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A review by girlgetsbook
The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't know how to start talking about this book, I couldn't really put it down and I'm pretty sure it was the only full-length novel that I ever read in just one sitting. I really think this is a book that deserves more time and appreciation but I just felt so much for these characters and I just needed to know if they were going to be okay.
Melati has harm based OCD which I also have, and to watch how much she struggles with it through the darkness with no knowledge of how to treat it and having to hide it because of the stigma in society really brings me back to more painful times when I had to do the same and when even when I opened up was still met with associations with religion. And in this case I can't say much about Melati's religion and wouldn't dare to speak lightly of what she believes in but still my heart pains for her for not being able to seek out other options.
This book is about the events that happened on May 13th 1969 when the racial conflict between Malays and Chinese people broke out in Kuala Lumpur and it follows Melati a teenage girl with OCD trying to find her mom amidst the tragedies and chaos that surrounds the city after being rescued by a Chinese family. This book has a beautiful message of empathy and hope. Even through all the gruesome descriptions and dread of the situation these characters still seemed to be able to move forward and stand a helping hand towards each other and, without ever making light of the situation the author was able to craft a very hard-hitting but also heartwarming story, balancing these awful moments with Melati's incessant love towards her family, friends and her love for the Beatles' music.
Melati has harm based OCD which I also have, and to watch how much she struggles with it through the darkness with no knowledge of how to treat it and having to hide it because of the stigma in society really brings me back to more painful times when I had to do the same and when even when I opened up was still met with associations with religion. And in this case I can't say much about Melati's religion and wouldn't dare to speak lightly of what she believes in but still my heart pains for her for not being able to seek out other options.
This book is about the events that happened on May 13th 1969 when the racial conflict between Malays and Chinese people broke out in Kuala Lumpur and it follows Melati a teenage girl with OCD trying to find her mom amidst the tragedies and chaos that surrounds the city after being rescued by a Chinese family. This book has a beautiful message of empathy and hope. Even through all the gruesome descriptions and dread of the situation these characters still seemed to be able to move forward and stand a helping hand towards each other and, without ever making light of the situation the author was able to craft a very hard-hitting but also heartwarming story, balancing these awful moments with Melati's incessant love towards her family, friends and her love for the Beatles' music.