying Charlotte and Zhen's separate educations about their new home is a hot, unheard-of romance. This is an interesting way to learn about Singapore's history.
June 27, 2008
Beautifully written, and very interesting culturally, but somehow it didn't grab me. I found myself liking many of the secondary characters more than the main ones. Warning: there are a lot of very detailed and explicit sexual scenes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews