The Pacific Between

The Pacific Between
Author Raymond K. Wong
Country United States
Language English
Publisher Behler Publications
Publication date
February 15, 2006
Media type Print (Paperback)
Pages 234 (First Edition)
ISBN 1-933016-32-9 (First Edition)
OCLC 74335906
813/.6 22
LC Class PS3623.O598 P33 2005

The Pacific Between is a romantic coming of age novel by Raymond K. Wong. Published in 2006, The Pacific Between was the finalist for the IPPY Book Award in 2006. The novel is loosely based on the author's experience as an immigrant and young adult, but the characters and events are entirely fictional.

The Pacific Between contains many themes such as betrayal, sacrifice, unconditional love, pride, prejudice, and life's lessons, set in Southern California and Hong Kong. It is Raymond K. Wong's debut novel.

Plot overview

When Greg Lockland returns to California for his parents' funeral, he discovers letters that suggest an affair between his ex-lover, Lian, and his late father. Suspicions, anger and jealousy take Greg on a transpacific journey to find the truth. One by one, people from the past return to his life, including elusive and perfect Lian. Uncovering deep-rooted deceptions creates more twists and turns to the past than an old Chinese alleyway. The Pacific Between evinces the power of unconditional love and deals with personal subjects such as death, estrangement, and betrayal. It is a man's journey to discover himself and the world around him. Told with wit and humor, this nostalgic tale speaks true to the heart about relationships, families, and sacrifices. Raymond K. Wong's rich Asian voice makes his story spring to life through the development of his vibrant characters, exotic settings, complex Chinese-American relationships, humor, and a superb plot of perceived betrayal.

Explanation of the novel's title

The Pacific Ocean physically separates East and West, America and China; it also separates the protagonist from his past. He later travels across the Pacific to find his truths. Figuratively, there is a vast ocean within the protagonist's heart and soul.

Plot summary

When entrepreneur Greg Lockland arrives in California to attend his parents' funeral, his world begins to unravel. Pictures of a brother he barely remembers and letters discovered hidden in his father's safe deposit box suggest an illicit affair between his late father and Greg's ex-lover Lian Wan.

Confused and angry, Greg visits Kate Walken, a young woman with whom his relationship has taken an unexpected, romantic turn. Greg hates secrets and the hurt they cause. Yet, he tells Kate only of the pictures he found. Greg battles with his mixed emotions and can't bring himself to tell her about Lian. Does he still love Lian? Does he love Kate? Can he love Kate?

Greg is like a boy who never grew up. He'll stop at nothing to get what he wants. Though he can be affectionate, he can be obnoxious, deceiving and secretive-all the things he loathes.

Seething anger, growing suspicion, and inescapable jealousy accompany Greg on a transpacific journey to Hong Kong in search of Lian and the truth about the affair.

Greg has no idea he's about to unlock a secret that has been kept closeted for years. One after another, people return from his past, each adding another roadblock to Greg's mysterious puzzle. With each piece of information, Greg is forced to re-examine his beliefs, feelings, and relationships with old friends and family.

Among those who help Greg is Agnes, the Director of Nursing at the hospital where his father once worked. She is a bossy, mannish, British nurse whom Greg never liked. During his relentless search to uncover the truth, Greg is surprised to find Agnes with his happy-go-lucky friend Old Chow and realizes Agnes has a passionate side. Agnes and Old Chow prod Greg to explore his feelings and their secret plans push him into another situation of doubt.

(Summarized by Joanne D. Kiggins)

Characters

Awards

Release details

See also

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