Karma and the Helpful Hand

In this unusual crime novel, the action alternates between modern England and Vietnam in the 1960s. Paul, an erstwhile green activist, is going through a rough patch after the loss of his job, his long-term partner and some of his ideals. Following the sudden disappearance of his wealthy brother-in-law, Robert, he reluctantly agrees to help his sister try and discover what’s become of him. Gradually Paul becomes caught up in an investigation into Robert’s past and a relationship with Susanna, a director at Robert’s firm. Thirty-five years earlier, Bien enjoys an innocent childhood growing up in a village in South Vietnam, while his parents and relations cope with the problems of war. Meanwhile, Mike O’ Connell, an American journalist, becomes increasingly disillusioned as he chronicles the horror and futility of the conflict. Slowly the connection between the two stories becomes apparent and Bien, O’Connell and modern Vietnam all put in an appearance before the final dramatic resolution.