He understands obsession, does this author. His sexual descriptions and the mental processes involved between the characters involved is masterly. I've lived in S.E.Asia for nearly three decades, and had begun to think I'd scratched the surface of this complicated society Burdett has burrowed well beneath the skin (appropriate metaphor, considering the plot) and his descriptive and knowing literary style belies his obvious keen observation and affection for the Thais. And while I've never knowingly met an agent, all seemed plausible.Īs ever, his best work is done with the Thai characters. The characters are well-drawn even the CIA suits are shown to have sudden human depths, that go beyond their brain-washed training. Burdett's insights into Buddhism and the way the discipline impacts the daily lives of the small and the great in Thai society I found little short of mesmerizing.įor that alone I shall re-read it slowly and make notes, so that I can better hold my ground when entrapped in a drunken theological argument with other drunks. When I started this book, I hoped it would be as good as Burdett's first.īut as it progressed, I discovered that it was far more than an excellent whodunit. Once again I seem to be at odds with my co-reviewers a glitch in my own system, I'm sure.
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