Scan barcode
A review by unfiltered_fiction
Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
Black Water Sister is such an energetic, colourful, intelligent, playful, funny, and insightful take on coming of age as a millennial twenty-something. As a reader, I felt all of Jessamyn's struggles deeply - especially her complicated and exhausting but deeply loving relationship with her family, and the sheer battle of finding the time and energy to carve out a way forwards in this world.
The story is infused with exquisite details of the layered, hybrid culture that Jess inhabits, from Malay food to Hokkien etymology. Zen Cho's writing is considered and nuanced, picking out the good, the bad, and the ugly in every situation and every relationship that Jess experiences. The racism she faces in America and the homophobia she skirts around in Malaysia are both depicted in profoundly simple and emotionally rich prose. This story is rich in intersectional feminism, thoroughly conscious of how different struggles work together to shape us in ways that we don't always like.
The humour in this book is absolutely excellent, punctuating the heavy themes with biting, acerbic wit that only adds nuance to the more difficult material. I particularly loved how Jess interacted with her mother and Ah Ma - I could map some of these conversations directly over chats I've had with my own mother and grandmother! All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read that I'd definitely recommend.
The story is infused with exquisite details of the layered, hybrid culture that Jess inhabits, from Malay food to Hokkien etymology. Zen Cho's writing is considered and nuanced, picking out the good, the bad, and the ugly in every situation and every relationship that Jess experiences. The racism she faces in America and the homophobia she skirts around in Malaysia are both depicted in profoundly simple and emotionally rich prose. This story is rich in intersectional feminism, thoroughly conscious of how different struggles work together to shape us in ways that we don't always like.
The humour in this book is absolutely excellent, punctuating the heavy themes with biting, acerbic wit that only adds nuance to the more difficult material. I particularly loved how Jess interacted with her mother and Ah Ma - I could map some of these conversations directly over chats I've had with my own mother and grandmother! All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read that I'd definitely recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual assault, Homophobia, and Racism
Minor: Rape