Almost five years ago, An-ling Huang walked into Emma Perotti's ESL classroom and into her family's life. When An-ling is found dead, respected teacher Emma finds herself on trial for murder. But it soon becomes clear that An-ling was not who she claimed to be, and each member of the family has their own dark secrets.
A thoughtful beautifully told taut psychological novel with each of the characters drawing the reader into their innermost thoughts and secrets. All building up to a exciting ending. A must read - you'll definitely enjoy this book. Kathy F. New York City
What price truth??????
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
This is a very well written book with beautifully developed and layered characters. It depicts a family who has suffered a great loss and how each member is affected by and deals with it. As deception becomes the rule rather than the exception, and unintended consequenses of actions build upon themselves, the author deftly creates a world of suspense and drama. These are characters you remember.
An excuse to neglect all chores; read this book instead
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
From the first surprising page to its stunning denouement, I found this book engrossing, entertaining, and fascinating: Engrossing because I didn't want to put it down despite the fact I had other important things to do; entertaining in its rivetting story line and the unique manner of presentation; and fascinating in its complex depiction of a cast of characters who, on the one hand, are universal and, on the other, are intriguing and unknowable. What a great read!
A Gripping Story
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I enjoyed this book enormously. It operated on several different levels; all of which meshed together beautifully. On one hand it is a story of a family suffering from a great loss; and then again it is a murder trial. I loved the way it went back and forth between the trial and the people in the family all of whom perceived events in different ways. I also thought the relationship between the student and the teacher was beautifully drawn and showed the difficulties inherent in human relationships. The author's interest in Chinese culture was particulary fascinating. I think this is an author who has created wonderful complex characters and a very strong plot. I recommend it strongly. I could not put the book down.
Compelling
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I don't know how this book is being marketed but it is both a regular novel and a crime novel. It was a pleasure to read such fine writing. I read a lot of crime novels and I seldom come across a book this well written. I won't call it a literary crime novel because I don't like that term. However, some would call it that. The characters are well drawn and the plot is excellent. It's the kind of book I hated having to put down and couldn't wait to get back to. I'm happy I discovered a new writer. Read it.
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