By the writer of The Beach, a book set in the underbelly of Manila. I recently read Brownout on Breadfruit Boulevard by Timothy Mo, and was keen to read more set in the Philippines.

This is a book with many threads, which are drawn together at the end. This is a good literary device, as it pulls you in and keeps you wondering how it will happen. ( )

An interweaving of 3 stories, of which only the 2nd really interested me (Rosa and her family) - fortunatly, that made up the bulk of the book. ( )

This book/puzzle comes together into a fascinating story with genius writing. If you appreciate an intricate story or memorable writing, this is a good choice. You're just as well off, also, going in without any knowledge of what you're getting yourself into. If you can manage this, the story will strike you as you read as if the characters are in front of you, telling them their actions and feelings in person. The book comes across as frighteningly real, and is unforgettable as a result. ( )

A quite forgettable book about people being drawn into crime. ( )

This book got me going right from the first chapter, it kept me engrossed right up until the end. ( )