Customer Reviews

Incident at Badamya

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Gen Ferris is an unusual girl, living in Burma in 1950, the daughter of a missionary--when she has to make her way out of the country. Her flight is almost immediately interrupted by her capture by Red Chinese forces, along with a large and often comical cast of characters, who are imprisoned with her. But she soon realizes that these people are wearing masks that hide their true selves. And subtle forces bring her help and illumination, both for her life and spirit as well as her fellow captives. It is never overtly stated, but beautifully done, and when I put the book down, it made me wistful for that magic. A good read!

I've read this book several times, and it never fails to make my skin tingle. First off, I've been to Burma, which doesn't really change, so I relate especially to the setting. Dorothy Gilman usually does a good job with her settings. They are like travelogues -- at least in the places I have also visited.

The plot involves a bit of supernatural, and a bit of created supernatural. The feature of the insurgent group, and the Chinese Communist rings true, although the Kuomingtang (nationalist) was more active in the area just after 1949.

What I liked best was the interaction between the captives -- how they resolved differences and came to respect each other strengths. Perhaps the puppetmaster made it so. I especially liked the line praising escapist literature.

The last reason I appreciate the book is that I spent two weeks of my youth with a sculptor named Genevieve in upstate New York, who reminded me of Gen.

Gilman hits just the right note of poignancy in this story of a young girl who must use her wits and discover her unique talents to survive the harrowing journey to freedom when her missionary father commits suicide. It is easy to see the world through Gen's eyes as she struggles to determine who are her friends and who are her enemies in a land torn by war.

Gilman does very well with the mystical elements, fitting them in so that they mesh with the world she describes to us and seem no less real than the rest of the story.

Those who read Dorothy Gilman's books regularly will be surprised by this one; it's not her usual genre. A child is a prisoner, caught between warring factions. In the camp, her life is made bearable when she is befriended by a wise old man.
When, later, she seeks to find him again, she discovers that...well, I can't reveal what she finds, because it'd give away the magic of the story. It's a bit of Twilight Zone do-do-DO-do music that's called for here.
Quick, easy read - wonderful and compelling book.

I have now read all of Dorothy Gillam's books. Was so glad to get this copy. I am pleased with the book. Thanks.

this book has been one of my favorites for years. I recently purchased it as a gift for a friend, knowing it would give her a pleasurable read. I wish it were available as a digital book.

This is another of Gilman's books that's not, essentially amusing. It's more intense, and, if you even think about "magic" and "reincarnation" as possiblities, VERY realistic. A good insight into Africa, especially "Burma", during their wars for independence.

Ms. Gilman is always a great escape. It's easy to get lost in the story and feel as if you were really there. Not as good as her "Mrs. Pollifax" series but keeps you interested.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Gilmore's books and this one is a favorite and a keeper. Gilmore has a skill in her descriptions of not only the characters, but the scenery as well. I felt like I was there and the art of producing a story of plumbing the depths of the character's secrets is superb. I never felt a boring moment while reading this. It is also a book that is hard to put down and when the final ending came, I felt sad that my trip had ended. Bettye Johnson, award-winning author, Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls.

Very nice book. With a touch of spirituality, action and the charm of the Burmese country life 50 years ago. One of Gilman's best books.