Raymond K. Wong’s debut novel, The Pacific Between, chronicles an Asian-American man’s attempt to discover himself and the world around him.
The ups, downs, twists and turns of a two-minute roller coaster ride are nothing compared to the gamut of emotions Wong’s characters experience in his compelling novel.
The opening line “Betrayal makes us do strange things,” leads you head on into a boiling pot of love, death, betrayal and deception.
When entrepreneur Greg Lockland arrives in California to attend his parents’ funeral, his world begins to unravel. Pictures of a brother he barely remembers and letters discovered hidden in his father’s safe deposit box suggest an illicit affair between his late father and Greg’s ex-lover Lian Wan.
Confused and angry, Greg visits Kate Walken, a young woman with whom his relationship has taken an unexpected, romantic turn. Greg hates secrets and the hurt they cause. Yet, he tells Kate only of the pictures he found. Greg battles with his mixed emotions and can’t bring himself to tell her about Lian. Does he still love Lian? Does he love Kate? Can he love Kate?
Greg is like a boy who never grew up. He’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants. Though he can be affectionate, he can be obnoxious, deceiving and secretive–all the things he loathes.
Seething anger, growing suspicion, and inescapable jealousy accompany Greg on a transpacific journey to Hong Kong in search of Lian and the truth about the affair.
Greg has no idea he’s about to unlock a secret that has been kept closeted for years. One after another, people return from his past, each adding another roadblock to Greg’s mysterious puzzle. With each piece of information, Greg is forced to re-examine his beliefs, feelings, and relationships with old friends and family.
Among those who help Greg is Agnes, the Director of Nursing where his father had worked. She is a bossy, mannish, British nurse whom Greg never liked. During his relentless search to uncover the truth, Greg is surprised to find Agnes with his happy-go-lucky friend Old Chow and realizes Agnes has a passionate side. Agnes and Old Chow prod Greg to explore his feelings and their secret plans push him into another situation of doubt.
Article comments
1 - Victor Lana
Joanne, thanks for this great review of Mr. Wong's book. I am looking forward to reading this. It sounds terrific!
2 - Joanne D. Kiggins
You're welcome, Victor. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
3 - James
Sounds like a great read. I'll be looking for the book.
4 - Joanne D. Kiggins
Hope you enjoy it, James.
5 - DL
Great review. I've never heard of this book, but am intrigued. Thanks.
6 - Susan
It's a good review, Joanne. I am going to get the book and read it now.
7 - Joanne D. Kiggins
Thanks, DL. The Pacific Between was just released last week. Enjoy!
8 - Joanne D. Kiggins
Thanks Susan. Happy reading!
9 - Deanna
I read this book last week and I agree with you Joanne and I'm glad that you wrote a review. I am looking forward to reading more of Mr. Wong's work.
10 - Joanne D. Kiggins
Mr. Wong is currently working on his second book. I look forward to reviewing it as well. Thank you, Deanna. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
11 - Ray
Many thanks to all of you and to Joanne for her review.
I think you'd enjoy the read.
I am currently working on my second book. Right now, I am busy with publicity. I hope everyone would give The Pacific Between a chance and read it.
If you have questions, please feel free to ask me.
~ Ray
12 - chantal stone
I've been looking for my next great read...I'm going to get this book today. Great review, Joanne!
13 - Joanne D. Kiggins
chantal,
Thank you. Happy reading.
14 - Joanne D. Kiggins
Ray,
It is great to see you respond here. Knowing you're busy with publicity and book signings, I wasn't sure you would have time to drop by. I'm happy you've taken time out of your busy schedule to open yourself up to questions.
Here's your chance, readers. The author of The Pacific Between, Raymond K. Wong.
15 - Ray
I'll be more than happy to answer any questions. Thanks Joanne.
16 - Barry Ford
Dear Ray,
I am ordering your novel today - partly because of this rave review, but mainly because I have been reading your excellent film reviews for Now Casting Magazine. I am quite impressed by your writing skills and understanding of character and looking forward to a fuller appreciation of your storytelling talents. I am a professional actor/singer who is writing more since I returned to Los Angeles last year.
17 - Joanne D. Kiggins
You'll love it, Barry. Thanks for reading!