| Title | : | Land of Red Mist |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1912361167 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781912361168 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 375 |
| Publication | : | Published October 17, 2022 |
Seeking to escape the stifling atmosphere of post-war England, the callow Edward Braddock voyages to South-East Asia to work on his uncle’s rubber plantation. But it soon becomes clear that beneath the tropical sky dangers await; and most especially in the depths of the human heart.
Set in the strife-torn Malaya of the 1950s during the end days of British rule, Land of Red Mist is a tale of yearning, folly and transformation.
Land of Red Mist Reviews
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I have been checking, and I think I’ve read and reviewed most of the books John Dolan has published so far (I haven’t had a chance to catch up with his Baking Bad, supposedly a collection of notes from his diary, but I’m sure I’ll get round to it soon), and have enjoyed everything: his adventures into mythology, his peculiar and irreverent dictionary, and most of all, his two related mystery series, Time, Blood and Karma, and Children of Karma. Therefore, it is always with trepidation that I receive the news of the publication of another one of his books. I have never been disappointed yet. And I wasn’t this time either.
For those who don’t have much time, here is a summary of my review: A great historical novel set in Malaya in the final years before its independence, about a character who encompasses both, the best and the worse of British colonialism, and a good opportunity to get a taste of Dolan’s writing for those who haven’t read his two mystery series. The action of this book takes place before those, so it can function as a peculiar kind of prequel to both, although it also closes the circle and provides some answers for those that, like me, have read them all.
Those who have read Dolan’s two previous mystery series, set mostly in Thailand, will remember that in the last book of Children of Karma, Everyone Dies, David Braddock, the protagonist, is given his father’s diary upon the man’s passing. And he hesitates a great deal before reading it because their relationship was never the best. Eventually, he reads it. Well, this is that book. And, tagged at the end, we also get to read the letter Edward Braddock wrote to accompany the diary. This is a diary written a posteriori, not something Edward wrote when things were happening, and although it is written in the first-person, as it befits a diary, it is clear that some things are glossed over and some are discussed in more detail, in order to compose the narrative he wishes to pass on. It is written in chronological order, however, it does not cover the whole of Edward’s life, but rather centres around the years he spent in Malaya, with some brief mention of his childhood (to do mostly with the time when he met his uncle Seb, who plays a big part in the novel later). Edward is fascinated by his uncle and by life in the exotic colonies, compared to the boring life his father leads, always buried in formality, bureaucracy, and convention. One of his goals throughout most of the novel is to keep away from the UK, and he goes to some extremes to try to ensure that is the case, even when he knows the end of British rule is near, and the political situation in Malaya is likely to change drastically.
This is a story of a young man who is intelligent and eager to pick up the skills necessary to make a living in Malaya, always under the wing of his uncle, and he seems to pay little attention to the risks of the situation, to the life of others around him, or to the concerns his own family might have. He is a good worker (but, then, he works in a supervisory position from the beginning and takes many things for granted), but his main concern is for himself, and for trying to be in his father’s good books without having to do exactly what his father wants from him. He is confronted with issues of loyalty from the very beginning (he is supposed to spy on his uncle and make sure he doesn’t get too cozy with the guerilla fighters, as he fought during WWII with some of them against the Japanese); and he somehow manages to keep himself afloat without upsetting the status quo. He shares characteristics of both, his father and his uncle, and overall, he is more conventional than his uncle, although he loves to think of himself as an adventurous individual, and an independent thinker.
This novel has some characteristics of a coming-of-age story, as Edward learns plenty throughout the book, about himself, his feelings, and what really matters. It is also a confession and a posthumous attempt to make things right with his son. And, although late, I must admit that especially the letter, is a very touching piece of writing.
I have talked about Edward at length, and I must confess that although I was fascinated by his life, I didn’t particularly warm to him. His is a mostly utilitarian point of view, and he had to be challenged to try and see things from anybody else’s perspective. He makes some disparaging comments about his father, but sometimes he acts in the same way, and he takes many things as a given and as a right, just because he is who he is. I won’t go into a lot of detail about what happens to him later, but let’s just say his life does not remain charmed forever, and his reaction is... complicated but understandable. Seb is a fabulous character, and I kept wondering how a novel about him would be (Hint, hint!). Although we don’t learn much about Jeanne, Edward’s sister, who also decides to try life in the colonies, I became very intrigued by her. (Yes, I wouldn’t mind learning more about her either). And Yu Yan. And Elizabeth. I’d love to get her own version of the story. Because there is a marriage, but romance... Not so much. There are plenty of other characters, all seen from Edward’s perspective, some heroic, some standard, some mysterious, and some truly horrid. And, perhaps the most important character of all is Malaya. The historical background, the international political situation, the fights, the changes the world was undergoing at the time, and the turmoil, all make for a compelling story, and this is a great way to learn about that historical period and gain a good perspective of what life must have been like in the area, especially for the Europeans living in the colonies. (There are only passing glances at what life was like for the natives).
Loyalty to the family, to your friends, and to your country (what and who really deserves your loyalty) are questioned, as are family relationships, betrayal, love, and respect, colonialism and independence, romance and love, fatherhood, blame, grief, revenge...
The book flows well and the writing style suits perfectly what we imagine would be the diary of a well-educated and travelled Englishman of the period, somebody well-informed in politics (he learns about it as he grows older), convinced of his own opinions although with some moments of hesitation and self-doubt, a good observer but not given to lengthy descriptions, rather preferring to write about the impression something makes on him. He can be witty at times, although he is not as given to philosophising or turning things on their heads as his son David is. The story is told at a good pace, it flows easily, and there are enough adventures to keep us turning the pages. Towards the end, the rhythm increases, and it is harder to keep up. Although the book is not explicit in its violence (and there is no graphic sex either), there are scary moments and some violence we are direct witnesses to (and some that are narrated second-hand), so people who prefer to avoid such subjects, should stay away.
I have mentioned the letter that accompanies the novel, and it went a long way to make me make my peace with the main character, a man who lacked self-awareness but had to face some extreme and painful events in his life, and whose final words to his son are not a self-justification, but something much more beautiful.
Having said all that, I recommend this book to anybody keen on historical fiction set in Malaya post-WWII towards the end of the British home rule, to any fans of John Dolan, and to those who would like to discover a talented writer with a flair for combining great locations, with unforgettable characters, and complex plots that will keep them thinking. -
I’ll always be amazed at just how versatile John Dolan’s writing talent is! After reading all of his books, I can honestly say that I have no idea how he does it, but he always manages to surprise me. I never know what to expect when I dive into his newest story: will it be a gritty thriller, a hilariously sarcastic dictionary, a dark fantasy full of just-as-dark humor or something entirely different? And surely enough, “Land of Red Mist” not only surprised me but impressed me on so many levels. First of all, it’s historical fiction at its finest set in a location not many readers are familiar with and therefore exotic, mysterious, and sometimes frankly frightening. This is the story of a young British man growing during the most turbulent times of the twentieth century just to be thrown into yet another war—civil this time—as his new chosen homeland fights for its independence.
I learned a lot while reading “Land of Red Mist” and fully sympathized with both Edward and his uncle Seb as they tried to navigate the complex and dangerous political climate of a country on the verge of crisis and try to understand where they stand in all this. The inner conflict of both men was shown exemplarily: am I a colonist of the former Empire or am I someone who sympathizes with the Malayan insurgents fighting for their right for self-determination? The relationship between the locals and the Braddock family was also brilliantly complex and ever-evolving as the story progressed. Without giving too much away, let me just say this: “Land of Red Mist” is not only one of the finest historical fiction novels I’ve read but to me it reminded me of “One Hundred Years of Solitude” and similar remarkable novels that truly deserve the right to be called classic. Read it—I promise, you’ll thank me later. -
A life changing move to his uncle's rubber plantation in Malaya takes Edward Braddock on the journey of a lifetime. He's looking to make his mark and escape the clutches of a controlling family in England. Amidst the shifting, political currents in his new country, will he achieve the legacy he aspires to, or one that will dim his soul?
The challenge of working the plantation presents Edward with raw experiences and shocking insights as the world around him evolves. Will his uncle's business survive? When a childhood acquittance unexpectedly arrives in his new homeland, will Edward balk, or take on the challenge of an unplanned romance?
Author Dolan weaves an intriguing tale of a man's journey into adulthood in the wilds and political upheavals of 1950s Malaya. It's raw, noirish narrative makes for a suspenseful, page turning story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with its mystery and intrigue, highly recommended! -
Love, Loyalty, Treachery, and Philosophy
I can’t imagine a John Dolan that doesn’t make you think. I have yet to read all of the Time, Blood, and Karma series, but that is just an accident. I’m looking forward to devouring those I haven’t read.
The protagonist, Edward Braddock certainly does that. A young man, unwilling to settle and work on his father’s estate, goes to Malaya during the turbulent years after WWII and until the country is finally free of colonial rule.
He must grow up quickly to answer the challenges of his work for his uncle, Seb.
Many questions emerge as the political climate includes racial divisions, insurgence, and the end of British rule.
Add to this the exotic scenery the enigmatic Malayan beauties, the uprising in another country, and you have a full-flavoured John Dolan novel. His writing is superb, the research accurate, and the plot captivating. Books that force you to think are the best. -
This is another Dolan classic.
It is quite different in pace to his other work but still incredibly hard to put down.
Here we meet Edward Braddock, David's father who has been on national service in Malaya.
We learn that Edward has 2 uncles, one seemingly a bit of a wastrel for whom their father seems to have little time: Thomas who owns a plantation in the Caribbean and the other, Seb, who owns a rubber plantation in Malaya.
Edward immediately takes to Seb and ends up working for him. This is where all the adventure starts.
Seb is a war hero in Malaya after helping rid the country of the Japanese but this leaves him close to a member of the Communist Terror group as one of his former brothers in arms ends up being a member of this group. This puts Seb at odds with the British rule.
I won't spoil the plot but in this book, we _begin_ to learn why David's relationship with Edward is the way it is and how it is the ultimate tragedy that has pushed their relationship into pretty much non-existence.
I really hope that John writes a part 2 for this as there is so much more to learn about Edward's past.
Thank you JD for another fabulous book that I ended up reading in 2 sittings! -
At the end of ‘Everyone Dies’, the breath-taking finale of the 7-book series featuring private detective David Braddock, John Dolan’s anti-hero tells us:
"As I promised myself, I finally read Edward Braddock’s manuscript. Twice. I learned a lot about my mother, and came to understand why my father’s attitude to me was always so distant and critical. I also encountered in the pages of his memoir some interesting and unexpected karmic connections both to myself and to others. But that, as the saying goes, is a story for another day."
‘Land of Red Mist’ is that story for another day, and a powerful story it is, intertwining themes of love, hate, guilt and retribution in a slow-burn build-up to a shockingly tragic ending. In the earlier books, David’s father, Edward, is portrayed as a cold, remote figure lacking in paternal affection who became a widower shortly after the birth of his only son. Now we hear his voice in the memoir, trying to explain ‘how life was for us in those far-off days’ and, importantly, ‘to paint …a personal and genuine picture’ of the mother David never knew: ‘a beautiful, brave and unique soul.’
Sent by his father to help out his Uncle Seb, owner of a Malayan rubber plantation, the stolid, unemotional Edward undergoes a transformation. It begins with a steadily deepening affection for his nonconformist uncle, a growing attachment to this very foreign country, and ends in a marriage of convenience which turns into a passionate affair of the heart.
In his first work of historical fiction, Dolan pulls off the difficult feat of creating a character whose narrative not only convinces us of the truth of his own story but also conveys what it is like to live at a particular time in a particular place. The small circle of ex-pats, plantation owners, army types, and intelligence officers, the extremes of climate and culture, the mesmerising appeal of the jungle into which the deadly communist insurgents evaporate ‘like red mist’ - all are vividly rendered.
But, more astonishingly, Dolan has also closed a circle. Edward’s memoirs are a crucial missing piece in the huge fresco which has emerged over the various books. One of the ‘karmic connections’ is the desire for retribution which consumes both father and son. In ‘Everyone Dies’, David’s obsession is to kill the man who has ordered his daughter’s murder. The old Monk calls it a ‘heavy black cinder’ lodged in his heart; David himself describes it as ‘a deep well of anger…a hatred towards the world for all that it has stolen from me.’ Edward recounts how, sixty years earlier, as events in Malaya build to a terrible denouement, he too is consumed by similar sentiments– ‘a crimson cloud of anger-of incessant railing against the injustice of the world.’
Many ‘threads of karma’ link the human tragedies and comedies that constitute The World According to Dolan, and which, brought to life under the author’s masterly pen, make the whole series a must-read. -
This book will more than satisfy fans of the author’s Time, Blood and Karma series that covers the life of its inimitable protagonist, David Braddock. A welcome follow-up to this gripping series, Land of Red Mist is penned with a different stroke, John Dolan adopting a more serious tone that’s in keeping with the historical events of the time.
The setting for this fascinating story is Malaya, during the turbulent twelve years between 1948 and 1960 when there was an uprising to free Malaysia from colonial rule.
Against this backdrop of insurgency and political unrest, we follow the life of David’s father, Edward Braddock, and learn the reasons behind their difficult relationship which the previous series only hinted at and never fully explored.
Eager to join his uncle Seb and assist in the running of the family’s rubber plantation, Edward grows to love Malaysia, despite the political climate with its racial divisions and ever present dangers. He forges a warm friendship with his uncle and we are introduced to a wide range of interesting characters: Alfie Dougal, a down-to-earth Scotsman and Seb’s right-hand man on the plantation, Yu Yan, Seb’s amah, the Head of Special Branch, and not least Elizabeth Whitton who has her own story to tell. Their intertwining lives add spice to an atmosphere of uncertainty and dread as the tensions mount. To say more would take away the surprises and there is no shortage of those!
The well executed historical events obviously involved some meticulous research. Aside from the exciting story itself, I learned a lot from this detailed account of the Malayan conflict, giving me a deeper understanding of how it must feel to live amidst such turmoil. To take an engaging story and weave all the threads into a situation such as this requires a great deal of skill. John Dolan has pulled this off with consummate ease in Land of Red Mist which clearly demonstrates his versatility as a writer.
A final note that will resonate with his followers: my enjoyment of the Braddock family saga is tinged with sadness now that the series has come to an end. When I reached the conclusion, however, I felt there was room for more on Edward Braddock’s life and I cannot help but wonder if Mr Dolan is planning to surprise us all in the future. I sincerely hope so! 5* -
At different times in John Dolan’s epic seven novel account of David Braddock’s adventures, David’s father Edward, although a character who infrequently appears, has an outsize influence on his son. At his death, Edward has left his memoirs for David. David and Edward had a rocky, nettlesome relationship, and David has refused to read the memoirs, although he never actually destroys them. The reader has been teased for several years as to what is contained in these confessions. Now we know. Land of Red Mist is those collected memoirs.
Not only is this an exciting adventure story, but also the reader gets a history of Malaya, where the narrative takes place, and it is a particularly interesting period in the chronicles of Southeast Asia (the 1950’s). Edward is a very smart young man, full of the desire to do the right thing, who speaks his mind even at great risk. The characters wax philosophical on topics such as war, loyalty, patriotism, treachery, and family obligation. We are simultaneously entertained and enlightened.
Land of Red Mist is a bit of a style change for Mr. Dolan. David Braddock is a character full of snarky humor and cynical pop philosophizing, and this comes through in Mr. Dolan’s effervescent writing. But this is not David’s story, it’s Edward’s story, and Edward is serious and bright with vast reserves of integrity and grit. He is more inclined to meet life head-on rather than distancing himself using humor. The prose effectively reflects this.
Edward is the center of this drama, but Uncle Seb, Elizabeth, Yu Yan, Declan, Harris, Fred, Brigadier Powell, and Anderson are characters that come vividly to life in Mr. Dolan’s deftly written novel.
I have followed David Braddock since the very first installment, Everyone Burns, and he is one of my very favorite fictional characters. Through the tragedy in the epic memoir of Edward’s life, I have come to understand David better. David has become, for me, a deeper, sadder, and more colorful character. Land of Red Mist is Edward’s story. It is robust and compelling, and stands on its own. But you would be remiss if you did not undertake David’s journey as well. -
Land of Red Mist is the final book of the Braddock series of novels. This one is about Edward Braddock, the father of David Braddock the protagonist of the other novels. While David is in his early 40s, Edward is in his mid-20s, and the age difference explains some of the differences in the two characters. David is a sometimes therapist, more or less full-time private dectective living and working in Thailand. Edward is a soldier and then rubber planter in 1950s Malaysia. Edward is a decisive, sometimes impulsive, man of action. David is a reluctant one. David is a little more than world-weary, is attracted to and sometimes practices Buddhism and is generally philosophic. Edward is almost certainly an adherent of the Church of England, but religion is little mentioned in his book. Relations between father and son are strained ifnthe David-narrated books. The Edward book explains why.
All the Braddock novels are in the first person singular and John Dolan is a master of this difficult form. Land of Red Mist is a memoir of the sixty-something Edward and is accompanied by a letter to David. Both are delivered to David only after Edward's death. The father and son are alike in their introspection. They also share a deep love of South East Asia. The young Edward has insights but his lack of maturity often governs his actions.
While dealing with the brutality of the failing communist insurrection of 1950s Malaysia, this is a beautiful book full of lyrical description of an often extremely harsh land and its many peoples.
Very highly recommended. -
Land of Red Mist is a memoir from father to son and is the last chapter in Braddock's colourful and compelling sagas Time, Blood, and Karma / Children of Karma.
Having followed David Braddock's journey and the repeated mention of his father's memoir I was more than a tad interested to find out what Edward Braddock wanted his son to know after his death.
Edward's story is a wart and all account of his life in Malaya. There is no justification for what Edward did to his son, and his actions leading up to and beyond the day he lost his wife, Elizabeth. A death he never overcame, for which David was to pay the highest price.
There are some touching moments, I enjoyed the way Elizabeth and Edward married. It was, by their own accounts, a marriage of convenience for them both, which turned into love. Some events in this book are hard-hitting, the bandit attacks are just one of them. Life was very different in the 50s and Dolan has done an excellent job, of maintaining a true voice of life in that era.
Of course, Land of Red Mist carries with it, Dolan's, wit, and that is what brings this story to life. Through the darkness, there is a thread of humour, which lifts the dark and brings in a lighter element. Edward's relationship with Fred is one example of Dolan's character indulgences that carried the story along.
If you haven't read the Karma series, this would also be a stand-alone read. However, once you've read Land of Red Mist, you are going to want to delve into the rest of the Karam series. -
Land of Red Mist has been highly anticipated if you are a reader of the author's two series, TIME, BLOOD AND KARMA and KARMA'S CHILDREN, seven books in total. The title and the main character of this book, Edward Braddock, have been mentioned in Mr. Dolan's other books. Therefore, readers like me are curious to know how it begins and consider it a prequel.
The setting of Land of Red Mist is the mid-twentieth century in British Malaya. With the first person POV, the author adroitly illustrates the main character's thoughts and views, which allows the reader to FEEL his internal wrangle and growth through time. The storyline wraps around the chaos of the country's struggle to transition from a British colony and declare independence and the political unsettling of Communist terrorists from the residue of World War II killings. A marvelous blend of sub-stories woven into the primary storyline, which infuses a fair dose of humor and poetic scenes, makes it a true page-turner.
The well-balanced suspense and character development conclude with outstanding plot twists that lead to the thought-provoking questions in the book blurb: What is loyalty? What drives a person to treachery? What do we really mean when we say we love someone? The ending may provide the readers with the answers to those queries or even open the door to draw readers into a more profound contemplation.
I recommend this book to anyone fond of memoirs mingled with historical faction and philosophical pondering. It's deep with layers. -
'Land of Red Mist is the prequel to John Dolan’s David Braddock private detective Time, Blood and Karma and Children of Karma series (seven books in all). It is set in Malaya in the 1950s during the end days of British rule and tells the story of David’s father, Edward Braddock and his mother Elizabeth, and their life on a rubber plantation against a dangerous backdrop of brutal communist revolt. It is written as a journal of his life which he records to leave for his son together with a final letter, both of which we have already seen have been untouched by David Braddock. It is exceptionally well written and like all John Dolan’s books are incredibly well researched. Without exception they take you to lands you may know nothing about. I particularly enjoyed the way he has written it in language commensurate with the times.
I have patiently awaited this book having read the two series about David Braddock which leaves you with hints that there were secrets within his familial past that he was unaware of. All the books are an unique vision of different cultures and in this one of times and histories that are explained throughout. I found myself left with tears in eyes and a lump in my throat but couldn’t say whether that was because of his father’s final letter or that I had come to the end of the story. Maybe both. (Pat McDonald, British crime author) -
Land of Red Mist by John Dolan is an intelligent, engaging book that pulled me in, completely. I love the author’s realistic approach. There’s just something clever in his use language. And his writings are always sprinkled with just enough sarcasm to keep me amused throughout.
Dolan’s stories are original and unpretentious, yet slick. He has a special skill of taking the reader by the hand, across unique destinations. Seamlessly.
This novel, like his others in the Braddock catalog had me completely immersed, no matter how intense things turned.
I highly recommend John Dolan’s books. Land of Red Mist was an entertaining escape with unpredictable twists, intriguing characters with an original plot.
Quote:
“To the East, the sky was beginning to lighten. Curls of heavy grey cloud were sucking at the treetops. Fireflies danced in the breathless air. As Seb had said, the jungle was never really at rest. I visualized the lianas and other parasite stems that had woven themselves into the dense greenery, and I fancied that I could hear them growing.
Ah, Malaya! The constant sweating, the mosquitos, the CTs and occasional bouts of guilt which presented as fever. Yet I couldn’t for the life of me think of anywhere I’d rather be.” -
This was a beautifully written novel of some depth set in Malaya in the 1950s, a time and a place I’ll admit to knowing almost nothing about. That said, while I still have much to understand, what I did draw from this novel was a time in history fraught with danger, wavering loyalties, uncertainty around every corner, and profound sadness. John Dolan easily draws the reader into another world with this exceptional historical fiction.
I was intrigued by the character of Edward Braddock who had come from England to work on his uncle’s rubber plantation, with no desire to return as his family wished him to do. Written in the first person, Braddock is unapologetically honest and no one is more aware of his shortcomings than he is. Reading this story, I felt Braddock was as real as a character gets. I don’t want to give anything away, but I especially enjoyed his personal/family story—never once knowing what would happen or how the character would respond to the many events in his life. But I ended this book knowing this man as best as anyone can.
I’ve read several books by this author. He is an supremely talented writer and I highly recommend this novel. -
This is a world I thoroughly enjoy being in. One part thriller, one part family saga, the expanding universe of the Time, Blood, and Karma series is totally engrossing. While TBK focuses on David Braddock, a British private detective living in Thailand, Land of Red Mist takes us back in time to the 1950s, telling his father's story. Until now, Edward Braddock has been a man we've only gotten to know in his old age. In the present-day world of this saga, he's difficult and has a complicated and at times almost pitiful relationship with his son. But in this wonderful, luxurious novel, we get to know him as a young man full of piss and vinegar, as they say. A man who, like his son in the TBK books, falls in love with another land, another woman, a vastly different culture. He struggles to reconcile his very Britishness and his responsibilities to his family with his lust for adventure, his conscience, and the very complicated and dangerous political changes afoot in his "adopted" country.
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I have had a roaring crush on David Braddock for seven novels, and for many of those pages, David's father and their complicated relationship has haunted his thoughts. I've been drumming my fingers for the elder Mr. Braddock's story since John Dolan announced it, and I was not disappointed.
Land of Red Mist is a wry, eloquent frog-boil of a fictional memoir set against Malaysia’s last years under British control in the late fifties. I jumped in to the cool recollections of a green youth; somewhere just-shy of halfway through, the tension was about to boil over, but it was far too late to save myself from the tense finale.
As an aside, I learned a lot, both organically within the narrative, and by researching and looking at maps as I read, because it's a time and place unfamiliar to this GenX American reader, but the novel rarely felt intentionally instructive. Bravo! -
The Braddock series continues with a bang as we get to learn about David's father, Edward & his coming of age in British Malaya. The story is set on a rubber plantation around the time of Malaysian independence and offers all the suspense, wit & humor that the author's regular readers are accustomed to. I enjoyed reading this book just as much as the previous ones and am eagerly awaiting the next one in the series.
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Edward Braddock, son of a wealthy family, did his National Service in Malaya and longs to return when the chance comes ... He escapes the family to help on his uncle's rubber plantation.
Adventure, friendship, secrets, love and responsibilities await, but for most of the time things move only slowly toward the tense climax.
I was gripped by the narrative and the storytelling. I heartily recommend this book! -
Wonderful book except the ending
John Dolan is a wonderful writer and I have thoroughly enjoyed all his books so far. This one is also well written and an engaging story with interesting characters. I did find the ending too sudden and unfulfilling, however. -
Very few contemporary novelists capture Southeast Asia settings as well as John Dolan, and in "Land of Red Mist" he has crafted another winner populated with well-drawn characters starting with our protagonist, a young British army veteran. Sent back to Malaya during the communist insurgency, Edward's father instructs him to keep an eye on Uncle Seb, a WWII veteran jungle fighter whose loyalties may be suspect vis-à-vis the Chinese communists. Sprinkle in the lovely Yu Yan, his uncle's major domo (mistress?), a strong supporting cast and the backdrop of 1950s historical events and Dolan has crafted a page-turner. Fan's of the author's contemporary anti-hero David Braddock will derive additional enjoyment from the end-story reveals. Highly recommended.
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Land of Red Mist by John Dolan is a sweeping, historical account of British expatriate life in Malaya during the 1950s.
What struck me over and over was the immersive storytelling... with just enough detail to bring me into Edward Braddock's world and to keep me there.
I hesitate to call it a coming of age, as someone reading this review might incorrectly think this is a story about a teenager, it is not, but the wisdom accrued by this young man searching for his 'why' certainly shows growth.
I haven't been this engaged in a historical text since I read, 'The Thornbirds' and 'Shogun.' They are not the same setting or story, but I've lamented loudly to anyone who would listen that it's rare to find deeper emotional layers in modern stories and this one serves up a heaping spoonful.
The narrator's voice feels so authentically true that I was there on the rubber plantation with Uncle Seb and Edward. My heart broke when I realized that this was also David Braddock's origin story.
Family expectations are omnipresent, love and admiration in all its forms, betrayal and tragedy are present, an overarching one of a country in turmoil and one of a flawed human trying to navigate his way between loyalty, friendship, his desires and the stifling weight of responsibility.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and excellent writing.
Kudos to author, John Dolan, he knocked it out of the park! -
This prequel to Mr. Dolan's "Time, Blood, and Karma" and "Karma's Children" series drew me in from its beginning. It tells the tale of the birth of David Braddock, the protagonist of those series.
The story takes place in Malaya, a land in crisis in the 1950s. The author does an excellent job of relating the troubles of Southeast Asia during that time period, and does so in a manner that pulled me deep into the plot.
The main characters are well-depicted, their psyche explored fully. I found myself commiserating with Edward Braddock, David's father, throughout the story. The story of Elizabeth, the woman who becomes David's mother, touched my heart, and his uncle Seb's amah, Yu Yan really appealed to me.
The action is well-portrayed and realistic.
I strongly recommend this book. It is eloquently written and informative. -
I'm a big fan of John Dolan's works and this latest instalment did not disappoint. More of a historical novel, beautifully written with that dry Braddock family humour.
At the end of 'Everyone Dies', David Braddock is putting off reading the memoirs from his Father Edward. Land of Red Mist is those memoirs, written for his son about how he met his Mother Elizabeth and his time in Malaya working on the Rubber plantation with his uncle Seb.
Set in Malaya in the 1950s during a time of unrest and division, the story reads like a historical novel, beautifully written.
Really enjoyed this one, highly recommend! Please check it out. -
Immersion, yes! That simple word describes the effect on readers of any of John Dolan’s Karma novels, whether set in Thailand, as are almost all, or elsewhere. Dolan’s magic manipulation of our minds provides stimuli for all the senses, or at least that is how it feels, as he conjures up the trials and tribulations of his anti-hero David Braddock in the convoluted goings-on in Bangkok and elsewhere in the Land of Smiles. It is evident to anyone who has read even a couple of the Braddock books, that there are unanswered questions lurking in the background. True, we were given an explanation for his leaving England for those exotic shores, yet, why there; why not, say, South Africa, Australia, even South America. No, there is something missing; a facet of his history, barely glimpsed through his adventures. Now to follow the thread, another, more complex and, dare-I-say, exotic word needs to be introduced. Epigenetics! [Don’t worry, a lecture in biology is not going to follow].
Everyone knows that biological parents pass their genes onto their offspring. Yet, we are not all cloned copies of our immediate ancestors because a whole host of factors are responsible for turning each gene either on or off. These factors, collectively called epigenetics, include parental life experiences, amongst many others. So what has this got to do with a new John Dolan book, you would be excused for asking at this point?
Author Dolan’s protagonist is very much at home in his far-flung Asian destination. He may have English blood running through his veins, yet he ‘fits’ in the ever-so-distinct sociology and psychology of his adopted home. As a fan of this author’s work, I have occasionally found myself musing on this very point: what in the Braddock family history makes David like he is? Well, now, after reading ‘Land of Red Mist’, I have, at least in part, my answer.
It is a fictional memoir, an imaginary autobiography, written by David Braddock’s father, Edward, relating his desire to follow the lead of his uncle Sebastian, something of a familiar black sheep, instead of that of his stern, formal father. Uncle Seb manages a large rubber plantation in Malaya during the years prefixing its independence. Once again, immersion is the word – yet with subtle differences, this being Malaya in post WWII until the early sixties, where the Malayan communist party tried to overthrow the post-war British colonial administration violently. The times were tumultuous; the people, both native and foreigners, larger than life; daily events either conditioned by the hard work on the plantations or the false bonhomie adopted by the colonists, yet sprinkled with spies and insurgents, double-dealing, deceit and murderous intent. Yes, magician Dolan has not just transported the reader on a strange and wonderful adventure in enigmatic domains, he has also taken us back to a time most will not recall, fewer will have experienced, and many will be completely unaware of, as we take a front row seat during an epic and fateful moment in Braddock family history. An amazing and highly fulfilling read. ‘Chapeau!’ I say to our galericulate author, John Dolan. -
This is the first book I’ve read by John Dolan and I knew as soon as I’d read the first few pages I would enjoy it immensely. The authorial voice greatly appealed, being completely suited to the time and place in which the story is set – i.e. the 1950s, nearing the end of British colonial rule in Malaysia. The ‘voice’ also agrees with the high social standing of the main characters.
The well-paced plot revolves around the life of Edward Braddock, an intelligent young man who, after leaving university, embarks on his two-year National Service in Malaya. Yet on returning home to the miserable state of post-WW11 Britain, and having been smitten by the exotic beauty of Malaya, Edward accepts a position on his Uncle Seb’s rubber plantation there.
Unfortunately, although honest and upright, Edward is inexperienced in life, love, and the loyalty he owes to family and friends. He seeks his pleasures in in the whore houses of the city, and by betraying his uncle’s trust. Love is an emotion that Edward has never really felt, but as the story unfolds and the increasing raids and ambushes of communist Chinese insurgents make Malaya an extremely dangerous place to live, we see Edward slowly changing. He comes into contact with many intriguing people, including Fred, another would-be planter, Yu Yan, Seb’s amah (nurse / maidservant) Harris, Declan and later on, Elizabeth. All play a part in this drama, and the author does an excellent job in their character development.
The plot reaches its climax brilliantly, by which time Edward has begun to know the meaning of love. What is lost cannot be replaced and, although engulfed by sadness, he can move on, a more thoughtful and considerate man. The letter he writes to his grown-up son, David (who is a tiny babe at the close of this book) is a fitting end, and a great prequel to the author’s two series of books about private investigator, David Braddock: Edward’s son.
In summary, ‘Land of Red Mist’ is a wonderful book in every way. It is extremely well researched and plotted, beautifully written, highly educational – and a book that evokes many emotions.
Highly recommended -
Having read all the books in the David Braddock series, it was fascinating to step back a generation to see where his life began, and how it set off on a rocky course shortly after his birth.
The story revolves around Edward Braddock, reluctant father of David. Edward is young and anxious to grab the world by the tail. But he does not, under any circumstances, want to be shackled to the family business.
Trying to dodge that fate, he ventures off to Malaya to work for his Uncle Seb―a renegade, much like himself. They hit it off from the start, and Edward quickly becomes entranced by the Far East.
Edward has a lot of growing up to do, which he does quickly. Life in the subtropics is the complete opposite of what he has known his whole life, and he quickly becomes infatuated with the wild beauty of the place, warts, bullets and all.
As he becomes entrenched in the new culture, he discovers strengths he and his family never knew he possessed. He also realizes he never wants to go back to England, where his life will be suffocated by layers of family obligations.
Edward grows into a very capable man. He cherishes his forays into town for the excitement and the female companionship. And every letter that hints of him returning to England drives him further away from his family. He thinks he can out run all the obligatory customs―like marriage―then Fate throws him a curve he can’t dodge.
The stark contrast between this novel and the David Braddock series underscores the author’s versatility and his ability to don any persona and make it seem completely authentic. This book exudes the essence of life in the untamed tropical jungles during the 1930s, with all its morals and warring factions, possible calamities, and seductive charm that continues to lure adventurers by the thousands. -
A superbly written adventure story.
This is a book I’ve been waiting for. Having read the seven books that comprise the David Braddock, Time, Blood and Karma, Children of Karma series, and thoroughly enjoyed them, I suspected that something was amiss, a mystery, something not stated by the author. I held lingering questions about how things came to be for David, and his relationship with his father; until now.
John Dolan’s writing skill speaks for itself
in those seven previous novels. In Land of Red Mist, he excels. Set as it is in 1950s Malaya in the time of the Malayan Emergency, it’s a big story he’s tackled, weaving into the narrative the backdrop of Britain’s twelve year war against communist insurgency. His research into that conflict has to be thorough.
Land of Red Mist is a long letter, composed by David’s father, Edward. It is at once a family history that introduces David to Elizabeth, the mother he never knew, an explanation, a confession, and an apology from a man to his son to be delivered posthumously. For the reader, it’s a prequel, a Rosetta stone, in that it answers and clarifies many of those lingering questions. And above all, it’s a thrilling and superbly written adventure story I enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
