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There are so many historical fiction books out there focusing on Germany during WWII, that I found it a refreshing (for lack of a better word) change to have a novel shine light on Asia (specifically Malaya) during this time &highlight the lives effected &tragedies that occurred there.

There are serious topics &it‘s at times a difficult read, but I appreciated how the author approached each topic &how informative this historical fiction book was.

This book was my least favorite of her three. I love her ability to mix in folk and this was no different. But the story fell flat for me.

Relationships are at the center of all stories: child and parent, husband and wife. Other themes are displacement through immigration and how the generations cope differently with their longing for the other country. I love Madeleine Thien‘s writing style, the way she crafts characters and leads us into their world is masterfully done. It makes me want to read everything she ever wrote. Definitely a pick.

#WeekendReads @rachelsbrittain

Do you remember me raving about The Fox Wife last month? I was seeking out Yangsze Choo's books, and this is even better. Only with ghosts instead of foxes.
It's set in 1890s Malaya, it's heavy on folklore and spirit culture, but this adds to the tension of the story as Li Lan navigates adulthood and her future prospects.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ It took me a bit to get into this story and keep my characters straight, but once it got going, I found it very enjoyable.

It‘s wonderful to read books about other cultures and folk lore, superstitions and where those beliefs take them too. This one is set in 30‘s in Malaysia. It‘s part mystery, part magical and romance.

I personally am not a huge fan of magical realism and was somewhat hesitant to read this, but very glad I did.

My first book of the new year and it was a captivating one! I enjoyed the multiple narrators and the folklore of weretigers. I‘m not sure how I feel about the ending but a good story overall!

I had three 5-star books in September so it was another close call. I loved the uniqueness of this book. #12booksof2024 @Andrew65

I really enjoyed this book about intrepid Jean Paget who leads a group of imprisoned women around wartime Malaya, comes into some money, and makes a life for herself in Australia. This is a quiet love story, but mostly Jean‘s story, and you can‘t help but root for this practical, can-do character who in building a life for herself also builds a town for her life.