When you find yourself trying to remember a show (or any works) that's on the tip of your tongue but just out of reach, come here - the collective brain of the TVTropes community can probably help. Post all the details you can remember (examples help). If you're looking for a trope, head over to Trope Finder. Have general questions about tropes? Visit Ask The Tropers!
- Show Spoilers
- Night Vision
- Sticky Header
- Wide Load
Ten or so years ago I read a book with SF locale. A sister and brother were involved with someone who was actually a pedophile. And thinking back, the book was probably published twenty years ago. The children were not related to the pedophile. They were either orphans or had been given away or kidnapped. It was set starting in the early 1900’s and included the period of time of the San Francisco earthquake. It continued through the lifetime of the main character. The pedophile lived in a tent, who I believe was Chinese (believe the children were also either Chinese or from the same country as the pedophile). Both children go into the tent, where the reader assumes they will be assaulted. Only the boy exits the tent. The child becomes a very successful business man. His business dealings by themselves were intriguing, balancing keen business sense and a sense of morality. On the final pages, at the businessman’s death, he is being readied for his funeral, and it is discovered that he is the sister, to the shock of everyone who had so admired this man. In reality, the boy had been killed by the pedophile, the girl has dressed in her brother’s clothes, and assumed the boy’s identity. The girl killed the pedophile in retaliation for her brother’s murder. She had masqueraded throughout her life as her brother – presumably recognizing that as a girl child in that era she would be more likely to be victimized. As a man, she would have more control of her life choices. Many things were great about the book but most impressive is that it was written so skillfully that there were really no hints to give away the surprise ending. Many thanks if you have any information on the title or author!