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The Lost Century by Larissa Lai
5.0

On the eve of the return of Hong Kong as a British colony to China in 1997, Tobie asks her great aunt Violet about the Japanese occupation during WW2. What ensues is a tragic and hidden family history and a rare chance for Tobie to learn about her grandmother, Emily.

In LOST CENTURY, Lai takes readers on a captivating journey through the little-known history of Hong Kong, skillfully weaving an oral history that feels both expansive and intimate. Brace yourself for a plethora of characters in the beginning & consider keeping a note of names to navigate the intricate connections of each character!

The backdrop of LOST CENTURY spans from the juncture of the civil war between Nationalists and Communists to WW2 during the Japanese occupation, providing a rich historical tapestry of Hong Kong's history that isn't always widely known or commonly written. Lai's meticulous research shines through, grounding the narrative in the gritty reality of the time.

What sets this historical fiction apart is the remarkable voice of Violet. Her straightforward narrative style uniquely blends wit and raw emotion, even when delving into profoundly traumatic moments. It's a refreshing and sometimes unsettling approach that gives me all the feels and keeps me engaged.

While Violet's perspective is compelling, I wish Emily had a more substantial presence in the story. The narrative focuses on the aftermath of the Japanese occupation, leaving me curious about Emily's healing process and how the pervasive violence from the colonizers & men in her own community has impacted the sisters.

I'm blown away by LOST CENTURY, and I highly recommend that those who want to read more about Asian history pick up this severely underhyped gem. Lai's careful craftsmanship and Violet's captivating voice make it a worthwhile journey through a pivotal period in Hong Kong's past.