I don’t read political thrillers. What a mistake that would have been to say “I don’t read political thrillers”, and miss The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellisa Fung. This fast-paced adventure takes the world to the brink of war while a mother and daughter, who have always been on the brink of war, struggle to save it.
Alice Li may have studied investigative journalism at Columbia, but she’s a food-blogger whose mother never understood her. Alice never understood her mother, Vivien Li, a famous Chinese dissident who fled to the United States after protesting in Tiananmen Square. While the rest of the world admires the outspoken Vivien, Alice only sees her as the cold, activist woman who speaks out and accepts admiration as her due. She’s the woman who broke Alice’s heart by divorcing her beloved father before he died. But, soon after alarms went off all over the world, Alice finds herself accompanying her mother to the White House, where Alice is the focus, not Vivien. Of course, the Presdient wants to know what Vivient knows about China, who appears to be behind the alarms. But, why would anyone want to talk to Alice who really came to D.C. to meet with a fellow Columbia graduate? A fellow blogger who was in Hong Kong when he wasn’t supposed to be and sent Alice a photo with a message.
When there’s another attack on the world, the leaders of the governments get together virtually, all blaming China, but wondering if someone else, another country, might be involved. As China denies responsibility for the attacks, no one knows who to trust. And, when Vivien Li flies to China, under an assumed name, Alice follows. She doesn’t know how entangled the two will become in family secrets and world politics as they uncover extraordinary stories of China’s history and culture while searching for someone determined to destroy the world’s governments and uneasy peace.
As with any Louise Penny novel, there’s nothing more that can be said without spoiling the story. However, family relationships, particularly the uneasy mother-daughter relationship, are as important as the politics in this novel. The two women, in the midst of upheaval and violence, find a way to reach out to each other, finally, with humor and understanding.
There is humor hidden in the midst of a tumultuous world crisis. Two world leaders communicate via their chefs and food. There are even nicknames, Paddington and Eeyore. Some of Dorothy Parker’s snarky lines are quoted. Clues are hidden in unusual styles. But, I can’t even discuss those clues without revealing too much.
Looking for a story of the world in crisis, and a mother and daughter in the same tense situation? International bestelling author Louise Penny along with journalist, bestselling nonfiction author of Under an Afghan Sky, advocate for women and children, Mellissa Fung, capture the anxiety of a mother and daughter who share the same fears as they struggle to save the world on the brink of war. Don’t be me, and say, “I don’t read politcal thrillers.”
Louise Penny’s website is https://louisepenny.com/
The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung. Minotaur Books, 2026. 383p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a copy of the book from the publisher, with no expectation of a positive review.
