Alex, an ER doctor, and Austin meet in the ER and she treats the bullet in his arm. Drawn together, months later they take a bike tour in Viet Nam to see where his father and uncle fought years ago. Biking alone one day, Austin disappears, apparently kidnapped. Alex begins a search for Austin, who unknown to her has a dark past.
An international biological warfare thriller, the author blends suspense with the actions of fascinating characters and one of the worst bad guys in print. Chapters alternate between Alex's search efforts and Austin's experiences. With a great plot, it is well written by an author whose work I enjoy.
The title uses the national flower of Viet Nam, the red lotus which is used for spiritual healing in Vietnamese folk medicine. It represents selfless love, resurrection and optimism for the future as well.
An international biological warfare thriller, the author blends suspense with the actions of fascinating characters and one of the worst bad guys in print. Chapters alternate between Alex's search efforts and Austin's experiences. With a great plot, it is well written by an author whose work I enjoy.
The title uses the national flower of Viet Nam, the red lotus which is used for spiritual healing in Vietnamese folk medicine. It represents selfless love, resurrection and optimism for the future as well.
The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian came out before the intensity of COVID pandemic became a reality. Reading it at this point through the lens of an actual global pandemic seems prescient. The mystery of this book is not really a mystery. The information about how a contagion might be developed and spread is frighteningly fascinating. The details about rats, I could do without! At the same time, a book about a possible fictional pandemic becomes an escape from the real one.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2020/01/the-red-lotus.html
Reviewed for NetGalley.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2020/01/the-red-lotus.html
Reviewed for NetGalley.
