I gave this book four stars, not because it's not well-written (it is), and not because the story wasn't engaging and the characters weren't compelling and believable. They were.

It got four stars only because I did not like some of the graphic descriptions of torture and the resultant injuries. I usually steer clear of graphic violence when I read for enjoyment. (I read some horrifying non-fiction for work, sometimes, though.) I read this novel because I was so impressed by this author's previous book, although that, too, was an aberration from my typical reading material.

Lam is a great author, and his protagonist, the headmaster, is a completely infuriating, exasperating and yet sympathetic character. I was rooting for him although I also wanted to shake him.

So, I'd recommend this book to anyone who isn't particularly squeamish.