Finding Olivia: The Book/the Letters

by Tristin K. Dawei

The writing of "Finding Olivia" was prompted after the author, a real-life judge, somewhere in the United States, met a young Vietnamese woman who is many years his junior. They met during a Mandarin Chinese class at a local college. The judge fell in love with her. He then became completely obsessed with her. After losing contact, he undertook a desperate search 'to find' her which included writing "Finding Olivia." Critical to a full understanding of the book is his definition of 'finding her'. The judge, who arguably is mentally ill, recently discovered a major polarization in his life. "The height of his love for Olivia is the depth of his disdain for evil." On a daily basis, he hears cases involving the most heinous facts imaginable. The facts are summarized in graphic brutal detail to justify what he feels to be appropriate punishment in certain cases. 'On his own time', the judge wishes he could administer punishment to the criminal which may include whippings before execution. Because of the judge's belief his purpose on earth was to abate evil, frustratingly, he realizes he must afford recognized justice to all who may appear before the court.

238 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2004

Reviews

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not like any other book I have ever read. It is interesting, sad, funny... I could not put it down. The author was able to show differences between the Chinese and American cultures (i.e. traditions, religions, etc.) without boring the reader to death. If you are tired of reading the same old predictable plotlines, this is the book for you.