I picked this book from the charity shop because Mandalay was in the middle of the map and I had just read a sequel (very poor) to Rebecca and Manderley-Mandalay led me on. I love it. Really sweeps you in to the times and places and lets you build castles around the the hints and glimpses of people and communities. And when you have finished that you can watch Apocalyse Now and then read Heart of Darkness (one of the best books ever) and then go on.... so many places to see, people to meet and living to be done.