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A review by clare_tan_wenhui
Ponti by Sharlene Teo
3.0
Strictly speaking it is a 3.5, though I've decided to be harsher in approximating the ratings, as I'd rather not inflate it.
Disregarding the mythological elements in the story (Pontianak, Auntie Xunyi, the Chang E story), actually the theme prevalent in the story, is basically about the complexity of female relationships with peers and mentors, and their lingering consequence in our life, and oddly how relatability in relationships as well as its longstanding effects, do not necessarily hinge on blood ties and how long the relationship has been sustained.
Perhaps I am still a stickler for realism, as the mythical elements felt whimsical in the novel, and it was a tad hard to see how it contributed to the plot, structure or characters' development, until maybe at the end. And even then, the payoff was kind of disappointing and muted. The same could be said of the Singaporean setting in the novel, which was endearing, but yet overall lacking in really accomplishing anything. Felt that all this elements has overshadowed the solid story instead of enhancing it.
Nevertheless, this proves that the author Sharlene Teo has the knack of knowing what makes a good story. May she continue to hold onto this, while polishing her other areas, and I foresee her being a formidable name in the Singapore literature scene.
Disregarding the mythological elements in the story (Pontianak, Auntie Xunyi, the Chang E story), actually the theme prevalent in the story, is basically about the complexity of female relationships with peers and mentors, and their lingering consequence in our life, and oddly how relatability in relationships as well as its longstanding effects, do not necessarily hinge on blood ties and how long the relationship has been sustained.
Perhaps I am still a stickler for realism, as the mythical elements felt whimsical in the novel, and it was a tad hard to see how it contributed to the plot, structure or characters' development, until maybe at the end. And even then, the payoff was kind of disappointing and muted. The same could be said of the Singaporean setting in the novel, which was endearing, but yet overall lacking in really accomplishing anything. Felt that all this elements has overshadowed the solid story instead of enhancing it.
Nevertheless, this proves that the author Sharlene Teo has the knack of knowing what makes a good story. May she continue to hold onto this, while polishing her other areas, and I foresee her being a formidable name in the Singapore literature scene.