Negative Positive
Title: An "untouchable" love story hidden under a well woven silk tapestry
Review: This is the kind of book you will want to read at least twice. It tells of the life and loves of Johnny Lim, an opportunist at every turn. Like a well woven tapestry you must stand back to see the big picture, but it is when you get up close and see the fine details that you begin to appreciate its intricacies. There are some loose threads, just as in life. I loved the realities in this book.I found the beginning a bit slow moving, but it quickly picks up with Snow's diary entries. The story, characters and locales keep you interested. The final segment, told by Peter, brings it all together.I think Aw's use of a garden metaphor in the end is brilliant - the transplanting of "non-native" species, because in one way or another that's exactly what each character was.
Is the review positive or negative? 