A compelling novel on choices, consequences, and the nuance of intentions. Over the Japanese occupation of Malaysia from the 1930’s to the end of WW2,A compelling novel on choices, consequences, and the nuance of intentions. Over the Japanese occupation of Malaysia from the 1930’s to the end of WW2, The Storm We Made follows unfulfilled Cecily as she becomes a spy for the Japanese army, setting off a devastating chain reaction for her family and friends. Sweeping and candid, this novel explores the motivations behind life changing choices, the impulses acted on, the resentments and desires built up to a breaking point. It also explores the ways in which intentions become obscured, intentions misread, actions snowballed into an avalanche. For fans of historical fiction, this offers a unique perspective to a lesser known part of WW2, as well as an open discussion of motherhood, nationalism, and survival in the face of oppression. A strong debut that ripples with emotion, with the rage and regret of a characters who scream to be seen. ...more
A heartbreaking modern classic on trauma, culture, and healing. Ceremony is an all-encompassing journey of redemption, a raw look into the cost of warA heartbreaking modern classic on trauma, culture, and healing. Ceremony is an all-encompassing journey of redemption, a raw look into the cost of war, and the hard truths of living with trauma and grief. It is an exploration of the ways in which we try to break our own cycles of hate, pain, guilt, the paths we follow towards healing, self acceptance. It asks: what is medicine? Who determines our identity? How can we surrender to the realities of our world while finding the beauty in it? This novel is an ode to the never ending power of stories, of dreams, a testament to the fluid mirages of memory and the destructive tendencies of men. A gorgeously nuanced story within a story, filled with the magic of emotions and beliefs passed on with the times. ...more
A sweeping novel of finding family and a true home. Set over 80 years and traversing continents, The Wind Knows My Name is a heartbreaking yet hopefulA sweeping novel of finding family and a true home. Set over 80 years and traversing continents, The Wind Knows My Name is a heartbreaking yet hopeful look into the effects of war and displacement on children, as well as the power and comfort that imagination offers. It is a testament to the sacrifices that are made at the hopes of a better life, and the ways in which we attempt to rebuild ourselves after tragedy. It is a beautiful ode to those who never stop fighting for justice and security, and to those who open their own hearts to those in need. A timely and thoughtful novel....more
A hard-hitting novel on survival, justice, and heroism in World War II. Reflective and emotional, we follow our characters as their relationships are A hard-hitting novel on survival, justice, and heroism in World War II. Reflective and emotional, we follow our characters as their relationships are broken down and built back up, as they make impossible decisions in the face of oppression, and as they put their nation, their neighbors, their morals above their own safety. I didn’t love this for several reason, but it is easy to see why it is a well loved book. This is perfect for fans of heart wrenching novels. ...more
A heart piercing story of a mother’s love. The prose is as fluid and riveting as the musical notes our characters create. The pain of sacrifice and seA heart piercing story of a mother’s love. The prose is as fluid and riveting as the musical notes our characters create. The pain of sacrifice and separation is realistic, while remaining tasteful. The symbolism of the yellow bird was beautiful, uplifting, and so effective. ...more
A detailed labyrinth of characters who connect to themselves and others through art, love, and war. The prose is inviting and intertwining, giving reaA detailed labyrinth of characters who connect to themselves and others through art, love, and war. The prose is inviting and intertwining, giving readers a glimpse into the everyday lives and struggles of characters who are so completely genuine and interesting. The strength of this novel is its use of its namesake; there is seldom a better way to tell a story than to use the little things, the day by day ups and downs of friendships and interests through the years. ...more
A witty, sarcastic commentary on “the nature of human life.” Although a grave and serious story at its core, the tone is still kept quite light and fuA witty, sarcastic commentary on “the nature of human life.” Although a grave and serious story at its core, the tone is still kept quite light and funny at times, with its “how to damn a human soul” instructions being laced with office-style banter and complaint. Interesting arguments on religion, ethics, philosophy, and politics, especially for the time it was written....more
2.5. A bleak, sobering account of the victims of Josef Mengele’s Zoo. The author wields some powerful prose here, and I give her the benefit of the do2.5. A bleak, sobering account of the victims of Josef Mengele’s Zoo. The author wields some powerful prose here, and I give her the benefit of the doubt that she had good intentions. These types of stories are so difficult to write tastefully and accurately. Nonetheless, as a twin I did feel an immediate attachement to our narrators, and was fairly satisfied with the way the story was wrapped up. This may be better suited to some readers than others. ...more
A taut and powerful slow burn that illuminates a fascinating revolution lead by women. With a rich cast of characters and masterful prose, the Shadow A taut and powerful slow burn that illuminates a fascinating revolution lead by women. With a rich cast of characters and masterful prose, the Shadow King brings to light an important aspect of WW2 that is rarely discussed. It’s raw and emotional, exploring the fierceness of war and rebellion, while also examining those who pull the strings from the shadows. It explores the questions of who deserves the most credit for good deeds, who is the one writing the story, and how can we look at history in an authentic way when so many versions have been altered to suit the “winners.” A fascinating read....more
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