I love a different perspective on WWII. This one takes place in Malaysia (Malaya) when the Japanese invade.
Cecily is the head of the family. Her son,I love a different perspective on WWII. This one takes place in Malaysia (Malaya) when the Japanese invade.
Cecily is the head of the family. Her son, Abel, has disappeared only to become a prisoner. Her youngest daughter, Jasmine, has run away and she fears the soldiers will hurt her. Her older daughter, Jujube, is on the brink of hysteria for trying to protect her sister from the Japanese soldiers. The world has turned upside down. Cecily blames herself for what has happened because of her past. Her own betrayal- to her country and family.
The story is told in parallel. Before the Japanese invade; and the after.The themes of family; guilt; loyalty. What pulls the fabric of society apart when war enters. How dehumanized we can become when hate fills our hearts and inhumane acts become the norm.
The one criticism I have is a thought Abel had which didn’t connect with the time and place he was at. This created a bit of a disconnect for me.
Overall, Chan has delivered a solid and memorable HF debut. 4⭐️...more
Canadian Jen
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