49 pages 1 hour read

Vanessa Chan

The Storm We Made: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan follows the Alcantara family in Malaya during Japanese occupation in World War II. Cecily Alcantara, who allied with a Japanese general to oust the British, faces the consequences of her wartime actions through the ordeals of her children—Abel, Jujube, and Jasmin. Through their struggles, Chan explores themes of colonialism, solidarity, and trauma. The book includes depictions of wartime atrocities, including sexual abuse, violence, and domestic abuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Vanessa Chan's The Storm We Made receives praise for its compelling narrative and well-crafted characters, immersing readers in a richly detailed world. Critics highlight Chan's lyrical prose and emotional depth. However, some find the pacing uneven, with certain sections dragging. Overall, the book is lauded for its evocative storytelling and strong thematic elements.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Storm We Made?

Readers who would enjoy The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan are typically fans of historical fiction with strong, compelling narratives. Similar readers might appreciate The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, as these books also weave intricate tales of resilience and human spirit.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Survival Fiction

Period

WWII / World War II

Asian Literature

Themes

Society: War

Relationships: Family

Society: Colonialism

Topics

Military / War

History: World