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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m feeling a little conflicted on what to say about the novel.
Set primarily in 1920s colonial Malaya and written from the viewpoint of the white colonisers, the language they use to describe my own countrymen was uncomfortable (though I supposed that is the point, seeing that the writer is also Malaysian). It’s a complex mixture of narratives, a mix of more uncomfortable topics such as infidelity, subtle racism, homophobia, and more.
The prose is beautiful, I’ll give it that, but to me the characters are a little flat, and doesn’t quite evoke the feelings within me to empathise or feel strongly for them and their predicaments.
Perhaps if I were in a different headspace I could have enjoyed this more, but it’s an okay read as it is.
Set primarily in 1920s colonial Malaya and written from the viewpoint of the white colonisers, the language they use to describe my own countrymen was uncomfortable (though I supposed that is the point, seeing that the writer is also Malaysian). It’s a complex mixture of narratives, a mix of more uncomfortable topics such as infidelity, subtle racism, homophobia, and more.
The prose is beautiful, I’ll give it that, but to me the characters are a little flat, and doesn’t quite evoke the feelings within me to empathise or feel strongly for them and their predicaments.
Perhaps if I were in a different headspace I could have enjoyed this more, but it’s an okay read as it is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Infidelity, Racism, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gun violence, Slavery, Terminal illness
Minor: Deportation
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
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
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
So, like. It's an excellent character study of/tribute to W. Somerset Maugham, written in the ideal medium for such a project, so good job ig, but I have zero interest in W. Somerset Maugham. I guess that's on me for reading this book.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Exquisite prose for a soft and sad story. Queer historical fiction of a sort that isn't often discussed, frustrating but beautifully reflective. Major trigger warnings for colonialism/racist language, although since the author is Malaysian himself I assume we're meant to sit with the discomfort of this language, since he is telling a very real story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Colonisation
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexism, Xenophobia, War
Minor: Sexual violence
informative
reflective
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
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No