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ann_mackey's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed a majority of these stories. The magic and fantasy was interesting and the characters had interesting development. I don't typically read short stories because they usually leave me wanting more told, which is what I felt about many of these as well. Glad I got the exposure to them!
belanna's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Great book of supernatural short stories rooted in Chinese-Malaysian culture!
gemeri's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
fridge_brilliance's review against another edition
5.0
I love this short story collection best of all Zen Cho I’ve read, which is not a light statement, as I’ve read all of her back catalogue and kept up with new releases since, and love Black Water Sister and Order of Pure Moon quite a bit. It’s just so good! Even more so if you consider these were some of the earlier writings. They are such a lovely, vibrant, polyphonic amalgamation of Malaysian and British, and the stories such a great combo of traditional mythology and modern perspective. I would be hard pressed to pick a favourite short story, and i say with awe and humility that I learnt so much from them about a culture that’s not my own, and enjoyed myself tremendously on each re-read. An easy and sincere recommendation from me on this one, and I’m so glad this collection is now getting a mainstream release in the UK (I say, as I clutch my well-loved US copy to my heart
jbeaudette's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
fairymodmother's review against another edition
4.0
Delightful. Not all of the stories were equally wonderful, but this was a colorful, funny, heartfelt and imaginative foray into Malaysian mythology and family life. I really enjoyed all of them, especially the story about the Aunts and the Dragon.
I don't even have to add content warnings because the author thoughtfully added them to the beginning of each story!
I don't even have to add content warnings because the author thoughtfully added them to the beginning of each story!
istaisa's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This is a great short story collection based around Malaysian folklore. I love the writing style that drops you in the world and leaves you to figure it out as you go.