Reviews

The Fisherman King by Kathrina Mohd Daud

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misspalah's review against another edition

5.0

“We are taught in school how old Brunei is. How much history we have. But the details of that history, like the details of our sultans are carefully glossed over. Few people have any idea of the scope of land and tradition and memory. Its not surprising. How can you take in and comprehend centuries of change and flux all linked back to a core that is something as fickle as water? Human memory is funny and fragile thing. That’s why we leave things behind - buildings, carvings, sculpture, jewels, stories - to tell people that we were once here”.
- The fisherman king by Kathrina Mohd Daud
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One of the major setting in the book is Water Village or Known as ‘Kampong Ayer’ in Malay. I went there when i visited Brunei in 2016. Hence, reading the author’s imagery description of Kampong Ayer was so lush and vivid that it just threw me back into those travel memories. I must say that i love that the author managed to blend Bruneian folk tales, myth, magic, history and Brunei king’s genealogy in one epic novel. The prose was well-written and consistently balance throughout the novel while carrying a parallel narrative. The first narrative purposely brought us readers to understand the existence of Nabau, The Snake God which took place centuries before the current Brunei. The second narrative which were in the present time, we were introduced to Lisan And Bhatia. I particularly enjoyed the relationship story between Lisan and Bathia. They were more than a soulmate - They were a teammate and a best friend. This came from someone that didn’t really enjoy romance in any novel she have read. The love that they both have for each other is complex yet so strong. I swear that i hate Lisan when i first read about him - he left his wife for many years, then came back thinking that his wife will celebrate his return and felt betrayed when his wife already moved on and married Hussain. The audacity this man has for feeling that he has ownership over Bhatia is infuriating. Again, it does speak to the author’s skill to write about such a selfish man and have his actions to be justifiable at the end. Bhatia did not forgive him for leaving but she understood him - his pining over his lost heritage and ancestry, his ambition in finding the treasure and his obsession on tracing his history as he claimed that he has royal blood. Overall, this novel did well in paying an homage to Brunei’s rich oral traditions. It even made me felt so close to my own culture. If you have heard and read many Malaysian folklore, you may feel familiar with Bruneian folklore. It does bear resemblance though it was not 100% similar. One of them is The Jong Batu legend (or the tale of Nakhoda Manis) which is a bit similar with Si Tenggang. Another one is Nabau - The Snake God. As the variation of how Nabau came to existence can be trace back from Iban and local chinese in Sarawak. To those who are not familiar with Bruneian Folklore yet you still pick up this book after reading my review, read it like how you would read a captivating story that has strong influence of magical realism. I am ashamed that this is my first Bruneian Literature. Despite being a Malaysia’s Neighbouring country, It is not easily to get compared to Indonesian and Singaporean Literature.

xoxofika's review

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5.0

Within the pages of "The Fisherman King" by Kathrina Mohd Daud, readers are submerged in a realm where the boundaries of reality and myth intertwine, fashioning a narrative that captivates both the mind and the soul. Set against the backdrop of Brunei, this sweeping saga revolves around Lisan, a humble fisherman whose enigmatic eight-year absence sets him on a profound journey of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the revelation of an ancestral royal fate.

The tale unfurls as Lisan returns to the village he once knew, now altered beyond recognition due to his protracted absence. Bhatia, his wife, has moved on and remarried, yet Lisan's homecoming encompasses more than the reclamation of what was lost—it beckons him to embrace an inescapable destiny. Woven into the tapestry of his existence is the legacy of his royal forebears, propelling him toward a daring mission to penetrate the walls of the royal palace and unearth secrets that could redefine the destiny of his kingdom.

Kathrina's prose dances between lyrical elegance and evocative imagery. The setting, predominantly enshrined in watery vistas, serves as a metaphor for the fluid nature of identity and the depths of history. Kathrina's adept skill in crafting imagery—such as "the boat is a liquid light whip of darkness, across water too smooth to trust"—immerses readers in the ambience of Brunei's landscapes and waterways, enabling them to tangibly experience the characters' emotions.

As the narrative unfurls, it becomes evident that "The Fisherman King" plunges into themes that transcend temporal and cultural boundaries. Lisan's relentless pursuit of his royal lineage resonates with the universal human quest for belonging and self-discovery. His inner conflict, stoked by fervent aspirations and ambitions, serves as a mirror reflecting humanity's struggles with desire and the reverberations of its pursuits. Through Lisan's expedition, the novel prompts introspection on the costs of power, the gravitas of history, and the sacrifices individuals make for their enduring legacies.

Bhatia emerges as a luminary amidst the cast of characters. Her connection with Lisan unveils a poignant exploration of love, yearning, and the intricate nuances of human attachment. Lisan's prolonged absence and Bhatia's subsequent remarriage encapsulate the poignant essence of life's immutable transformations. The reunion between them resonates through Lisan's words, "I missed you from the moment I left."

While "The Fisherman King" unquestionably resonates with an aura of grandeur, there are sporadic instances where a swifter pacing might have enriched the narrative's flow. A fraction of readers could encounter moments where the tempo momentarily wanes, briefly interrupting the immersive quality that otherwise envelops the book.

In summation, "The Fisherman King" by Kathrina Mohd Daud embarks on a voyage to the core of identity, heritage, and sacrifice. Kathrina's narrative craftsmanship gleams as she weaves a tale that fuses history, enchantment, and personal odysseys. Amid Lisan's trials, the novel beckons readers to reflect on their own aspirations, the narratives that shape their lives, and the delicate equilibrium between ambition and reverence for the present. In her portrayal of Brunei's resplendent heritage, Kathrina not only fashions a captivating chronicle but also contributes to the intricate mosaic of contemporary literature.

vitsa's review against another edition

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3.0

I found the story really fascinating and quite enjoyed the plot in general but I had a problem with the main character and his motivations.

I found Lisan’s motivations unclear and his actions inconsistent. He went from being driven by an overwhelming need to find his past to a power hungry kingdom seeker (wiling to sacrifice innocents for this goal) to remorseful …. nothing, I guess, with speed that gave me whiplash. And frankly he was a major dick to Bathia. He went on about what a strong independent woman she is and then proceeded to tell her what to do all of the time. So he wanted a woman who appeared strong but would actually always do what he wanted.

The writing also didn’t really work for me but writing is very much a matter of personal preference.

zatannacomic's review against another edition

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adventurous dark slow-paced

2.75

Despite being 199 pages this felt so long. I lost interest after reading half of the book. It had some potential but at the end I didn't enjoy the story that much overall. However I still liked certain parts of the story, so that's why I'd give it a 2.75.