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Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Set in Vietnam, Hanh Dien: A Novel by Ian Walters is a gripping story revolving around Hanh Dien. The protagonist in the story is portrayed as a powerful character addicted to gambling, who also lusts after power. Hanh Dien played to lose. Gambling never tired her. Players came and went but she stayed till the end. And she also drew men to her. All men found her highly attractive. She was either playing or she was with men. She caused misery to all those who were against her. The story sees the same thing happening to the lives of all the characters in the book. Ruthlessly, Hanh Dien turns their dreams into misery.
An absorbing story of passion, desire, hatred, power and manipulation, Hanh Dien throws light on Vietnamese values in how she uses and manipulates those who get trapped in her snare. Mr C, a high ranking party official, adds more color to the story line. There is an underlying eroticism and sensuality in the plot as it progresses. It keeps you glued till the very end. The characterization of Hanh Dien has been done powerfully. Highlighting her sleazy and cunning side makes the book a winner. I like the way the author dealt with the plot without making it explicit or dirty. Hanh Dien will stay in the minds of readers for a long time. The open ending of the story leaves more for interpretation and adds to the effectiveness of the plot. An excellent theme that has been handled with a lot of elegance.
