Showing posts with label Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fiction. Show all posts
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara
Melody

Chatto & Windus | 30 January 2020 | 352 pgs
Source: Library 

Set in India at a basti (slum) consisted of the Hindus and the Muslims community, this story gives readers more than a glimpse about the various struggles of the residents living there as they go on with their lives. At its core of the story is 9-year-old Jai and his two friends, Pari and Faiz, whose lives are about to take a turn after learning the missing of their friend, Bahadur. 

Jai is a fan of many reality cop shows so it's no surprise that he's decided to find Bahadur through the few things he'd learnt from those shows. Together with Pari and Faiz, they search the neighbourhood, the night bazaar and even travel on a railway at the end of the Purple Line regardless of the dangers lurking around. They know they might get lost, or even meet up with the wrong people should they are not careful, but they're unstoppable especially Jai, who believes that their friend could be found through their persistency. But when more kids begin to disappear around their basti, they soon realise that they're both powerless and helpless with their poor situation and the indifference and corruption of their local police system. Division between the Hindus and the Muslims community widens as their distrust of each other arises since they could find no answers regarding the disappearance of the children. Intersperse with the mystery is the children's belief of the djinns and a vengeful woman ghost who look out for the girls from the perpetrators after her daughter died and the killer was never found. Whether if they're true or merely urban legends, Jai and the other children find some hope in these stories amid the sad reality and chaos in their little settlement. When tragedy hits home after Jai's sister is missing, Jai and his family's life would never be the same alongside with the other families who have lost their children. 

Deepa Anappara's writing was engaging from the beginning as she vividly described the (unnamed) slum and the residents' living lifestyle through Jai's eyes. Despite the saddened mood of a slum, Jai's narrative was often light-hearted and there were times their conversations were a little humorous, too. (Unfortunately my copy didn't come with a glossary list of the words they used so half the time I'd to guess or Google them myself.) The story could get a bit repetitive surrounding the missing children and how Jai was trying his ways to find them, but I came to understand the purpose as the story progresses as it highlights their helplessness as there's a social status difference between the rich and the poor, and how this division will colour the lens of justice and other things as well. This was a coming-of-age story, but it was also a heart-rending story based on hard facts about the missing children in India, gender discrimination and the social divisions that lead to some inequalities. 

Last but not least, I want to thank bookblogger and friend, Lark, for reading this book with me (check out her review here). Here's her questions to me: 

1. What did you think of the ghosts and their stories? And why do you think the author included them?

Ghost stories, urban legends, myths . . . we're all fascinated by them not only because they're mystical but in some ways there might be some truths in them. Take an example of the vengeful woman ghost, Junction-ki-Rani, in this story. Her story is true to the children in this book and they think her existence acts as a balance to the injustice they face in reality, as they believe her ghost was looking out for them as she searched for her daughter's murderer. I think the author was trying to portray the hope of the children amid their situation and the unfairness of all. 

2. From roti to gulab-jamun, the author describes a lot of street food in this book. What's your favorite kind of 'street food'?

I love street foods. You can learn a lot about a country's culture through their foods and I think street foods represent a significant part of urban food consumption and the lifestyle of the country citizens. I've too many favourite street foods to list; and I love exploring them when I visit other countries. My most memorable street foods experience was in Taiwan. One of their famous street foods is stinky tofu and you can smell them even from a distance. I tried one eventually but I'd to pinch my nose to eat it (the taste wasn't that bad actually.) And well that'd be my first and last time to eat the stinky tofu. 

© 2022 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
Melody

Michael Joseph | 14 September 2021 | 496 pgs
Source: Library 


To begin with, I think this is more of a domestic drama than a psychological thriller. That said, it does have a mystery aura though, but there's not much action or intensity but lots of family drama, guessing games and miscommunication. 

Joy and Stan Delaney used to coach and run a tennis academy but have sold their business for their retirement. They've four grown-up children (Amy, Logan, Troy and Brooke) and although they're all trained by their parents since young, they aren't good enough to be successful and as the years go by, their interest for tennis waned and each pursue their own success either by getting married or venture into something else. 

The Delaney children understand their parents' passion for tennis and Joy's enthusiasm in running the business, but they all knew that they would never forget about their star student, Harry Haddad who once walked away from them years ago at the peak of his performance, leaving the parents feeling despair and betrayed at the same time, especially Stan. But they've somewhat walk out from that gloom and are looking at spending a relaxing life while occasionally fretting about their adult children when a stranger knocks at their door one night. A young woman named Savannah claims she's running away from her abusive boyfriend and of course, Joy and Stan couldn't turn her away. Savannah's overnight stay at the Delaneys soon extends to staying with them like a tenant since Joy and Stan enjoy her company and most of all, she's a good cook. The children, on the other hand, feel their family space being invaded yet they could do nothing about it. Then Joy goes missing one day and Savannah is nowhere to be found. The scratch marks on Stan's face is suspicious to the police so naturally he becomes a suspect. Not all of the Delaneys children believe that their father is guilty; and this is where all the doubts come in as the reader watch the story unfolds between the present and what happened leading to Joy's disappearance. 

This story was great for the characters developments and the family dynamics but you'd be disappointed if you're looking for suspense and thrill as they're minimal. Basically it revolves around the relationship among the Delaneys and how Savannah's intrusion is the fuse to their calm (or make-believe) life. It's a great exploration of the connection and the complexity between people; how communications can be easily misinterpreted and that looks may be deceiving. The book was funny at times despite the content and while it was an interesting read, I find it to be a bit long and dragging. I'm not too sure how I felt about the ending though; there was closure but I felt it was somewhat anticlimactic. Perhaps I dived into this book with a different expectation and viewpoint so overall it was an average read to me. 

© 2021 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Melody
Grove Press | 12 June 2018 | 176 Pgs
Source: Library 
Translated from the Japanese by Ginny Tapley Takemori

36-year-old Keiko Furukura has been a society misfit since young. She doesn't really know how to interact with others; and what she expresses or does at times may seem inappropriate or unsound to others although her intentions are simply innocent and to get things done in her own ways. Her portrayal may lead to some wondering if she's autistic but the direction wasn't clear. At the age of eighteen, Keiko dropped out from school and began working at a convenience store, "Smile Mart". For once, she finds peace and purpose in her life and she realises that in order to fit in with the society, she has to act "normal" like others. Like following the rules from the store manual, she does her best in copying her colleagues' mannerisms, speech and even their fashion sense. 

Keiko may have perfected her speech and mannerisms as the time go, but she has other problems to face, such as the pressure of finding a husband and getting a "real" job. When she crosses path with an ex-colleague, Shiraha, she begins to think that perhaps she could lend a helping hand considering he is a misfit, too. This leads to misconceptions from her family and colleagues as they think that she's finally found someone and the latter embrace her more warmly into their groups. Keiko values her friendship with her colleagues, but in her mind she's wondering if she should be content living a troubled normal life rather than a carefree abnormal one. 

At its core, this book is about meeting societal expectations. Keiko was an empathetic character who thinks nothing much about herself but more of how she should portray herself and being accepted by the society regardless of her unusual characteristics. This isn't to say Keiko is wrong, but since the autistic spectrum was never fully explored (perhaps intentional by the author?), it is easy for the society to interpret her as an "outsider" - someone who simply doesn't fit in or adjust. While this perception happens anywhere around the world, it was strongly felt through Keiko's narrative as the role of men and women are often viewed differently based on their culture, mindset and any other issues. Work culture and gender discrimination (Shiraha's views will anger many women so I won't go there) are also explored here; and you'll learn more about the job and responsibilities of a store clerk through Keiko's eyes (she's a devoted employee and definitely deserves an award in my opinion). Overall this was a quick read and an interesting portrayal of an extraordinary quirky heroine in today's society conformity. 

© 2021 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan
Melody

 

Doubleday | 30 June 2020 | 336 pgs
Source: Library
Kevin Kwan's phenomenal novel, Crazy Rich Asians, takes the readers to tropical Singapore and tells a love story through an array of local culture, the mindset and the behaviorism of the rich with a fun and dramatic prose. Sex and Vanity has a similar vibe as CRA in terms of the prose (minus the Singlish, of course) and is a homage to E.M. Forster's A Room with a View (I haven't read this so I couldn't compare). 

Lucie Tang Churchill, our heroine, is invited to a wedding reception in Capri, Italy, together with her family. Accompanied by her cousin, Charlotte, they're supposed to check into a hotel room that has a scenic sea view but are dismayed to find it's already been occupied by another two guests. Rosemary Zao gallantly offers to trade hotel rooms with them, but Charlotte isn't impressed with her exaggerated and over-the-top enthusiasm and thinks they're of two different class. Lucie, on the other hand, is intrigued by George Zao's (Rosemary's son) quiet temperament although she finds him a bit eccentric. And as fate would have it, it turns out that the Zaos are attending the same wedding reception, too. 

In spite of Lucie's denial towards her attraction towards George and Charlotte's disapproval, Lucie couldn't keep her eyes away from him and Charlotte would tease her about her mixed blood heritage (Lucie's mother is a Chinese) that it's no surprise that George (Chinese-Australian) would attract her. But Lucie, on the other hand, finds her mixed blood heritage more of a hassle and confusion since she doesn't feel a strong sense of belonging from both sides of the family. 

Lucie and George eventually let their feelings and emotions speak for themselves, but then an embarrassing situation breaks them apart. After this begins the second part of the story which is five years later after that incident, and the reader will soon learn that Lucie has a new fiancé and she's going to cross path with George once again; but this time around there're more deceits and implications as they involve not only her family and fiancé, but also the co-op board of her prestigious apartment building (they're hilarious at some point). 

While Crazy Rich Asians and this book have the element of the rich and the privileged, what set them apart is the setting, the colourful culture of two different continents (Asian and Europe) and of course, not to mention the characterisations which I feel, remains the highlight of Kwan's books. I enjoyed reading about the local culture of CRA, but this book enables me more than a glimpse of the beautiful Capri and the extravagant food and fashion so it was both an entertaining and an "eye-opening" experience to me. While the love story was so-so and I wished there're more developments between Lucie and George (they've chemistry but lacks interactions), overall this still makes a decent read if you're in the mood for something light and fluffy. 
© 2021 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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The Choice by Gillian McAllister
Melody
G.P. Putnam's Sons | June 2020 | 368 pgs
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss 
Gillian McAllister's latest release is written in sliding door concept - a dual scenarios depicting the path the protagonist has decided to take after an unfortunate incident. 

Joanna and her friend, Laura, are having the best of their time at a bar when a stranger, who called himself Sadiq, invites them for a drink after their casual acquaintance earlier. Joanna didn't mean it to happen, but Sadiq seems eager to chat and when Joanna ignores him, he tries to grab and pull her towards him. Shocked, Joanna doesn't know how to react for a while until she moves away from him. But that isn't all, after Joanna leaves the bar she got the feeling that Sadiq is following her. While hurrying down the staircase she thought she caught a glimpse of Sadiq's red trainers and that's where she makes a snap decision; she turns and pushes him. Only that it isn't Sadiq but a random jogger and he tumbles down the steps and lies motionless, facedown on the ground. 

What happened thereafter is two scenarios - "Reveal" and "Conceal", depicts the cause and effect depending on Joanna's choice. If she calls the police, the man will live but that would put her own innocence at risk. She might be charged of assaulting and with no witnesses around, it'd a tough case to fight. But if she leaves quietly and pretends nothing has happened, the man will die but would she be able to go on living with guilt as she lies to her husband and friends? 

The Choice was a captivating read that not only the readers will find themselves get caught up by the dynamic plots but will also question themselves at the end in regard to the moral dilemma surrounding this story. While this isn't a typical psychological thriller, it sure is a thought-provoking novel that tells the different consequences through a split-second decision and how it'd change the life between the perpetrator and the victim. While I find this sliding door concept to be a refreshing read, personally I'm not a fan of it as I think it takes away some of the thrill and the focus (the real action of the event somewhat feel lost to me, if that makes sense.) 

Character-wise, Joanna didn't really leave a deep impression on me since I didn't really feel connected with her (maybe it's the concept) but I did feel what she'd gone through with both scenarios. That said, I'd still recommend this book if you love this kind of concept.
© 2020 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
Melody
St. Martin's Publishing Group | August 2019 | 320 pgs
Source: Library 
The title may sound like a non-fiction but this is actually an uplifting and inspiring story that explores about family, forgiveness and love. 

Cassie Hanwell is one tough woman. Being the only female firefighter with the Austin Fire Department, she works extra hard not only she loves her job but also as her life focus ever since her mother left her and her father on her sixteenth birthday. That day changed her mindset about trusting people and while she's good in dealing with emergencies, she's never good in connecting with others although she has a great comradeship with her colleagues. She's on her path towards promotion until two things turned her world upside down. First, upon seeing the city councilman who's going to present her with a valor award and he was the guy who's hurt her badly in high school. Then, her estranged mother called and said she needs her to move to Massachusetts given her eye problems.

"Choosing to love -- despite all the ways that people let you down, and disappear, and break your heart. Knowing everything we know about how hard life is and choosing to love anyway . . . That's not weakness. That's courage." ~ Pg 59

Cassie is reluctant to forgive her mother given she'd left them years ago. On top of it, she didn't want to leave her current place but her career with the Austin Fire Department is gone (she refused to apologise to the councilman after what he'd done to her on stage). Through her superior's recommendation, she ends up at Lillian Fire Department in Massachusetts; a smaller station which pale in comparison in all aspects and worst of all, the chief doesn't really think highly of women firefighters but is willing to take her in because they're short-staffed. So Cassie ends up moving into her mother's house and start her new life. 

Cassie soon finds out that she's not the only newbie but there's a rookie who's joining Lillian FD, too. Being the only female and her capabilities in doubt, Cassie works extra hard to prove herself and along the drills and other works, she discovers that Owen Callaghan (who is often called the "rookie" more than his name) is nothing like his other subordinates. For starters, he treats her as an equal and even better, acknowledge her skills. Back at home, her relationship with her mother is lukewarm but as the days go, she soon finds out the real reason behind her mother's request. 

This book evoked so much emotions in me during my reading journey. I admired Cassie's spirit and I think she'd made all women proud for undertaking a male dominated job and excelled in it. Her relationship with Owen, as well as the moments with her mother are both bittersweet to read. There may be some scenes which are cheesy or cliché, but to me how the book made me feel and reflect usually have me overlook them. I enjoyed this book a lot and would definitely check out the other books by this author.
© 2019 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee
Melody
 Oneworld Publications | May 2019 | 352 pgs
Source: Library
February 8th 1942 marked the start of the Battle of Singapore and ended on the 15th when the British officially surrendered Singapore to the Japanese forces. Despite the stiff resistance from Allied troops, the island eventually fell in the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army and for 3 years and 7 months, Singapore was known as "Syonan-To" during the Japanese Occupation. 

In this novel, author Jing-Jing Lee blends fiction and history about the connection between a courageous woman who survived the Japanese Occupation and a 12-year-old boy who's stumbled on a secret which may change his and someone else's life altogether. 

17-year-old Wang Di lives with her family in a neighbouring village. As the eldest, she helps her mother by selling vegetables and eggs at their village, forsaking her education not only they are poor but also they believe that boys should have a better education instead. When the news broke that the Japanese have marched into Singapore, everyone tries to keep a low profile until one day a troop come across the village where Wang Di is and tear everything apart. During the struggle, Wang Di, as well as a few girls, are forced into their troop carrier and drive off to military brothels where they are to become "comfort women". In a more harshly term, they are forced into sexual slavery. 

Forward to year 2000, 12-year-old Kevin hears a confession from his grandmother which isn't meant for him by her deathbed. Her mumbled confession then led Kevin into finding the truth which happened so many years ago. And what he later found out will not only uncover the mystery behind his late grandmother's message but also the grief-stricken life story of a man and wife during the Japanese Occupation. 

This book was not an easy read as it not only reminds me of the sad and horrific past set in my homeland but also how horrible it was for the "comfort women" to remain silent during that era. It also sadden me to read about the guilt and the shame they felt even though they'd done nothing wrong under that circumstances. That said, I felt their voices deserve to be heard and what they'd gone through will never be forgotten. 

Onto the story, I felt the author has done a great job in weaving the two timelines together and bringing the two main narrators to life. I enjoyed reading both Wang Di's and Kevin's perspective and they have their own traits which are admirable; Wang Di for her perseverance and endurance during the difficult times and Kevin for his determination in searching the truth. I found myself invested in their stories the more I turned the pages. I don't want to say more about the premise but I can tell you that this is a beautifully written story filled with heartbreak and hope and I turned the last page with a lump in my throat. 
© 2019 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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After the End by Clare Mackintosh
Melody
Penguin Publishing Group | June 2019 | 400 pgs
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss 
This latest release by Clare Mackintosh is unlike any of her previous novels. Instead a psychological thriller which she usually writes, this book tackles on an entirely different subject which would not only pull our heartstrings but will question the choices you'll make under difficult circumstances. 

Max and Pip is a happy family with their 3-year-old son. Then little Dylan is diagnosed with brain tumor and despite of various treatments, the medical team has decided that there wouldn't be any cure for him as the brain damage is irreparable. Even if he lives, he'll not be able to walk, talk or to communicate his needs. Given this diagnosis, Max and Pip have to make a decision as to whether they should extend his life through further treatment or to allow doctors to give him palliative care till his final day. Both Max and Pip love Dylan and would do anything for him but for the first time, they aren't on the same page. Each thinks their decision is the best and fits the principle of humanity after seeing Dylan's suffering. Under this circumstances they've no choice but to leave it to the courts to decide. 

The first half of the book is the most difficult to read as the reader follow Max and Pip's thoughts and struggles regarding Dylan's future. There're lots of emotional evoking scenes here that would make you ache for the couple as well as little Dylan. The doctor-in-charge, Dr Leila Khalili, is a great supporting role as the author allows her reader to see another side of her, whether if it's professional or personal. The second half takes on a much slower pace and allow readers to see the two sides of a decision reached. 

This is a beautifully written story, though a sad and an emotional one. I've enjoyed this author's writing and this book stands out all the more due to a similar difficult decision she'd had to make thirteen years ago. As a parent, I couldn't imagine all the pain and the decision one has to make for his/her child. The weight of that decision is too heavy and no one can predicts the future. One would always question if he/she has made the right decision and then there's always these two words lingering in mind: "What if?" 

Like Max and Pip, I was curious to know the verdict of the courts' decision but after closing this book and pondering about the issues, I think no matter whatever the decision is, it is sufficient as long as we feel we've done what's best under that circumstances and being hopeful for the future. 

 * This is a scheduled post as I'm currently taking a short break off of blogging. Comments and blog hopping will resume thereafter. 
© 2019 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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The Au Pair by Emma Rous
Melody
Penguin Publishing Group | January 2019 | 384 pgs
Source: Library


The story opens with Seraphine Mayes uncovering a family photograph while she's going through her late father's belongings. Seraphine's father, Dominic, fell while fixing the roof; leaving his three grown up children behind. Seraphine has lots of memories of her childhood living at Summerbourne, their family estate on the Norfolk coast. After all, she and her twin brother, Danny, were born in the middle of summer there.  

 Looking back at the photo she's holding, she realises that something is amiss. The photo was taken on the day the twins were born; and it showed their late mother, seated between her husband and their older brother, Edwin. However, she was captured holding just one baby instead of two. Seraphine has never seen her mother; from what she knew their mother threw herself from the cliffs just within hours of their birth. No one really knows what happened that day. In order to uncover the mystery surrounding the photo as well as their mother's death, Seraphine decided that the best person she could ask is Edwin's au pair, Laura. But first, she needs to track down Laura since there hasn't been any news of her since the tragedy at Summerbourne. And the mystery soon gets more complicated as Seraphine finds someone leaving her warning signs to stop her investigations. 

 This first novel by Emma Rous sucked me in right from the beginning till the end with a cast of intriguing characters and a well developed plot. And, I've no idea what to categorise this book as it combines mystery with domestic noir. As readers, we learn about this story through Seraphine's and Laura's eyes set in present 2017 and 1991 respectively. Both perspectives and timelines are an interesting read, but I was more drawn to Laura's voice. Laura works as an au pair partly because she wants to prove to her mother and her mother's partner that she could be independent while earning some money for her studies. She has no experience as an au pair but she's well liked by Ruth and young Edwin. And the more she gets to know the family she soon realises that Summerbourne not only has history but secrets as well. And speaking of Summerbourne, I've to say it is a character on its own. I was enamoured by its coastal beauty and the countryside atmosphere. Although this is very much about the mystery surrounding the missing twin in the picture, actually I felt it is much more on the family dynamics and the relationship between the Mayes' family and Laura. An impressive first novel and I'm definitely will be on the look out for the author's next release. 
© 2019 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Elevation by Stephen King
Melody
Hodder & Stoughton | October 2018 | 160 pgs
Source: Library


This latest novella by Stephen King revolves around a man (who has an unknown mysterious condition) and his resolve in bringing a small town together despite the residents' prejudice and some differences. 

 On surface, Scott Carey looks like any other ordinary man who has weight issue. But what other people wouldn't know is he's been losing weight constantly and no matter how heavy or light his clothings are, his weight always remains the same. What most terrifying (and worryingly) is, his weight will decline as the days go but his size will look the same. 

 Scott consulted his neighbour, Bob Ellis, who's a retired doctor about his strange condition and the latter has absolutely no idea what it is. He suggested Scott to go for a thorough checkup but he refused, stating that he wouldn't want to be scrutinised like some weird creatures. Scott promises to monitor his condition though, but it seems his condition is not getting any better. 

 Aside from this, Scott has issues with a lesbian couple next door whose dog regularly drops his business on his lawn. Missy and Deidre own a restaurant but business isn't that good. Scott has no problem with Missy, but Deidre is another matter. She is blunt and cold; and no matter how nicely Scott tells her about the dogs' problems, she appears defensive and the case remains unresolved. Scott also notices that the residents shun and avoid the couple like a plague and this gives him the thought that perhaps he can try to dismiss all this prejudice and unhappiness (including his own) considering his days to zero pound is nearing and he has nothing to lose anyway.  

 Elevation was a short read yet it was moving and inspiring in a way. The story is simple and the characters are mostly one-dimensional (considering it's a novella) but the more I read, I felt a bit of connection with Scott. I felt his worry, his frustrations and his hopelessness with his condition, but I also felt his determination in wanting to change the mindset of the residents; including his own as well as the couple's opinion of him. Deidre was another interesting character; she may seemed like an annoying character from the start but I liked it that she doesn't care what others think of her, even when it seemed the whole community is going against her and her business suffered at one stage. Aside from the prejudice, there's a bit of political underlying tone but I thought they add some entertainment to the tension among the community. Overall, it was a quick read and though this is not King's best, it radiates a feel-good vibes without the heaviness of the respective topics. 
© 2019 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht
Melody
Chatto & Windus | January 2018 | 320 pgs
Source: Library

I liked the title of this book, but the subjects covered and the story are both sad and heartbreaking. 

 Set alternatively between the time period 1943 and 2011, this story follows two sisters who are separated by World War II and their struggle in living their life amid the difficult times. Sixteen-year-old Hana comes from a family of haenyeo and like other women of the island community in Jeju, they earn their living as female divers. Because of their profession, they're usually strong willed and determined and young Hana is no exception. One day while diving she sees a Japanese soldier heading to her younger sister, Emi, where she guards the day's catch on the beach. Remembering her mother's words about not getting caught by the soldiers, Hana swims as fast as she could to the shore. She managed to divert the soldier's attention to Emi, but unfortunately she did so by sacrificing herself as the bait. And this begins Hana's harrowing journey as a "comfort woman" in a Japanese military brothel; she is one of many girls and women who are taken and forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese army. 

Fast forward to 2011, Seoul. Emi is an elderly woman who is blessed with children and grandchildren. However, there is never a single day that she wouldn't think of her beloved elder sister and think of the sacrifice she'd made so many years ago. None of her family knew about her painful past; and till present she still harbours the hope that she'd be able to reunite with Hana one day, though it seem impossible given the time span. 

 I've learnt a bit about haenyeo and even seen a few of them in action when I'd the chance to visit Jeju a few years back. Most of the women are fit and agile despite they're at least in their fifties and above. I was in awed of their physique and most of all, the determination and the perseverance they radiated. Reading about Hana reminded me of them; and I could imagine how those traits reflected in our young Hana when she tried to protect Emi. The author captured the characters' emotions beautifully; and she has done a great job in balancing fiction and history in this book. There are some scenes which are horrific and gruesome, yet I feel it isn't right to omit them either and that it is to acknowledge what they'd gone through would never be forgotten. 
© 2019 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Dracul by Dacre Stoker & J.D. Barker
Melody
Penguin Publishing Group | October 2018 | 512 pgs
Source: Library
We are all aware that Bram Stoker is the author of the timeless classic horror, Dracula. Dacre Stoker, Bram's great-grandnephew, together with author J.D. Barker, cowrite this prequel inspired through Bram's journals and notes and tell readers not only about the origins of the scary vampire which haunts our dreams but also a story of Bram and an enigmatic woman who bound them together. 

 The year is 1854. Seven-year-old Bram Stoker is a sickly child and spend most of his time in bed in their Dublin's home, tended by a caretaker named Ellen Crone. The Stokers hired the young woman by chance after their previous caretaker left in a haste; and while the Stokers are skeptical of Ellen's enigmatic behaviours in the beginning, they soon get used of her characteristics given how Bram seem to get better under her care. Although Bram has a few other siblings, it is Matilda, his sister who's a year older, whom he share a deep bond with. As much as both of them adore Ellen, there are times that they couldn't put a finger on Ellen's actions and why she would leave the house for a few days and then return as if nothing happens. But what most perplexing is her appearance as she could be glowing today and then haggard the next. To unravel the mystery surrounding Ellen, Bram and Matilda did a little investigation and learned of her unknown side. 

 Back to the present in 1868 when Bram is an adult, we "find" him secured in a locked room at an abandoned abbey trying to fend off some monster which is on his trail. With time running out and hoping that help would be on its way, he hurriedly writes down all the events right from the start till what have brought him to the present and this begins the tale of Dracul. 

 Dracul is both a horror and a love story at its best. Told from two timelines through various sources like journals, diary entries, letters and notes, as well as a segment on a few narrators who also play an important role in this story (e.g. Matilda and Thornley Stoker, and Dr Arminius Vambéry who has some knowledge in vampirism). I find all the characters intriguing here; and I've to say Matilda was my favourite character among all. She's feisty since a young girl and we continue to see her bravery side and determination right up to her adulthood. Then, there's the close-knit relationship she had with Bram that I find rather heartwarming at times. 

And if Bram is the leading role, then Ellen is the star of this story. There is so much I wanted to talk about her yet it wouldn't be fun if I indulge all her mysterious side and secrets; likewise the plot. As you can tell, I enjoyed the wild ride immensely. "Wow!" is an understatement of how I felt after closing this book and I hope you'll pick up this book quickly.

 Note: This is a scheduled post as I'm currently on vacation. Blog hop and comments will resume after my return. Happy reading! 


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Number One Chinese Restaurant by Lillian Li
Melody

Holt, Henry & Company, Inc. | June 2018 | 304 pgs
Source: Library

This debut novel by Lillian Li is a story about family and dreams; and most of all it is a story about the relationship between parents and children, youth and aging and one's value and devotion.

The Beijing Duck House in Rockville, Maryland, has made its name through Bobby Han's foresight and his belief of traditional Chinese cuisines and the connections it bring people together, be it a place for celebrations or merely for gatherings. This legacy is passed on to his youngest son, Jimmy Han, after Bobby's death and the oldest son, Johnny, left for Hong Kong to start off a new life. Johnny has no intention of running the Duck House although he is the more capable one among the two brothers. His only nineteen-year-old daughter, Annie, remains in the States as she works as a waitress at the Duck House.

Nan and Ah-Jack are longtime employees at the Duck House and knew the family-run restaurant inside out. Despite each is married, they never find the love they've for their spouse and over the years friendship and familiarity have slowly take a turn into something else but both of them chose to let things as they are even though they care too much for each other. Nan has a seventeen-year-old son, Pat, and he works as a dishwasher at the Duck House. He is one troubled teen filled with angst.

Jimmy has plans to leave his late father's homespun establishment for a classier one; ditching their old menus for an Asian fusion dishes. But of course setting up new business needs financials and he isn't sure if striking up a deal with Pang, an old family friend, is wise until tragedy strikes, implicating Pat and Annie to the already complicated Hans family saga as they're somewhat involved in setting the Duck House in flames. How would the Hans brothers and Nan react and how much are they willing to sacrifice to help their children?

There are a lot of things going on in this story. The friction within the Hans family household, the relationship between Nan and Ah-Jack and the vulnerability side of Pat and Annie as they are most often cast aside by their own parents due to work demands and their own selfish needs. It's a great exploration and an in-depth look of various relationships, but I felt there should be some backstory about Pang, considering how he played an "important" role in all the connections to the Duck House. Overall it was a promising debut and I look forward to the author's next book. 


© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce
Melody
Picador | April 2018 | 320 pgs
Source: Library



This story is set in London during the 1940s where the country is at war with the Germans. However, this is only the backdrop while the book is basically centering on the life of the Londoners during this difficult times and of course, our lead protagonist, Emmeline Lake and the interactions with a few of her friends and colleagues.  

 All the while, Emmy has this dream of being a Lady War Correspondent. When she saw an ad placed in a newspaper looking for a Junior at The London Evening Chronicle, she put off everything and jumped at the chance. Well, Emmy is offered the position but in the haste and excitement during the interview she had failed to find out about her duties. So while Woman's Friend magazine is part of TLEC, what her duties are are far from being a journalist, let alone a War Correspondent. One of the magazine features is the 'Henrietta Bird Helps' column and basically her job is to go through the mails sent out by the readers and sort them out for Mrs Bird, Woman's Friend Advice Writer and Acting Editress, to reply. However, Mrs Bird has a list of 'Unpleasantness' topics she wouldn't entertain and this put Emmy in a difficult position because most mails she receive are about love, relationships and the likes. Mrs Bird is very clear about receiving such mails and off they go into the bin. 

 Emmy, on the other hand, feels heartbroken for these women who must have gone through such difficult situations to send in their desperate pleas and she hates to disappoint and let their hopes down. Thus, she replies to these letters secretly under Mrs Bird's name and from then onwards there is no turning back for Emmy. 

 Dear Mrs Bird was a delightful read; it was funny, uplifting and sad at the same time. It is also a story about love, friendship, courage and pursuing one's dream. Although this isn't entirely a war story, Ms Pearce has managed to capture the tense atmosphere and makes the reader feels for the characters and how it was like living in a wartime period and yet not giving up hope like Emmy and her friends. A lovely debut and I'll be sure to look out for this author's future releases.  
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This Love Story Will Self-Destruct by Leslie Cohen
Melody


Gallery Books | January 2018 | 336 pgs
Source: Library


Eve is a dreamer. She is also quirky, sensitive to emotions, likes having fun with her girlfriends and a worrier, too. She finds herself attracted to a guy in class due to his poetic charms and his talent in song writing and they hit it off quickly. They continue their relationship even after they graduated from Columbia University but both are brought down by the harshness of reality as Jesse struggles with his music band and Eve finds herself miserable with his hot and cold treatment and on top of that, the dread of him being caught as a drug runner. Their relationship finally ended but Eve still feels she is missing something in her life.  

Ben is an engineer who likes order and facts. He is a man of few words but that doesn't mean he has no opinions and ideas. He is usually calm unless something annoys or irritates him. He knew Eve when they were both students at the University but they were never close and there were no sparks between them as they have no common ground. But fate is a strange thing and they find themselves crossing paths again and again. Their friendship gradually leads to a connection they've not thought before, but it is fragile as Ben later finds out the truth regarding their parents' life-and-death encounters during the 9/11 attacks. However, Eve has this trust issue which stemmed from her unhappy tween years and one can say she is a pessimist. Adding her clashing personality with Ben's, she doesn't think they've a future and thus she finds herself destructing the relationship she has with Ben.  

Part coming-of-age and part romance, this book chronicle two different people's meeting and their falling in love. We first follow Ben and Eve in their 20s and we learn about their ups and downs as youths and thereafter the challenges in life and work as adults. Truth be told, I never felt a connection with Eve throughout the book while Ben, who seemed insignificant and non-existent from the beginning grown on me instead. The story was simple and common enough, but Ms. Cohen has a way of writing that will draw you in to her characters and into their stories. I'd have liked this story more if not because of Eve (she got on my nerves) and that being said, I'll still look forward to Ms. Cohen's next release.  

© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain
Melody

St. Martin's Press | October 2017 | 384 pgs
Source: Library

This story is set in the 1940s between Hickory, North Carolina and Baltimore, Maryland where the people are affected by the WWII and many of their young men were sent to fight the war. With their life restraint with food and gas rations, they all try their very best to get by while hoping that the war would end quickly with victory. This is the backdrop of the story and at its heart of it is twenty-three-year-old Tess DeMello and her journey as one mistake has altered her life forever. 

 Tess is living with her mother in a little Italian neighbourhood in Baltimore. The DeMellos and the Russo family have known each other for years and Tess is engaged with Vincent Russo and they are planning for their wedding once Vincent has his own pediatric practice and Tess has graduated from nursing school. Both of them have been hanging on to these dreams until Vincent is sent to Chicago to help with the infantile paralysis epidemic there. A couple of weeks he has promised has turned to months, and while Tess has been understanding all this while she couldn't help feeling a little insecure given this difficult time with minimal communication. When her best friend suggested a short trip to Washington as a break, she decided to give it a go after much thought but an evening of drinks has turned her life upside down. 

 Pregnant and filled with guilt, Tess decided to end her engagement with Vincent. She fled to Hickory, North Carolina without telling anyone except her best friend and her mother, hoping that the baby's father would offer her some financial assistance. To her surprise, Henry Kraft offered her marriage and she agreed, after all what does she has to lose? But living in the small, rural town in Hickory isn't easy. Many of the Hickory residents treat Tess like an outsider despite they all admire and respect Henry. The Krafts own a family furniture factory and while Tess doesn't have to worry about her life financially, she feels unhappy and trapped in the marriage with Henry treating her like a stranger. Most of all, he is secretive and often stays out all night. Tess also finds some stacks of money hidden in their bedroom by chance and begins to question herself about the man she married. Henry seems like an honorable man but is it simply an act? And most of all, what is he hiding away from her? 

 The Stolen Marriage isn't a psychological suspense or a crime thriller although there is an element of mystery interwoven in the story. The author has done a great job in her research and setting up the story and issues like interracial marriage, out of wedlock pregnancy as well as the polio epidemic are some of the difficulties faced during that time period and I could imagine what it was like living in the 1940s. The characters are well developed and fleshed out and I couldn't help but feeling emotionally invested while reading about Tess's journey. The ending surprised me but it was a good closure, though. All in all it was an addictive read and I'll be sure to check out the other books by this author.  


© 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Watch Me Disappear by Janelle Brown
Melody

Random House Publishing Group | July 2017 | 368 pgs
Source: Library

At first glance, Watch Me Disappear may seem like a psychological suspense but at its core it is actually a story revolving family dynamic and how well you really know your loved ones.

 Billie Flanagan had gone missing from a hiking expedition in the Desolation Wilderness a year ago and till present her body couldn't be found. Her husband, Jonathan and their sixteen-year-old daughter, Olive are still coping with the grief of losing her while awaiting for the court issuance of her death certificate, which has proved to be a long struggling wait considering that there is no solid proof and that her death remains a mystery. While Jonathan tries to cope with the loss and hoping for a closure that would allow them to move on with their life through the insurance settlement, Olive, on the other hand, starts having visions of her mother. Each of these visions seems to tell Olive that Billie might be alive and that Olive should try to find her. 

 Meanwhile, Jonathan isn't so sure about Olive's visions and thinks his daughter is hallucinating with her grief and denial. Worrying over her emotional stability, he sent Olive to visit a therapist while he himself drinks as he works on a memoir about his marriage, which is part work as a writer to a publishing house and part in loving memory of Billie. And as he finds her laptop and stumbles upon an encrypted folder, his mind wanders in different directions the more he starts unearthing secrets from her past through his little diggings and investigations. Who was the woman he knew as Billie Flanagan? What happened to her on that fateful day when she went hiking alone in Desolation Wilderness? 

 I've to admit it took me a little while to get engrossed in this story. It had a slow beginning and focus much on the mundane life and relationship within the Flanagan household. The reader also get to know a bit more of Olive, her relationship with her mother as well as bits of her school life. Olive is an angsty teenage girl who will go anywhere to find the truth about her mother's disappearance. Jonathan believes in his family but he hadn't been paying much attention towards Billie and Olive; he was too involved in his work and he didn't want to intrude upon their "girl bonding" moments until there was a time Olive slowly drifted away from that bond. 

As mentioned before, if you're expecting this to be a psychological suspense then you'll be disappointed because this is leaning more towards the issues of family dynamic, marriage and relationship and what you tell yourself about the people you love. That said, the story has a few twists and turns and like Jonathan and Olive, I was totally clueless and dying of curiosity over Billie's disappearance until the final page, which left me speechless as my mind finally settled on the last three paragraphs. This is a well written story which will prompt a discussion (because I sure want to discuss that ending with whoever had read the book!)

End note: I googled Desolation Wilderness out of curiosity and was surprised to learn that it isn't fictional (OK, perhaps it's only me who didn't know this fact) and is located in El Dorado County, California. (More info here from Wikipedia)

© 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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The Arrangement by Sarah Dunn
Melody

Little, Brown and Company | March 2017 | 368 pgs
Source: Library
It all started on one particularly wine-soaked dinner party. Lucy and Owen invited a couple over to their house for some chitchat and mingling and their conversation has somehow steered towards relationship and open marriage. Lucy, the ever practical and sensible woman she is, balked over the idea for she couldn't imagine a normal couple would agree with that kind of suggestion. Lucy and Owen have been living in Beekman for a while where it is a town filled with stay-at-home moms who would team up to cook the school lunches and the dads would make things like pickles and cheese and ground their own spices for dinner parties. They're simple just like that. 

Lucy and Owen have traded their cramped Manhattan apartment to Beekman partly for the laid-back atmosphere but also for the sake of their autistic son, Wyatt. Lucy and Owen may not be a perfect couple but they do try their best to make their life happy and stress-free, which is challenging due to Wyatt who requires attention most of the times. As much as Lucy is dumbstruck over the open marriage issue, there is a small part of her which is intrigued by it. After their friends left their dinner party, Lucy and Owen casually discuss about the matter once again and ultimately they've come to an agreement of trying it out for six months. They named this short marital experience as 'The Arrangement' with some ground rules; which is no snooping, no leaving and no falling in love. They think a break from monogamy now could give them a moment to refresh their marriage life and come back as a happier and a more loving partner. But what follows is a series of events which they've never anticipated, and towards the end they'll have to ask themselves if 'The Arrangement' benefits their relationship or is it simply "the grass is always greener on the other side"? 

At times entertaining and at times thought-provoking, The Arrangement was an addictive read about a couple's bizarre experience to revitalise their marriage and ended up learning a few lessons along the way. As much as I found the open marriage issue appalling, I think there are some parts like middle-aged and dealing with challenging children is both relatable and spot-on. While I don't agree with 'The Arrangement' plan, I held on to the story because it was entertaining (I've never read anything like this before), hilarious (the dialogues and some events could be funny at times) and most of all, I wanted to know what happened to Lucy and Owen and hoped that they'd walk out from that experience to be wiser and more understanding towards their other half. Aside from Lucy and Owen, there are also a few characters that made this story interesting with their own stories and yes, they're somewhat connected to Lucy and Owen in some ways. Overall it was an entertaining read though I can't fathom why Lucy and Owen would think 'The Arrangement' is a good idea initially. 


© 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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