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Those Opulent Days
Jacquie Pham’s transportive debut, Those Opulent Days, delivers a classic historical murder mystery centered around the glamor, violence, wealth, and opium of 1920’s French-colonial Vietnam that meshes the structural brilliance of Lucy Foley’s The Guest List with the historical vitality of Vanessa Chan's The Storm We Made, and the upstairs-downstairs drama of Downton Abbey.
One will lose his mind. One will pay. One will agonize. And one will die.
Duy, Phong, Minh, and Edmond have been best friends since childhood. Now, as young men running their families’ formidable businesses, they make up Saigon’s most powerful group of friends in 1928 Vietnam’s elite society.
Until one of them is murdered.
In a lavish mansion on a hill in Dalat, all four men have gathered for an evening of indulgence, but one of them won’t survive the night. Toggling between this fatal night and the six days leading up to it, told from the perspectives of the four men, their mothers, their servants, and their lovers, an intricate web of terror, loyalty, and well-kept secrets begins to unravel.
As the story creeps closer to the murder, and as each character becomes a suspect, the true villain begins to colonialism, the French occupation of Vietnam, and the massive economic differences that catapult the wealthy into the stratosphere while the poor starve on the streets.
Those Opulent Days is at once both a historical novel of vivid intensity and a classically structured, pitch-perfect murder mystery featuring a robust cast of characters you won’t soon forget.
One will lose his mind. One will pay. One will agonize. And one will die.
Duy, Phong, Minh, and Edmond have been best friends since childhood. Now, as young men running their families’ formidable businesses, they make up Saigon’s most powerful group of friends in 1928 Vietnam’s elite society.
Until one of them is murdered.
In a lavish mansion on a hill in Dalat, all four men have gathered for an evening of indulgence, but one of them won’t survive the night. Toggling between this fatal night and the six days leading up to it, told from the perspectives of the four men, their mothers, their servants, and their lovers, an intricate web of terror, loyalty, and well-kept secrets begins to unravel.
As the story creeps closer to the murder, and as each character becomes a suspect, the true villain begins to colonialism, the French occupation of Vietnam, and the massive economic differences that catapult the wealthy into the stratosphere while the poor starve on the streets.
Those Opulent Days is at once both a historical novel of vivid intensity and a classically structured, pitch-perfect murder mystery featuring a robust cast of characters you won’t soon forget.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 12, 2024
About the author
Jacquie Pham
2 books42 followersJacquie Pham is a Vietnamese-Australian writer of adult fiction. She currently lives in Sydney with two very goofy dogs. Don’t tell them, but Jacquie also loves cats.
She can be found on social media @jacquiepham.
She can be found on social media @jacquiepham.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 6, 2024
Finished copy gifted by the publisher
What I liked
- the historical setting in Vietnam
- exploration of power imbalance between race and class
- while there are multiple povs, the four main characters are very distinct. The supporting cast is equally memorable. Phenomenal work especially as a debut
What didn’t work for me
- frankly most of the characters are despicable. It’s not necessarily a weakness of the book just something to prepare for
- I don’t read that much mystery/suspense and even I guessed all the twists 😅
What I liked
- the historical setting in Vietnam
- exploration of power imbalance between race and class
- while there are multiple povs, the four main characters are very distinct. The supporting cast is equally memorable. Phenomenal work especially as a debut
What didn’t work for me
- frankly most of the characters are despicable. It’s not necessarily a weakness of the book just something to prepare for
- I don’t read that much mystery/suspense and even I guessed all the twists 😅
September 2, 2024
This is really good. On the surface a murder mystery, but really a deep dive exploration and expose on the racial and class complexities during French colonial era Vietnam. I'm totally unfamiliar with this bit of history, so that was all fascinating to learn about.
August 19, 2024
Jacquie Pham’s Those Opulent Days is a historical fiction novel set in 1920’s French-colonized Vietnam (known as An Nam at the time and its citizens, Annamites - though this isn’t super clear from the book). The story follows 4 childhood friends from affluent families, and one night, one of them is found dead. The timeline then backtracks to the past 6 days and is told from the perspective of the four friends, their servants, and family members.
Fair warning, this book was a very intense read - there’s violence, sexual assault, opium and alcohol abuse, and lots of murders (victimization of innocents and servants) involved.
Each character is represented very well, with a distinct voice and a complex background. It’s clear that the author has done a lot of historical research into French-colonized Vietnam, so I wish that the book actually leaned into this more, especially since these stories are so uncommon and it would’ve helped with world-building and immersing the reader in a different time period. The book does repeatedly touch on the fact that French people are superior no matter the wealth or influence of the Ammanite elite, but it is pretty surface level, and doesn’t go into details of cruel exploitation of their land, labor, and people. The author has a talent for writing and is able to make you feel sympathetic for the main characters and dislike them at the same time. The author also brings to light important issues, like the subjugation and violence towards women that are often silenced and dismissed in times of colonial strife. The book also shows the cyclical nature of abuse - starting from the French to the Annamite elite men to women to the common Annamite workers as well as the abuse transferred from parent to child to servants.
This is marketed as a murder mystery, which I feel actually hampers the story development, as it is restricted by some formulaic structure that is common to mysteries. The story actually takes a bit of time to pick up initially because of all the exposition from past connections with each character.
I was actually confused as to which boy was murdered until near the end of the novel, not sure if this was intentional. Because murder is treated in a cavalier manner in the book (there is plenty of murders described) and most of the characters are pretty despicable people (again, I think this is a restriction from the murder mystery element as they need a reason to kill one of the main characters), it was hard to care about why or who murdered one of the boys. There are some characters who were less terrible, so I wish their stories would’ve been developed more but were a little more neglected since it was too obvious they were not the killer.
Overall, an illuminating read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing an ARC for review.
Fair warning, this book was a very intense read - there’s violence, sexual assault, opium and alcohol abuse, and lots of murders (victimization of innocents and servants) involved.
Each character is represented very well, with a distinct voice and a complex background. It’s clear that the author has done a lot of historical research into French-colonized Vietnam, so I wish that the book actually leaned into this more, especially since these stories are so uncommon and it would’ve helped with world-building and immersing the reader in a different time period. The book does repeatedly touch on the fact that French people are superior no matter the wealth or influence of the Ammanite elite, but it is pretty surface level, and doesn’t go into details of cruel exploitation of their land, labor, and people. The author has a talent for writing and is able to make you feel sympathetic for the main characters and dislike them at the same time. The author also brings to light important issues, like the subjugation and violence towards women that are often silenced and dismissed in times of colonial strife. The book also shows the cyclical nature of abuse - starting from the French to the Annamite elite men to women to the common Annamite workers as well as the abuse transferred from parent to child to servants.
This is marketed as a murder mystery, which I feel actually hampers the story development, as it is restricted by some formulaic structure that is common to mysteries. The story actually takes a bit of time to pick up initially because of all the exposition from past connections with each character.
I was actually confused as to which boy was murdered until near the end of the novel, not sure if this was intentional. Because murder is treated in a cavalier manner in the book (there is plenty of murders described) and most of the characters are pretty despicable people (again, I think this is a restriction from the murder mystery element as they need a reason to kill one of the main characters), it was hard to care about why or who murdered one of the boys. There are some characters who were less terrible, so I wish their stories would’ve been developed more but were a little more neglected since it was too obvious they were not the killer.
Overall, an illuminating read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing an ARC for review.
Read
December 8, 2024This has been marketed as a historical murder mystery, which is really misleading. While a murder starts off the book, the story really isn't about who caused the death or why, though there is a final reveal. Instead, it's a story about the brutality of colonialism and men, following a group of damaged people who inflict ever greater damage on the people around them. Very atmospheric, but far darker than I expected.
December 13, 2024
Jacquie Pham's book, Those Opulent Days, takes place in 1920s Vietnam. This is a well-crafted, descriptive novel with convincing dialogue from the four main characters. It didn't merit a more glowing review from me because it is too dark. Edmond, especially, is contemptible. I had to step away from the action more than once.
December 13, 2024
Outlier review…I found the writing stilted and awkward, and the novel has an identity crisis: is it a mystery, a romance, a social novel, historical fiction? It tries to be all of these, and doesn’t do any of them very well. I was disappointed.
December 3, 2024
I thought this was a well-written book but I didn’t personally enjoy it as much as I was expecting. The setting and descriptive writing were strong, but I did not feel invested in the plot of the novel or what happened to most of the characters. At the same time, I thought the authors treatment of the intersection of race and class (like the working class tirailleur’s chapter) was complex and left me with a lot to think about. While the book certainly showed the racism and violence of French colonial rule, it also depicted the complicity of upper-class Vietnamese families.
The book was billed as a thriller/mystery but the pacing did not come across that way to me. The chapters dove into the protagonists’ resentments and backstories to the point where the “mystery” did not drive my interest forward. For me, it felt like the narrative would flash to “that night” then take a long detour talking about the four heirs’ substance abuse, resentments, and the violence they enacted on others. Those chapters were very difficult to get through and (in my opinion) took away from the pacing of the story. Each of the four male main characters seemed to have a central pain or resentment that they returned to over and over again. It was difficult to empathize with them when the author showed the deprivation and cruelty that the people around them were suffering, though I suppose that was the point. The characters were all so despicable that there was an abundance of motives for murder and, coupled with the pacing of the novel, I didn’t feel invested in what happened to them.
At the same time, though I didn’t find the central “mystery” effective, if you consider the book as a historical fiction novel many of the character vignettes were compelling, particularly Tattler/Sen’s flashbacks to surviving famine as a child. The author wrote vividly and made the setting feel very physical and real. I noticed that physical sensations like queasiness, sweatiness, and hunger came up a lot. The portrayal of 1920s Vietnam’s was rich and intriguing.
Though I wouldn’t call listening to this audiobook an enjoyable experience, I am still thinking about some of the characters and scenes and I’m glad to have read the book. I am interested to see what this author writes next.
The book was billed as a thriller/mystery but the pacing did not come across that way to me. The chapters dove into the protagonists’ resentments and backstories to the point where the “mystery” did not drive my interest forward. For me, it felt like the narrative would flash to “that night” then take a long detour talking about the four heirs’ substance abuse, resentments, and the violence they enacted on others. Those chapters were very difficult to get through and (in my opinion) took away from the pacing of the story. Each of the four male main characters seemed to have a central pain or resentment that they returned to over and over again. It was difficult to empathize with them when the author showed the deprivation and cruelty that the people around them were suffering, though I suppose that was the point. The characters were all so despicable that there was an abundance of motives for murder and, coupled with the pacing of the novel, I didn’t feel invested in what happened to them.
At the same time, though I didn’t find the central “mystery” effective, if you consider the book as a historical fiction novel many of the character vignettes were compelling, particularly Tattler/Sen’s flashbacks to surviving famine as a child. The author wrote vividly and made the setting feel very physical and real. I noticed that physical sensations like queasiness, sweatiness, and hunger came up a lot. The portrayal of 1920s Vietnam’s was rich and intriguing.
Though I wouldn’t call listening to this audiobook an enjoyable experience, I am still thinking about some of the characters and scenes and I’m glad to have read the book. I am interested to see what this author writes next.
October 15, 2024
‘The four of you. One will die.’
Set in French-colonial Vietnam (then known as Annam) during the 1920s, this murder mystery held my attention from beginning to end. Duy, Phong, Minh and Edmond, sons of wealthy families, have been best friends since childhood. One day they visited a seer, who prophesied:
‘The four of you. One will lose his mind. One will pay. One will agonize. […] One will die.’
Unsettling.
Later, in 1928, responsible for their families’ businesses, the four of them get together in a family mansion for the evening. Only three of them survive.
‘But denial was the sole emotion they all excelled in. Time passed in a silent blur.’
Who killed the fourth, and why? The story unfolds slowly in a world of privileged colonial glamour (for some), drugs and the power of the wealthy. We learn about each of the four young men, their family businesses, their own ambitions as well as the expectations of their parents.
The focus is on the six days leading up to the murder and involves multiple perspectives. The multiple perspectives provide some insight into the gulf between the wealthy and their servants, the racism and (from some) intentional cruelty.
Ms Pham paints an uncomfortable picture of colonial privilege and exploitation. The colonisers are powerful: those colonised are not. Violence, drug and alcohol abuse are all included, and it is clear that the lives of the powerful are important, while the less important are treated as entirely interchangeable and disposable.
For me, while the murder mystery became less important than the setting, I did find the conclusion satisfying. Be warned though, that this is not a novel for the squeamish.
I finished the novel determined to learn more about the history of this period.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Set in French-colonial Vietnam (then known as Annam) during the 1920s, this murder mystery held my attention from beginning to end. Duy, Phong, Minh and Edmond, sons of wealthy families, have been best friends since childhood. One day they visited a seer, who prophesied:
‘The four of you. One will lose his mind. One will pay. One will agonize. […] One will die.’
Unsettling.
Later, in 1928, responsible for their families’ businesses, the four of them get together in a family mansion for the evening. Only three of them survive.
‘But denial was the sole emotion they all excelled in. Time passed in a silent blur.’
Who killed the fourth, and why? The story unfolds slowly in a world of privileged colonial glamour (for some), drugs and the power of the wealthy. We learn about each of the four young men, their family businesses, their own ambitions as well as the expectations of their parents.
The focus is on the six days leading up to the murder and involves multiple perspectives. The multiple perspectives provide some insight into the gulf between the wealthy and their servants, the racism and (from some) intentional cruelty.
Ms Pham paints an uncomfortable picture of colonial privilege and exploitation. The colonisers are powerful: those colonised are not. Violence, drug and alcohol abuse are all included, and it is clear that the lives of the powerful are important, while the less important are treated as entirely interchangeable and disposable.
For me, while the murder mystery became less important than the setting, I did find the conclusion satisfying. Be warned though, that this is not a novel for the squeamish.
I finished the novel determined to learn more about the history of this period.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
November 29, 2024
We are introduced to four childhood friends, who bonded during their stay at a boarding school for the elite. And then we rejoin them when they are in their twenties, trying to craft some kind of life within the boundaries set by their respective families. Needless to say that it doesn't work out for neither of them, as their formative years are in an environment ruled by cruelty and an enormous disparity between the wealthy and the poor.
Vietnam in the 1920's was exploited by the French and they hold the whole population, including the elite in their power. In this social fabric, no-one is safe from the horrors of abuse, torture or death and it makes a extremely bleak read. Although very well written (and hence the four stars), I found it very difficult to read on at times. Difficulties turn into despair, bringing out the worst in people and there isn't a moment of hope or relief, only a struggle for survival, both for the poor and the rich. For those opulent days, they are not. There is only fear for one's life in a setting where no-one can fulfill any potential.
Although it is a difficult read through the hopelessness of every character, I still wanted to continue reading as I found the style very compelling and the general setting of 1920 Cochincina and its diverse characters very well crafted. As a whole, the book was completely different than I expected, not only through its bleakness, but also the lack of a real mystery. For me the book is a period piece and all about character development and immersion in another time and place. The murder is more a vehicle to carry the plot, than a true mystery in the classic sense.
A sincere thanks to NetGalley, Atlantic Monthly Press and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Vietnam in the 1920's was exploited by the French and they hold the whole population, including the elite in their power. In this social fabric, no-one is safe from the horrors of abuse, torture or death and it makes a extremely bleak read. Although very well written (and hence the four stars), I found it very difficult to read on at times. Difficulties turn into despair, bringing out the worst in people and there isn't a moment of hope or relief, only a struggle for survival, both for the poor and the rich. For those opulent days, they are not. There is only fear for one's life in a setting where no-one can fulfill any potential.
Although it is a difficult read through the hopelessness of every character, I still wanted to continue reading as I found the style very compelling and the general setting of 1920 Cochincina and its diverse characters very well crafted. As a whole, the book was completely different than I expected, not only through its bleakness, but also the lack of a real mystery. For me the book is a period piece and all about character development and immersion in another time and place. The murder is more a vehicle to carry the plot, than a true mystery in the classic sense.
A sincere thanks to NetGalley, Atlantic Monthly Press and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2024
This book is going to make waves when it’s released.
Such a spectacularly written book with a multi-layered storyline that captivates you but also leaves you ruminating long after you've read it.
Nothing was sugar-coated in this book. Full of raw and harsh realities of what happened during the French colonial rule of Vietnam.
The mystery aspect definitely has you on the edge of your seat to figure out what happened.
But to me the real beauty of this book is the very honesty, very brutal, very stark and very intellectually written accounts of - the major inequalities of the distribution of wealth, the perceived superiority of the French during the rule, the fragility of elitism and power of the Vietnamese that were part of the upper class, the absolute disregard of the lower class & so many more realities of what a nation under colonial rule endures.
There’s so much more I could say about this book.
Jacquie truly did an incredible job with this book and I cannot wait to read more of what she writes in the future.
Historical fiction is a genre that is so close to my heart, I just love the way authors give you a glimpse into the past in a way that truly transports you to that time. The characters are fiction but you always know what’s being written was the realities of actual people. It’s a genre that has to be done a certain way else it’s going to fall flat and Jacquie Pham is truly a writer that did historical fiction justice.
I am so honoured to have been given an ARC of this.
THANK YOU NetGalley, Jacquie Pham, Grove Atlantic and Atlantic Monthly Press for giving me an ARC of this book!
Such a spectacularly written book with a multi-layered storyline that captivates you but also leaves you ruminating long after you've read it.
Nothing was sugar-coated in this book. Full of raw and harsh realities of what happened during the French colonial rule of Vietnam.
The mystery aspect definitely has you on the edge of your seat to figure out what happened.
But to me the real beauty of this book is the very honesty, very brutal, very stark and very intellectually written accounts of - the major inequalities of the distribution of wealth, the perceived superiority of the French during the rule, the fragility of elitism and power of the Vietnamese that were part of the upper class, the absolute disregard of the lower class & so many more realities of what a nation under colonial rule endures.
There’s so much more I could say about this book.
Jacquie truly did an incredible job with this book and I cannot wait to read more of what she writes in the future.
Historical fiction is a genre that is so close to my heart, I just love the way authors give you a glimpse into the past in a way that truly transports you to that time. The characters are fiction but you always know what’s being written was the realities of actual people. It’s a genre that has to be done a certain way else it’s going to fall flat and Jacquie Pham is truly a writer that did historical fiction justice.
I am so honoured to have been given an ARC of this.
THANK YOU NetGalley, Jacquie Pham, Grove Atlantic and Atlantic Monthly Press for giving me an ARC of this book!
November 8, 2024
1920’s French-colonial Vietnam - the story centers around four rich heirs (and childhood friends) as they visited a fortune teller who predicted that, thirteen years later, one of the friends will be dead.
Beyond the typical murder mystery, the narrative is enriched by the historical context - Pham covers colonization, privilege, power and violence through the lives of the characters, whose success is built on repression and other's misfortunes. Pham crafts characters immersed in toxic relationships however they anchor each other by their existence. The characters are not meant to please one, rather, through their psychological episodes, the author paints a vivid portrait of the elite society tormented by glamour and addiction.
Deep secrets and dark motives populate the pages, and one's excitement comes from the engaging writing and moments of introspection that compel one to escape into the character's reality. I found satisfying the journey of unpeeling the character's past connections, even though it took some time to get there. The several POVs might feel distracting and I wish there was more time spent with the side characters. The examination of colonization and race can make the story hefty and while it might be formulaic at times, the ending quite surprised me.
THOSE OPULENT DAYS is for readers who enjoy a more purposeful murder mystery with a unique setting and despicable characters. I thought it was a solid debut and I am curious to see what Pham writes next.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Grove Atlantic . All opinions are my own ]
Beyond the typical murder mystery, the narrative is enriched by the historical context - Pham covers colonization, privilege, power and violence through the lives of the characters, whose success is built on repression and other's misfortunes. Pham crafts characters immersed in toxic relationships however they anchor each other by their existence. The characters are not meant to please one, rather, through their psychological episodes, the author paints a vivid portrait of the elite society tormented by glamour and addiction.
Deep secrets and dark motives populate the pages, and one's excitement comes from the engaging writing and moments of introspection that compel one to escape into the character's reality. I found satisfying the journey of unpeeling the character's past connections, even though it took some time to get there. The several POVs might feel distracting and I wish there was more time spent with the side characters. The examination of colonization and race can make the story hefty and while it might be formulaic at times, the ending quite surprised me.
THOSE OPULENT DAYS is for readers who enjoy a more purposeful murder mystery with a unique setting and despicable characters. I thought it was a solid debut and I am curious to see what Pham writes next.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Grove Atlantic . All opinions are my own ]
November 13, 2024
This book was unlike any book I’ve read before. The setting is 1920s Vietnam under French rule. So while it would fall under the umbrella of historical fiction, it’s also a well woven mystery.
The story unfolds from the perspectives of around 8 different characters. That sounds like a lot, and it is, but I *mostly* didn’t have any issues with it. In fact, as the book progresses, the many perspectives felt necessary to include pertinent information. I did initially struggle to keep some of the MMCs straight, but as more is revealed about them, this ultimately wasn’t an issue.
Right away, we learn that one of a group of four friends is dead, but we don’t know much else. The story begins to unravel and shifts between the night of the death and the days leading up to it.
I will say, none of the characters in this book were likable. 😅 In fact, a couple of them were literal psychopaths. All of them of them do bad things, ranging from mildly upsetting to downright heinous. And not a lot of good comes from any of it. By the end, I was left feeling…sad, maybe? I’m not quite sure, but definitely not happy or uplifted. There’s a lot of terrible events that occur, making it a darker read, so make sure you’re in the right headspace for that type of book before picking this one up!
All in all, I would recommend this book! It’s one I had to read slowly and had a bit of a hard time getting into. It’s heavy, so for that reason not hugely bingable. But a solid read, a solid mystery, and an important time and place in history to read about, especially because most in the Western world probably don’t know much about it—at least, I didn’t.
The story unfolds from the perspectives of around 8 different characters. That sounds like a lot, and it is, but I *mostly* didn’t have any issues with it. In fact, as the book progresses, the many perspectives felt necessary to include pertinent information. I did initially struggle to keep some of the MMCs straight, but as more is revealed about them, this ultimately wasn’t an issue.
Right away, we learn that one of a group of four friends is dead, but we don’t know much else. The story begins to unravel and shifts between the night of the death and the days leading up to it.
I will say, none of the characters in this book were likable. 😅 In fact, a couple of them were literal psychopaths. All of them of them do bad things, ranging from mildly upsetting to downright heinous. And not a lot of good comes from any of it. By the end, I was left feeling…sad, maybe? I’m not quite sure, but definitely not happy or uplifted. There’s a lot of terrible events that occur, making it a darker read, so make sure you’re in the right headspace for that type of book before picking this one up!
All in all, I would recommend this book! It’s one I had to read slowly and had a bit of a hard time getting into. It’s heavy, so for that reason not hugely bingable. But a solid read, a solid mystery, and an important time and place in history to read about, especially because most in the Western world probably don’t know much about it—at least, I didn’t.
June 5, 2024
"Those Opulent Days" by Jacquie Pham is classed as a murder mystery. The murder is a small element and colmination of the wider exploration of four friends....complex, loving, tolerant...the different faces of a long-term friendship. "One will lose his mind. One will pay. One will agonize. And one will die".
Duy, Phong, Minh, and Edmond have been best friends since childhood and are rich coming from the most influential families of 1928 Saigon. Well, except for the French of course, who govern Vietnam and treat the locals as second class citizens in their own country. All the more bizarre that Edmond is French and has continued his childhood friendships.
The book is narrated by the four men, their mothers, their servants, and their lovers. The cross section of perspectives reveal an intricate web of terror, loyalty, and horrific secrets.
Each friend has a distinct personality although all fragile and damaged by their upbringings. Finding solace in opium and alcohol is common. And as the fortune teller predicted, the final outcomes were dire for all.
An enjoyable read, although I lost a little momentum near the end. I was shocked by the actions of certain parties and the story telling was quite graphic in this respect but totally founded. Afterall, Saigon of this era was a violent, poor and conflicted place.
Thanks to NetGalley, Jacquie Pham and Grove Atlantic for my copy.
Duy, Phong, Minh, and Edmond have been best friends since childhood and are rich coming from the most influential families of 1928 Saigon. Well, except for the French of course, who govern Vietnam and treat the locals as second class citizens in their own country. All the more bizarre that Edmond is French and has continued his childhood friendships.
The book is narrated by the four men, their mothers, their servants, and their lovers. The cross section of perspectives reveal an intricate web of terror, loyalty, and horrific secrets.
Each friend has a distinct personality although all fragile and damaged by their upbringings. Finding solace in opium and alcohol is common. And as the fortune teller predicted, the final outcomes were dire for all.
An enjoyable read, although I lost a little momentum near the end. I was shocked by the actions of certain parties and the story telling was quite graphic in this respect but totally founded. Afterall, Saigon of this era was a violent, poor and conflicted place.
Thanks to NetGalley, Jacquie Pham and Grove Atlantic for my copy.
November 1, 2024
Thank you Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for the eARC!
Intriguing start that pulled me in right away! Those Opulent Days is a historical murder mystery set in 1920s French colonial Vietnam (often referred to as Annam because of the French colonization of the region). We get switching POVs told in third person narration, mainly following the 4 friends Duy, Phong, Minh, and Edmond. But we also get some chapters from the perspectives of the women in their lives; Tattler, Hai, Marianne, and Madame Nuhr. Because of all the switching chapters it could be confusing at times- there’s just too many POVs for my taste.
The mystery kept me engaged as we follow the characters from the night of the murder and flashing back to the few days leading up to the tragedy! Pham creates an atmospheric drama filled with glamour, violence, and wealth. It was difficult to read at times due to the unlikeable characters, especially with how cruel Minh and Edmond could be. And two of the twists I could see coming from the beginning but it was an interesting, unique story nonetheless!
This was a strong debut novel and taught me a lot about Vietnam during the French Colonial period! I can’t wait to read more from Pham in the future.
TW/CW: death of parent, murder, animal death, colonialism, physical abuse, classism, rape, starvation, vomit, death, grief, racism, blood, self harm, alcoholism, infidelity (brief mention), medical trauma, pregnancy, childbirth, slavery
Intriguing start that pulled me in right away! Those Opulent Days is a historical murder mystery set in 1920s French colonial Vietnam (often referred to as Annam because of the French colonization of the region). We get switching POVs told in third person narration, mainly following the 4 friends Duy, Phong, Minh, and Edmond. But we also get some chapters from the perspectives of the women in their lives; Tattler, Hai, Marianne, and Madame Nuhr. Because of all the switching chapters it could be confusing at times- there’s just too many POVs for my taste.
The mystery kept me engaged as we follow the characters from the night of the murder and flashing back to the few days leading up to the tragedy! Pham creates an atmospheric drama filled with glamour, violence, and wealth. It was difficult to read at times due to the unlikeable characters, especially with how cruel Minh and Edmond could be. And two of the twists I could see coming from the beginning but it was an interesting, unique story nonetheless!
This was a strong debut novel and taught me a lot about Vietnam during the French Colonial period! I can’t wait to read more from Pham in the future.
TW/CW: death of parent, murder, animal death, colonialism, physical abuse, classism, rape, starvation, vomit, death, grief, racism, blood, self harm, alcoholism, infidelity (brief mention), medical trauma, pregnancy, childbirth, slavery
May 25, 2024
Jacquie Pham’s “Those Opulent Days,” which renders the oppression of French colonial rule of Vietnam through the lives of four young men, begins with a seer’s unsettling prophecy about the four. One will die, one will lose his mind, one will pay and one will agonize, the men are told, with the exact circumstances of the foretold death, the nature of which goes through a couple of tellings, making for the central mystery of a novel awash in instances of colonial cruelty, including horrific abuse of women and a massacre of rebellious workers at a plantation. Indeed, the foretold death can be seen as exacting just deserts for the excesses of French rule, which gave way to America's involvement as it proclaimed itself preserving democracy.
Largely consigned to history now, both the French or the American ventures, but well worth resurrecting for their evidencing of the human capacity for unbridled excess in the name of nationalism, something of particular relevance now with the ongoing devastation in Gaza.
A particularly timely evocation of the imperialistic impulse, in short, Pham’s novel, bolstered by particularly fine writing but also hampered somewhat, to my mind, by a fragmentation of viewpoint which makes for occasional difficulty in a reader getting his bearings.
Largely consigned to history now, both the French or the American ventures, but well worth resurrecting for their evidencing of the human capacity for unbridled excess in the name of nationalism, something of particular relevance now with the ongoing devastation in Gaza.
A particularly timely evocation of the imperialistic impulse, in short, Pham’s novel, bolstered by particularly fine writing but also hampered somewhat, to my mind, by a fragmentation of viewpoint which makes for occasional difficulty in a reader getting his bearings.
August 16, 2024
First, thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing an arc of the book. This book will be released on 12th November 2024.
Jacquie Pham’s debut, “Those Opulent Days,” is a captivating historical murder mystery set against the backdrop of 1920s French-colonial Vietnam. The story revolves around Duy, Phong, Minh, and Edmond, childhood friends now influential young men in Saigon’s elite society. However, their reunion at a lavish mansion in Dalat takes a dark turn when one of them is murdered. The narrative alternates between the fatal night and the six days leading up to it, offering perspectives from the four men, their mothers, servants, and lovers. This multifaceted approach reveals a web of terror, loyalty, and secrets.
As the mystery unfolds, the true villain emerges—not just a single character, but the colonialism and economic disparities that plague Vietnam. The French occupation has created a society where the wealthy live in opulence while the poor suffer, adding a layer of social commentary to the murder mystery.
“Those Opulent Days” is both a vivid historical novel and a meticulously structured murder mystery. Pham’s rich characterizations and intricate plot make for an unforgettable read, although the fragmented viewpoints may challenge some readers. Overall, it’s a gripping tale of friendship, betrayal, and the harsh realities of colonial rule.
Jacquie Pham’s debut, “Those Opulent Days,” is a captivating historical murder mystery set against the backdrop of 1920s French-colonial Vietnam. The story revolves around Duy, Phong, Minh, and Edmond, childhood friends now influential young men in Saigon’s elite society. However, their reunion at a lavish mansion in Dalat takes a dark turn when one of them is murdered. The narrative alternates between the fatal night and the six days leading up to it, offering perspectives from the four men, their mothers, servants, and lovers. This multifaceted approach reveals a web of terror, loyalty, and secrets.
As the mystery unfolds, the true villain emerges—not just a single character, but the colonialism and economic disparities that plague Vietnam. The French occupation has created a society where the wealthy live in opulence while the poor suffer, adding a layer of social commentary to the murder mystery.
“Those Opulent Days” is both a vivid historical novel and a meticulously structured murder mystery. Pham’s rich characterizations and intricate plot make for an unforgettable read, although the fragmented viewpoints may challenge some readers. Overall, it’s a gripping tale of friendship, betrayal, and the harsh realities of colonial rule.
November 18, 2024
Thank you to Grove Atlantic for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.
Set in 1920's Vietnam, this book focuses on four best friends. They are all wealthy boys who attend the same school and learn of a prophecy suggesting poor endings for each of them.
The book is told out of chronological order. We jump back and forth from learning the prophecy is true in that one died, to a countdown of days leading to the murder and earlier flashbacks. Just as it's told with multiple timelines, it's told from multiple perspectives. All four men have perspectives, as do some of the women in their lives, including their mothers and lovers.
The book raised some very interesting questions of predestination and free will. And it also explored class issues and the intersection of colonialism and racism quite well.
This wasn't the greatest fit for me. I always appreciate reading historical fiction in order to learn more about another time. But I felt we got a very narrow view of 1920's Vietnam. Moreover, it was a particularly dark portrayal with no redeemable characters. I also missed having an Author's Note to explain the research process and facts behind the fiction.
I think this would be a better fit for those who appreciate dark psychological thrillers.
CW: graphic violence, SA, abduction, addiction and alcoholism, racism
Set in 1920's Vietnam, this book focuses on four best friends. They are all wealthy boys who attend the same school and learn of a prophecy suggesting poor endings for each of them.
The book is told out of chronological order. We jump back and forth from learning the prophecy is true in that one died, to a countdown of days leading to the murder and earlier flashbacks. Just as it's told with multiple timelines, it's told from multiple perspectives. All four men have perspectives, as do some of the women in their lives, including their mothers and lovers.
The book raised some very interesting questions of predestination and free will. And it also explored class issues and the intersection of colonialism and racism quite well.
This wasn't the greatest fit for me. I always appreciate reading historical fiction in order to learn more about another time. But I felt we got a very narrow view of 1920's Vietnam. Moreover, it was a particularly dark portrayal with no redeemable characters. I also missed having an Author's Note to explain the research process and facts behind the fiction.
I think this would be a better fit for those who appreciate dark psychological thrillers.
CW: graphic violence, SA, abduction, addiction and alcoholism, racism
December 3, 2024
Full cast audio recording told from several POVs. Although it’s a mystery on the surface, the story is more about the racial and class tension that existed in the 1920s in Vietnam (aka French Indochina, aka A Nam). I knew very little about this time and place in history, so I learned something, which is one of the things about historical fiction that appeals to me. Strong contrasts between the lives of employers and servants, rich and poor, French and Vietnamese. There are many trigger subjects including drug abuse, alcoholism, sexual abuse, murder (a lot of murders), violence against women, addiction, and hopelessness, so sensitive readers should be aware that the story is quite intense at times. Recommended for readers who want to learn about lesser known history, especially the darker side of historical fiction.
November 15, 2024
This book really surprised me! I went in expecting a historical fiction mystery and what I got was that and more! It's a story that talks about the imbalance of power in class and race during the French colonial era in Vietnam. I haven't read a lot about that so it made for an interesting read! The character building was fantastic. I had a fantastic time getting to know each of the characters, even the secondary characters. With multiple points of views you really get a chance to know them and it really brings the whole story into focus. If you're looking for an intense and illuminating read you should definitely give this one a try! Thank you Jacquie Pham and Atlantic Monthly Press for sharing this book with me!
December 17, 2024
The subject matter is super interesting but I can't get over the writing style. Every sentence is so redundant and the themes aren't weaved throughout the story but instead it's like you're being smacked in the face with them. There are some really beautiful sections of prose but they are overshadowed by the majority being so redundant (semicolons can be overused!!). As for the characters they were okay but I didn't feel anything for anyone and downright despised half of them (a little more than I was supposed to). The setting and imagery were very very vivid, but to an extent that it just seemed like flowery writing. The mystery was kind of a let down too (maybe my standards are too high after too much golden age detective fiction) but I guess the ending did surprise me.
October 8, 2024
In 1917, when they were eleven years old, a prophecy stated one of four best friends would die. Thirteen years later, the prophecy came true. Which of the four killed their best friend? Readers are taken from the past to the present as the four friends, and others, recount events leading up to Edmund’s death. As the plot thickens, it seems everyone gets crueler, and fingers are pointing everywhere. Read more about this book on my blog that I received from the publisher in return for an honest review: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....
November 6, 2024
Money is power and power is everything. Four childhood friends are running their family businesses, making for a powerful group of Vietnam's elite society. They see themselves as above everything and everyone, their servants not even recognized as human. When they are young, they were told by a fortune teller that "One will lose his mind, one will pay, one will agonize, and one will die." Decades later it almost seems as though it was just a bad dream but then one dies. How has this happened? Why? Who did it? Soon a web of terror, loyalty, and well-kept secrets are all coming to light while everyone becomes a suspect.
November 11, 2024
Jacquie Pham's novel is an immersive look into French colonial Vietnam in the 1920's. The corruptive power wielded by the French, and the wealth and violence of the opium trade combine to shape, and ultimately ruin the lives of the four young men at the center of this book.
Although billed as a murder mystery, this book reads more as a historical novel with a fascinating cast of characters whose flaws seem predetermined by their circumstances. There are almost more trigger warnings than I can list. The drug and alcohol fueled rage, madness and violence were difficult to read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Although billed as a murder mystery, this book reads more as a historical novel with a fascinating cast of characters whose flaws seem predetermined by their circumstances. There are almost more trigger warnings than I can list. The drug and alcohol fueled rage, madness and violence were difficult to read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 15, 2024
My copy was gifted by the publisher.
This was a journey through the lives of 4 privileged boys then men. The mystery is revealed early on by a fortune teller.
The writing takes you through each of their lives and how they interact in the world. They do not treat others well and are merciless with their servants.
It is set in Vietnam when occupied by the French. The French look at the Vietnamese as lesser and their lives expendable. The wealthy Vietnamese look at their servants as expendable. No one is happy and they use opium and wine to feel better.
There are no likable characters yet it was an interesting journey. If you want to learn about this period of time it’s worth your time.
This was a journey through the lives of 4 privileged boys then men. The mystery is revealed early on by a fortune teller.
The writing takes you through each of their lives and how they interact in the world. They do not treat others well and are merciless with their servants.
It is set in Vietnam when occupied by the French. The French look at the Vietnamese as lesser and their lives expendable. The wealthy Vietnamese look at their servants as expendable. No one is happy and they use opium and wine to feel better.
There are no likable characters yet it was an interesting journey. If you want to learn about this period of time it’s worth your time.
December 4, 2024
I’m not sure how I felt about this book. It was well written. It was interesting. It was set in and involved people and a country I know nothing about. I just sat and read all day and late at night until I finished it.
The characters were all righteously horrible. If they even thought about it, they rationalize ther behavior as necessary. The French had colonized Viet Nam and so felt superior. The rich Vietnamese were horrible to their employees- beat them, starved them, murdered them. And they were horrible to their children.
The story is about the four best friends, told from their points of view.
The characters were all righteously horrible. If they even thought about it, they rationalize ther behavior as necessary. The French had colonized Viet Nam and so felt superior. The rich Vietnamese were horrible to their employees- beat them, starved them, murdered them. And they were horrible to their children.
The story is about the four best friends, told from their points of view.
December 9, 2024
Vietnam in the 1920’s was something I knew very little about. This book deals with French colonialism and the classes that result from it. At times it is brutal especially in its dealings with the lower class and this explains why there was eventually a civil war. The history of Vietnam was more interesting to me than the mystery. I found it hard to like the characters who all seemed spoiled and self serving. The prose was very good and I found myself admiring a “turn of phrase” rather than the action it was describing. I had to go back and read the section again to get back into the story. This only happens to me when the writing is exceptional.
October 30, 2024
Many thanks to Novel Suspects Insiders Club and Atlantic Monthly Press for this arc. I received this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts are entirely my own.
This book was so interesting to read and you become invested in the characters, what drove them to the decisions that they made and the outcome of those decisions. These book will definitely make you think and a book that will lead to great discussions. I wish that Minh and Hoi had a happy ending instead of an asylum and death respectively. But it was a different time and age.
This book was so interesting to read and you become invested in the characters, what drove them to the decisions that they made and the outcome of those decisions. These book will definitely make you think and a book that will lead to great discussions. I wish that Minh and Hoi had a happy ending instead of an asylum and death respectively. But it was a different time and age.
November 30, 2024
I felt the richness of the rich, the poorness of the poor. I felt the characters struggles and conflicts within and amongst each other. This book tiptoes nicely around the main plot, just when you think you’re starting to learn more, you realize you have so much more to learn. It’s so incredibly enticing, and I love that it pieces together the story through each character’s point of view. The detailed descriptions transported me to what I could imagine as 1920’s French-colonial Vietnam. I definitely recommend this read!
August 2, 2024
Dive into the depths of a chilling historical enigma that sheds light on the destructive impact of colonialism, the French occupation of Vietnam, socioeconomic disparities, and deep-seated prejudice. Don't be fooled - this isn't your typical murder mystery. Those Opulent Days may be dark and at times shocking, but the well-crafted setting and compelling characters will draw you in and keep you enthralled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2024
A lush and evocative locked door mystery that unfolds in a slow and deliberate manner. Four rich, dissolute young men struggle within their circumstances and one of those men, holds the greatest power bc he is a white French man.. Set in French Colonial Vietnam, casual and purposeful cruelty emerges even when secret love tries to survive.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
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