WW2 historical fiction is a tired genre full of Western perspectives, so to read a book with a Malaysian viewpoint was refreshing! Unfortunately, it was filled with lackluster characters with flattened narratives full of telling versus showing. It's not bad for a debut, but I just wanted so much more from it and am frustrated because I see the potential! I hope more SEA authors explore this genre and share their stories.

I read this as an audiobook and highly recommend it. The narrator, Samantha Tan, did a fantastic job. If you do pick this up, consider reading it on audio!