irxren's reviews
93 reviews

This was my first time reading a book by Leila Chudori, and I was deeply impressed. The novel sheds light on the political repression endured by student activists in Indonesia and the lasting trauma they suffered. It also exposes the government's injustices towards the families of the missing students.

This book is a manifestation in a form of fiction that we, as Indonesians, shall not forget the history that both shaped and became the foundation of this nation. It underscores the sacrifices made to end a fascist regime, with many lives lost or shattered by government brutality.

Nell has kept a promise for nearly thirty years to hide a shocking discovery about her sister, Evie, from their mysterious past. As Nell digs into their early life in Mississippi and beyond, the story alternates with Becca’s struggles as a young mother in the 1930s, leading to a fateful year that ties them all together.

While the story is intriguing and the themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption are moving, I found it hard to keep track of everything. With so many supporting characters, timelines, and places, it often felt overwhelming, and I sometimes had to go back to figure out what was happening or who was connected to who. This slowed the reading experience for me and made it hard to fully sink into the story early on.

That said, the plot itself is interesting and full of twists that kept me curious. As the secrets came to light and the two storylines came together, the book became much more engaging, especially toward the end.