Love the vivid descriptions and apt representation of the WWII in Malaysia and how different characters react differently to survive in the new environment. It tells of the contrast between those rooted to their strong values, particularly their pride and sense of justice, and those who choose to compromise these values in order to gain live a better life or simply to ensure the continuity of their own life. I loved the multiple complex characters developed.
What I didn't like about this book however was that the transition between war time and current times were disjointed and seemed to be forced in. Realistically, if taken that the grandfather recounted the entire story, there were unrealistic portions, were he wasn't present yet was still able to vividly recount the scene.