The Headmaster’s Wager
The Headmaster’s Wager by Vincent Lam, published by National Geographic Books on April 2, 2013, is a historical fiction novel that spans 448 pages. The story centers on Percival Chen, the headmaster of a prestigious English school in Saigon, who is characterized by his love for life, gambling, and women. Despite the turmoil of World War II surrounding him, Percival remains focused on his personal pursuits and business opportunities, often ignoring the escalating conflict that threatens his world.
Readers will find a narrative that explores Percival’s journey as he navigates the challenges of fatherhood and love amidst a backdrop of war. When his son encounters difficulties with the Vietnamese authorities, Percival’s connections are put to the test, leading him to make difficult choices. As he seeks solace in a relationship with Jacqueline, a woman of mixed heritage, the complexities of his life become increasingly intertwined with the realities of the war. This edition offers a deep dive into themes of heritage, conflict, and personal reckoning during a tumultuous period in history.
Official synopsis Publisher
The headmaster of the most respected English school in Saigon, Percival Chen is also a bon vivant, a compulsive gambler and an incorrigible womanizer. Fiercely proud of his Chinese heritage, and quick to spot the business opportunities rife in a divided country, Percival devotedly ignores all news of the fighting that swirls around him, choosing instead to read the faces of his opponents at high-stakes mahjong tables.
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. But Percival’s new-found happiness is precarious, and as the complexities of war encroach further and further into his world, he must confront the tragedy of all he has refused to see.
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