Facing challenges in an increasingly colonial world, Chye Hoon, a rebellious young girl, must learn to embrace her mixed Malayan-Chinese identity as a Nyonya―and her destiny as a cook, rather than following her first dream of attending school like her brother.
Amidst the smells of chillies and garlic frying, Chye Hoon begins to appreciate the richness of her traditions, eventually marrying Wong Peng Choon, a Chinese man. Together, they have ten children. At last, she can pass on the stories she has heard―magical tales of men from the sea―and her warrior’s courage, along with her wonderful kueh (cakes).
But the cultural shift towards the West has begun. Chye Hoon finds herself afraid of losing the heritage she so prizes as her children move more and more into the modernising Western world.
A well written Chinese Malaya Family Saga Selina has written a masterpiece saga on her ancestors who had settled in Malaysia (Malaya back then). One can tell she did her homework and research thoroughly, speaking with elderly family members and hearing the folklore and traditions that has been passed on for generations. Taking all this knowledge, she brought forth her protagonist Chye Hoon as she grew into a young, feisty teenager, who floundered about, trying to find her place in her world. Chye Hoon eventually went the way of her…
Wonderful historical novel Wonderful book! Could hardly put it down. I love long historical novels. I am also interested these days in stories of this area. I had a little trouble following all the Chinese names, but it did not intrude in the enjoyment of the novel. It was one of the choices as my Prime free book of the month and I am so glad I chose it. I am hoping there is a sequel.
See the Far East Without Leaving your chair I am delighted that I chose this novel. I wanted a unique vision of the world and I got it. As a child I loved Pearl S.Buck’s “The Good Earth” so I was open to exploring, in print, a different culture than my own. The main character, a young mixed culture (Chinese and Malayan) girl born in the time of the Tiger, is a worthy heroine. The story is set in the colonial period and we see a people and a culture struggle to maintain ancestral ties.Â