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satisiroda's review
4.0
A captivating mix of folklore and romance in 1890s Singapore; a unique read!
…
Book Recommendation: The Formidable Miss Cassidy
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Language: English
…
"The Formidable Miss Cassidy" by Meihan Boey, co-winner of the 2021 Epigram Books Fiction Prize and winner of the 2022 Singapore Book Award for Best Literary Work, is an ambitious and imaginative narrative set in 1890s Singapore. The novel combines Malay folklore and Celtic mythology to create a vividly atmospheric re-imagination of Old Singapore, where different cultures and traditions coexist.
The story, divided into episodic sections, follows Miss Leda Cassidy, a woman shrouded in mystery who arrives in Singapore as a paid companion and governess. Her journey intertwines with that of Mr. Kay Wing Tong and his family, leading to a blend of supernatural encounters and societal observations reminiscent of classic novels of manners.
Boey's narrative is unique and captivating, offering a mix of mythological creatures, supernatural entities, and spirits. The interplay between Miss Cassidy and Mr. Kay, echoing the dynamics of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy or Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester, provides a delightful romantic tension. The novel's engagement with themes like decolonization and the elevation of local folklore against Western myths adds depth to its storytelling.
However, the novel is not without its criticisms. The portrayal of specific historical events and the use of Miss Cassidy's character in rewriting national myths can be construed as a form of cultural whitewashing. Additionally, while interesting, the book’s episodic structure may disrupt the narrative flow for some readers, leading to uneven investment in the various characters and storylines.
Overall, "The Formidable Miss Cassidy" is a lively and engaging read, presenting a magical blend of history, culture, and folklore. It challenges conventional novel structures and offers a fresh perspective on Southeast Asian literature, though not without provoking critical discourse on its narrative choices.
...
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Courtesy: Author, Epigram Books, Tandem Collective
…
Book Recommendation: The Formidable Miss Cassidy
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Language: English
…
"The Formidable Miss Cassidy" by Meihan Boey, co-winner of the 2021 Epigram Books Fiction Prize and winner of the 2022 Singapore Book Award for Best Literary Work, is an ambitious and imaginative narrative set in 1890s Singapore. The novel combines Malay folklore and Celtic mythology to create a vividly atmospheric re-imagination of Old Singapore, where different cultures and traditions coexist.
The story, divided into episodic sections, follows Miss Leda Cassidy, a woman shrouded in mystery who arrives in Singapore as a paid companion and governess. Her journey intertwines with that of Mr. Kay Wing Tong and his family, leading to a blend of supernatural encounters and societal observations reminiscent of classic novels of manners.
Boey's narrative is unique and captivating, offering a mix of mythological creatures, supernatural entities, and spirits. The interplay between Miss Cassidy and Mr. Kay, echoing the dynamics of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy or Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester, provides a delightful romantic tension. The novel's engagement with themes like decolonization and the elevation of local folklore against Western myths adds depth to its storytelling.
However, the novel is not without its criticisms. The portrayal of specific historical events and the use of Miss Cassidy's character in rewriting national myths can be construed as a form of cultural whitewashing. Additionally, while interesting, the book’s episodic structure may disrupt the narrative flow for some readers, leading to uneven investment in the various characters and storylines.
Overall, "The Formidable Miss Cassidy" is a lively and engaging read, presenting a magical blend of history, culture, and folklore. It challenges conventional novel structures and offers a fresh perspective on Southeast Asian literature, though not without provoking critical discourse on its narrative choices.
...
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Courtesy: Author, Epigram Books, Tandem Collective
vixie's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
21maximillian's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
books_inthewild's review
3.0
This was a novel I probably wouldn’t have picked up on my own, and for that, I am grateful to have read it! I love books that expand my horizons, introduce me to different places & cultures, and teach me something new.
This story is set in Singapore in the 1890’s, and you really become immersed in traditional Chinese families, and all the things that come with them: daily life, social standing, superstitions, gender roles, and family relationships & dynamics.
Where this story really becomes unique is that it’s a mix of historical fiction, ghost story, fantasy, mythology and folklore. I found that the supernatural side became a bit much for me, especially within the last 3/4. Maybe because I didn’t go into the novel expecting it? Or maybe because it’s not really my preferred genre/theme? Either way, I think readers who enjoy folklore/ghost stories/supernatural, will like these elements.
The novel felt like two separate stories- each featuring the unique and intriguing character of Miss Cassidy, and her role within two different families/households. I wondered if this should be two separate novellas? Or if the author could have connected these two stories better?
I think one of my favourite characters was Mr. Kay, and I appreciated his gentle, loving, at times quirky, personality!
Thank you to Tandem Global Collective for the gifted copy and the opportunity to be part of this global readalong.
This story is set in Singapore in the 1890’s, and you really become immersed in traditional Chinese families, and all the things that come with them: daily life, social standing, superstitions, gender roles, and family relationships & dynamics.
Where this story really becomes unique is that it’s a mix of historical fiction, ghost story, fantasy, mythology and folklore. I found that the supernatural side became a bit much for me, especially within the last 3/4. Maybe because I didn’t go into the novel expecting it? Or maybe because it’s not really my preferred genre/theme? Either way, I think readers who enjoy folklore/ghost stories/supernatural, will like these elements.
The novel felt like two separate stories- each featuring the unique and intriguing character of Miss Cassidy, and her role within two different families/households. I wondered if this should be two separate novellas? Or if the author could have connected these two stories better?
I think one of my favourite characters was Mr. Kay, and I appreciated his gentle, loving, at times quirky, personality!
Thank you to Tandem Global Collective for the gifted copy and the opportunity to be part of this global readalong.
alyssa1226's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I adored this book. It was like a paranormal Mary Poppins! Leda is a very strong and caring FMC. I love that we get to see the characters grow throughout the book. They all had problems of their own. I feel this gives them depth. The author wove a lyrical tale of magic, family, wit, paranormal, and friendship. It is neither plot or character driven. It is both equal with makes it flow beautifully. I can not wait to read the next book.
nya11's review
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
aliterarygoodtime's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
christie4's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I really enjoyed this. It's quite different from what I would normally read.
I was a little confused and lost in the beginning, you don't really get introduced to the characters properly until a bit later but I figured it out and by the end I was fully invested and absolutely hooked.
I was a little confused and lost in the beginning, you don't really get introduced to the characters properly until a bit later but I figured it out and by the end I was fully invested and absolutely hooked.
mybooksandkidsbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
The Formidable Miss Cassidy by Meihan Boey
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These pages flew by for me! I loved how surprising and unique this story was. It was bizarre, but I loved how it was written like these strange events were just a normal occurrence for Miss Cassidy. It actually reminded me a lot of Nanny McPhee. I really liked how it ended and that there were no loose ends, yet we were left imagining what else Miss Cassidy will get up to.
Overall I recommend this one to anyone looking for a quick entertaining read. It has a lot of elements mixed in - historical, romance, paranormal, plus an amazing setting in Singapore.
Thank you to @tandemcollectiveglobal for including me on this global readalong!
AD-PR Product
These pages flew by for me! I loved how surprising and unique this story was. It was bizarre, but I loved how it was written like these strange events were just a normal occurrence for Miss Cassidy. It actually reminded me a lot of Nanny McPhee. I really liked how it ended and that there were no loose ends, yet we were left imagining what else Miss Cassidy will get up to.
Overall I recommend this one to anyone looking for a quick entertaining read. It has a lot of elements mixed in - historical, romance, paranormal, plus an amazing setting in Singapore.
Thank you to @tandemcollectiveglobal for including me on this global readalong!