Customer Reviews

The House at the Edge of the Jungle: A Novel

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In the 1940's, the war in the Pacific hit home for the many British citizens living overseas. In 1942, the Japanese military invasion of Malaya leads to the capture of many foreign expatriates, including the British. The Cartwights managed to send their two small children, the infant Victor and his seven-year-old sister Isabel, safely back to England. However, the older Cartwrights disappear without a trace.

For the next three decades, the events in Asia still haunt Isabel. When Victor has to go to Malaya on business, he invites his sibling to accompany him. Without consulting her spouse Adrian, Isabel eagerly accepts. When they arrive, Isabel's obsession takes full root and she begins to investigate what happened to her parents. Reluctantly at first, his sister's enthusiasm and spirit snag Victor, who soon joins her quest. As the truth begins to surface, both of them realize that they must finf out what happened even though they might not like what they ultimately learn.

HOUSE AT THE EDGE OF THE JUNGLE is an incredible family tale that provides a unique perspective on life. The story line is brilliant as the Cartwright children return to their birth place in a worthy quest to find closure. Mary Morgan is a magician as she succeeds on several levels, making this must reading for those who enjoy reading about the impact of war on the younger generation.

Harriet Klausner

This book is so much better than I had imagined it might be. It's great, it's literature, not just another book. I enjoyed it immensely.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. All of the principal characters are brought to life in a deeply compelling way. It's unfortunate that so few readers appear to be aware of this extraordinary work. It is as evocative as the best stories of Nevil Shute and H. E. Bates. Superb.

Isabel and Victor were evacuated to England as children from Malaysia. The two became rudderless children. On arrival in England, they live with a maiden aunt followed by years of boarding schools. Isabel and Victor return to Malaysia thirty years later. What happened to their father and stepmummy? Isabel is determined to discover the truth. We travel through the lush land of Singapore and Malaysia as she finds the answers. This book describes a beautiful land while giving the reader a good story.