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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, War
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-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:
Complicated
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This one was too graphic for me.
Being familiar with only one major Malaysian author, I was worried I might fall into the trap of comparing Vanessa Chan’s work to that of Tan Twan Eng. Having now completed The Storm We Made, I can confirm that although both these authors have penned magnificent historical novels set in Malaysia, Chan offers a distinct reading experience that does not disappoint.
The Storm We Made is a dual-timeline, plot-based novel, juxtaposing one Malaysian family in British-occupied Malaysia, and Japanese-occupied Malaysia. It is the story of the role ordinary persons play, wittingly or not, in major historical events. And it is a novel that does not skimp on the harsh details of what Malaysian people suffered during World War II. As happens so often, I am again appalled by how much is left out in our history classes.
Further addressing family, friendship, and the hold of powerful men over subjugated women, The Storm We Made is a novel you’ve never read before, and one that deserves its spot on your historical fiction shelf.
The Storm We Made is a dual-timeline, plot-based novel, juxtaposing one Malaysian family in British-occupied Malaysia, and Japanese-occupied Malaysia. It is the story of the role ordinary persons play, wittingly or not, in major historical events. And it is a novel that does not skimp on the harsh details of what Malaysian people suffered during World War II. As happens so often, I am again appalled by how much is left out in our history classes.
Further addressing family, friendship, and the hold of powerful men over subjugated women, The Storm We Made is a novel you’ve never read before, and one that deserves its spot on your historical fiction shelf.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I listened to the audiobook version of The Storm We Made written by Vanessa Chan and skillfully narrated by Samatha Tan.
The story follows the lives of the Alcantara family between 1935 and 1945, first in British-occupied Malaya (current Malaysia) then under the violent Japanese occupation.
The Alcantaras are Eurasians. Gordon, the husband, works a low-level clerical job for the British occupation government. He is married to Cecily, a housewife who yearns for more. They have three children: Jujube, Abel and Jasmine. They move up the social ladder as Gordon’s career slowly rises. Cecily meets one man, General Fujiwara aka Bing Lee Chan, with whom she shares the ideal of building a new Asia for Asians. Cecily spies on the British on behalf of the Japanese general. The intel she provides will cause a devastating ripple effect in the lives of her family members.
I learned things about what life was like in occupied Malaya under British and Japanese occupations. I loved how developed the characters were. The story is told through the lens of Cecily, Abel, Jujube and Jasmine. The novel takes you deep into the consequences of Cecily’s actions on her family and community.
I like how author Vanessa Chan incorporated the topics of colonisation, occupation, colorism, race and identity, self-determination, survival, selfishness, the condition of women into her story. She touches on important themes with mastery. I thought her characters were well developed, complex, flawed, with clear fears and motivations.
I like how author Vanessa Chan incorporated the topics of colonisation, occupation, colorism, race and identity, self-determination, survival, selfishness, the condition of women into her story. She touches on important themes with mastery. I thought her characters were well developed, complex, flawed, with clear fears and motivations.
The audiobook narrator, Samantha Tan, was brilliant. I loved hearing the story with twangs of Malaysian and Japanese accents.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Murder
Minor: Rape
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a sad tale of a family in Occupied Malaysia during WWII.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child death, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, War
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Did not enjoy. Too many difficult topics and the story didn’t move enough to power through.
The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan is a fascinating exploration of Malaysian history and the impact of the British and Japanese occupations during WWII. The novel explores the theme that every side in war loses, providing the reader with a sad reflection on the human cost of conflict. The character development in the book is exceptional, with the four points of view of Cecily, Jasmine, Abel, and JuJube meticulously constructed for the reader to develop a deep understanding of these characters perspectives and emotions. We as readers are able to empathize with their guilt and complex feelings, making for a truly captivating reading experience.
The Storm We Made serves as an excellent choice for those traveling ‘Around the World with Books;’ offering a rich tapestry of historical fiction set against the backdrop of wartime Malaysia.
Vanessa Chan's debut novel is a standout work, leaving readers eager to explore more of her writing and storytelling. The book offers a fresh and different perspective on WWII, focusing on the impact of colonialism, occupation, and betrayal.
Readers should approached this book with caution as there are disturbing elements in the story that may be difficult for some readers.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! The book stands out for its historical richness and character depth. It is definitely worth reading.
Thank you @vanchan for writing such a heartfelt story.
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix