By Osborne is new to me– I was recommended to read The Forgiven but started with his most recent novel On Java Road instead. It is his newest book — I borrowed it from the library and am better for reading it. Based on Hong Kong, during the heavy protests about independence, this book kept me engaged. I enjoyed the writing and the story, which is about a lonely(ish) expat journalist who has been in HK for most of his career. His best friend from university lives there as well and is very wealthy– races yachts, that sort of thing. They met and became friends through Chinese poetry in college.
If you like a story with a little mystery, then this will work for you. My neighbor who recommended The Forgiven to me says that On Java Road is not as compelling, though well written. I’ll look forward to checking out The Forgiven next. But first, The Mountain in the Sea is being hand delivered to me by my love as he arrives to meet me on the East Coast for the holidays.
How are you all doing?
Open Arts Spring 2024 