Those Opulent Days (Jacquie Pham, Ultimo)
At first glance, Jacquie Pham’s debut novel, Those Opulent Days, might appear to be a classic whodunit murder mystery, except the true ‘villain’ is far from the usual suspect. Set in 1928 French-colonial Vietnam, the novel follows lifelong best friends Duy, Phong, Minh and Edmond, who are haunted by a prophecy that one of them will die soon. As each assume their roles in Saigon’s high society, the group’s deepening tensions reveal something far more sinister than the foretold death. Those Opulent Days is a gripping story of friendship and youth corrupted by wealth and colonialism and the consequences of growing up too fast in an unforgiving world. Pham crafts deeply complex characters who are sympathetic yet sometimes cruel and ruthless, brought to life through a narrative that skilfully transitions between flashbacks and the perspectives of the boys, their families and their servants. Although the shifting perspectives occasionally disrupt the narrative flow, it becomes clear that these diverse perspectives are vital to gaining a nuanced view of how the murder happened and understanding the power imbalance and corrupt structures that led to it. While the murder plot initially hooks you, the story soon centres on forbidden love, the burdens of duty and the violent nature of colonialism and power. This historical crime thriller is rich with heart and mystery, perfect for readers who crave thrillers with more depth. It lingers in your mind, provoking reflection on the consuming and disruptive nature of wealth and power long after the final page. For readers who enjoyed the coming-of-age story and mystery of Stephen King’s The Body and the colonial themes of Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing.
Books+Publishing reviewer: Nashin Mahee has a Master of Creative Writing, Editing and Publishing. When she is not reading, she can be found cafe hopping and eating pastries. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
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