Paperback: One woman must summon the strength of her heritage to save her family.
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.
The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds (2016) is the first book in the historical Malayan series set in Malaysia.
The sequel and latest book - When The Future Comes Too Soon (2017) - in the Malayan series is also available.
About the author: Of Malaysian-Chinese heritage, Selina Siak Chin Yoke (石清玉) grew up listening to family stories and ancient legends. She always knew that one day, she would write. After an eclectic life as a physicist, banker and trader in London, the heavens intervened. In 2009 Siak was diagnosed with cancer. While recovering, she decided not to delay her dream of writing any longer. Her first novel, The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds, was published on 1 November 2016 and made an immediate emotional connection with readers. It debuted as an Amazon best-seller in historical fiction, was named by Goodreads as one of the 6 best books of November 2016 and has been compared to the work of Pearl S Buck and Amy Tan. She also writes a blog about Malaysia at www.chinyoke.wordpress.com
Rating: 5/5
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