The Headmaster’s Wager A Novel
The Headmaster’s Wager A Novel by Vincent Lam is a first edition published by Hogarth in 2012, featuring 426 pages in English. This debut novel centers on Percival Chen, the headmaster of a prestigious English academy in 1960s Saigon, who navigates the complexities of loyalty to his country, family, and heritage while managing the challenges posed by a tumultuous political landscape. As he grapples with the demands of maintaining his school’s elite status through bribery and business opportunities, Percival’s life takes a turn when his son encounters trouble with the authorities, forcing him to confront the limits of his influence.
Readers will find a narrative rich with historical context, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and sacrifice against the backdrop of war. Percival’s journey is marked by his relationships, particularly with Jacqueline, a woman of mixed heritage who becomes a source of solace amid his struggles. The novel delves into the intricacies of human connections and the impact of external conflicts on personal lives, offering a deeply affecting portrayal of a man’s internal and external battles.
Official synopsis Publisher
A superbly crafted, highly suspenseful, and deeply affecting debut novel about one man’s loyalty to his country, his family and his heritage
Percival Chen is the headmaster of the most respected English academy in 1960s Saigon, and he is well accustomed to bribing a forever-changing list of government officials in order to maintain the elite status of his school. Fiercely proud of his Chinese heritage, he is quick to spot the business opportunities rife in a divided country, though he also harbors a weakness for gambling haunts and the women who frequent them. He devotedly ignores all news of the fighting that swirls around him, but when his only son gets in trouble with the Vietnamese authorities, Percival faces the limits of his connections and wealth and is forced to send him away.
In the loneliness that follows, Percival finds solace in Jacqueline, a beautiful woman of mixed French and Vietnamese heritage whom he is able to confide in. But Percival’s new-found happiness is precarious, and as the complexities of war encroach further into his world, he must confront the tragedy of all he has refused to see.
Graced with intriguingly flawed but wonderfully human characters moving through a richly drawn historical landscape, The Headmaster’s Wager is an unforgettable story of love, betrayal and sacrifice.
FAQ
What is “The Headmaster’s Wager A Novel” about?
Who is the author of “The Headmaster’s Wager A Novel”?
When was “The Headmaster’s Wager A Novel” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Headmaster’s Wager A Novel”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
