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The Snow in Kuala Lumpur
A tale of two men—fierce adversaries who ought to have been brothers—and two peoples, the Malays and Chinese, who forged a new nation while walking the thin line between kinship and a destructive rivalry Malaysia in the 1960s. A newly independent nation, full of early promise. On the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, young Ah Tat dreams of a life beyond the kampong.
Earnest, bookish and a little naïve, he sees his path he will study hard at the Methodist school, enter university and one day become a man of consequence. It is his duty to guide his wayward cousin, the darkly charismatic KC, on a similar path to success. But when KC’s fascination with the local triads results in his sudden disappearance, Ah Tat is left with nothing but questions and regrets.
Years later, the estranged cousins are reunited in a much-changed country. Ah Tat, now a successful engineer and future captain of industry, discovers KC has become a powerful underworld ?gure. Vowing to haul his cousin back from the moral abyss, he is instead drawn into an escalating rivalry with KC as the two men vie for wealth, status, in?uence and the love of the enigmatic June Teh.
But could a bizarre weather event stay the inevitable reckoning?
Earnest, bookish and a little naïve, he sees his path he will study hard at the Methodist school, enter university and one day become a man of consequence. It is his duty to guide his wayward cousin, the darkly charismatic KC, on a similar path to success. But when KC’s fascination with the local triads results in his sudden disappearance, Ah Tat is left with nothing but questions and regrets.
Years later, the estranged cousins are reunited in a much-changed country. Ah Tat, now a successful engineer and future captain of industry, discovers KC has become a powerful underworld ?gure. Vowing to haul his cousin back from the moral abyss, he is instead drawn into an escalating rivalry with KC as the two men vie for wealth, status, in?uence and the love of the enigmatic June Teh.
But could a bizarre weather event stay the inevitable reckoning?
268 pages, Paperback
Published July 27, 2023
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 16, 2023
The Snow in Kuala Lumpur focuses on Ah Tat and his cousin KC in their family drama and lots of political issues including the 13th May riot tragedy between Malay and Chinese.
Seriously this book was quite heavy on political issues and I felt like reading a non fiction book. I would really enjoy it if there were less political issues. But I always enjoyed the story during 13th May riot.
I don't deny that this book was written very well. And I loved the theme about friendship, hardship, love and jealousy. The author also added the Malaysian slangs and it was enjoyable to read it as I am familiar with the slangs.
Overall, this was just an okay read and it would be more enjoyable if I'm way into politics. Just to say I'm just so-so with the politics.
Thank you Times Reads for sending me a copy of The Snow in Kuala Lumpur in return for an honest review.
Seriously this book was quite heavy on political issues and I felt like reading a non fiction book. I would really enjoy it if there were less political issues. But I always enjoyed the story during 13th May riot.
I don't deny that this book was written very well. And I loved the theme about friendship, hardship, love and jealousy. The author also added the Malaysian slangs and it was enjoyable to read it as I am familiar with the slangs.
Overall, this was just an okay read and it would be more enjoyable if I'm way into politics. Just to say I'm just so-so with the politics.
Thank you Times Reads for sending me a copy of The Snow in Kuala Lumpur in return for an honest review.
September 12, 2023
i had a love-hate relationship with this book, but it sort-of redeemed itself in the end.
it started off with intriguing storyline of two cousins in the 1960s Malaysia, Ah Tat and Kin Chew, whose families leave together in a kampung house; to be precise, Kin Chew and his mother had been living with Ah Tat's family since KC's father left them to work in town. this book revolves around Ah Tat’s growth in life and his friendship with KC.
Daryl Lim’s writing style is not too descriptive, which is to my liking, so i might consider reading other books written by the author. in fact, lots of reviews have said that it’s too heavy on politics, but i found myself enjoying the discussion so this book works for me. though not all opinions of the author align with mine, it’s refreshing to read about malaysia’s historical events from the perspective of a chinese main character.
one part which could’ve been improved is the story-telling of historical events; the May 13 incident in this case (the worst racial riot in malaysia). though i understand that one of the main points of the story is to portray the racism issue that the chinese main character experienced, the story-telling on the May 13 incident should’ve been told for both parties; what i meant by this is there should’ve at least been an acknowledgment or description of how not just the chinese were killed, but some malays were too (my point is: innocent people on both parties were killed during the riot, but none of the latter was mentioned or addressed in the book). for reference, ‘the weight of our sky’ by hanna alkaf has a great story-telling of the tragedy as it made me open my mind and think about the violence that BOTH parties had made, since it addressed the selfishness of *both* races at that time.
overall, it’s a brave and thought-provoking book which could either be a hit or a miss. thank you so much to Penguin Books SEA for a copy of this book! ✨❄️
it started off with intriguing storyline of two cousins in the 1960s Malaysia, Ah Tat and Kin Chew, whose families leave together in a kampung house; to be precise, Kin Chew and his mother had been living with Ah Tat's family since KC's father left them to work in town. this book revolves around Ah Tat’s growth in life and his friendship with KC.
Daryl Lim’s writing style is not too descriptive, which is to my liking, so i might consider reading other books written by the author. in fact, lots of reviews have said that it’s too heavy on politics, but i found myself enjoying the discussion so this book works for me. though not all opinions of the author align with mine, it’s refreshing to read about malaysia’s historical events from the perspective of a chinese main character.
one part which could’ve been improved is the story-telling of historical events; the May 13 incident in this case (the worst racial riot in malaysia). though i understand that one of the main points of the story is to portray the racism issue that the chinese main character experienced, the story-telling on the May 13 incident should’ve been told for both parties; what i meant by this is there should’ve at least been an acknowledgment or description of how not just the chinese were killed, but some malays were too (my point is: innocent people on both parties were killed during the riot, but none of the latter was mentioned or addressed in the book). for reference, ‘the weight of our sky’ by hanna alkaf has a great story-telling of the tragedy as it made me open my mind and think about the violence that BOTH parties had made, since it addressed the selfishness of *both* races at that time.
overall, it’s a brave and thought-provoking book which could either be a hit or a miss. thank you so much to Penguin Books SEA for a copy of this book! ✨❄️
April 16, 2023
The Snow in Kuala Lumpur by Daryl Lim is a story that traverses across the modernization of Kuala Lumpur—the story of Ah Tat from a young boy through adulthood. This story highlights the political events that happened in the past and the narrative of being a minority in Malaysia.
This book is such a unique story that I go year by year without having a single clue of what to expect next. It sometimes feel as though I'm reading a memoir book instead of fiction as it follows closely to Ah Tat, his family dynamics and the ups and downs of business.
One of the downside that I have to point out is that since the story keeps jumping from year to year, I really have to look for myself certain issues in the previous chapter. And more often than not, it was left unanswered so that can be a bit frustrating for me at least.
All in all, this was an eye opening read and one that I'm glad I picked up. So, I recommend you to read this book.
This book is such a unique story that I go year by year without having a single clue of what to expect next. It sometimes feel as though I'm reading a memoir book instead of fiction as it follows closely to Ah Tat, his family dynamics and the ups and downs of business.
One of the downside that I have to point out is that since the story keeps jumping from year to year, I really have to look for myself certain issues in the previous chapter. And more often than not, it was left unanswered so that can be a bit frustrating for me at least.
All in all, this was an eye opening read and one that I'm glad I picked up. So, I recommend you to read this book.
November 21, 2024
The Snow in Kuala Lumpur transports readers to 1960s Malaysia, a nation newly independent and filled with optimism. Through the lives of two cousins, Ah Tat and KC, the book masterfully explores themes of family, rivalry, and cultural dynamics between the Malays and Chinese communities. Ah Tat, studious and determined, dreams of a life beyond his humble kampong, while KC’s fascination with the local triads leads him down a dangerous path. Their reunion years later, as successful men on opposing sides of morality, reignites a complex relationship fraught with competition, regrets, and unresolved questions.
Narration
The narration is immersive, taking readers through the kampongs and the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur with vivid descriptions. The contrast between Ah Tat's disciplined aspirations and KC’s chaotic choices is portrayed with nuance, pulling readers into their emotional journeys.
Writing Style
The author’s poetic prose is one of the book’s highlights, painting the Malaysian landscape and cultural ethos in striking detail. Phrases like “limau trees releasing their delicate white petals like cigarette ash drifting in the breeze” showcase Daryl Lim’s ability to create evocative imagery. The writing balances historical context with deeply personal narratives, creating an emotional resonance throughout the novel.
Themes Explored
The book delves into themes of familial loyalty, societal pressures, and the pursuit of identity in a changing world. It also explores the fragile unity between the Malays and Chinese during Malaysia’s formative years, emphasizing both cultural synergy and underlying tensions. Additionally, it reflects on redemption, as the characters grapple with past decisions and their consequences.
Final Thoughts
The Snow in Kuala Lumpur is a compelling blend of historical fiction and family drama. With its richly drawn characters and emotionally charged narrative, the book offers an intimate look at the personal and societal struggles of 1960s Malaysia. Readers will find themselves deeply invested in the lives of Ah Tat and KC, making this novel a poignant and memorable read.
Narration
The narration is immersive, taking readers through the kampongs and the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur with vivid descriptions. The contrast between Ah Tat's disciplined aspirations and KC’s chaotic choices is portrayed with nuance, pulling readers into their emotional journeys.
Writing Style
The author’s poetic prose is one of the book’s highlights, painting the Malaysian landscape and cultural ethos in striking detail. Phrases like “limau trees releasing their delicate white petals like cigarette ash drifting in the breeze” showcase Daryl Lim’s ability to create evocative imagery. The writing balances historical context with deeply personal narratives, creating an emotional resonance throughout the novel.
Themes Explored
The book delves into themes of familial loyalty, societal pressures, and the pursuit of identity in a changing world. It also explores the fragile unity between the Malays and Chinese during Malaysia’s formative years, emphasizing both cultural synergy and underlying tensions. Additionally, it reflects on redemption, as the characters grapple with past decisions and their consequences.
Final Thoughts
The Snow in Kuala Lumpur is a compelling blend of historical fiction and family drama. With its richly drawn characters and emotionally charged narrative, the book offers an intimate look at the personal and societal struggles of 1960s Malaysia. Readers will find themselves deeply invested in the lives of Ah Tat and KC, making this novel a poignant and memorable read.
May 15, 2023
“The Snow in Kuala Lumpur" is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that immerses readers in the tumultuous landscape of 1960s Malaysia. Through the intertwined narratives of two cousins, Ah Tat and KC, and the dynamic relationship between the Malays and Chinese, the author weaves a tale of conflicting ambitions, familial bonds, and the delicate balance between unity and division.
Set against the backdrop of a newly independent Malaysia, the story begins with Ah Tat's aspirations for a brighter future. His determination to succeed and guide his cousin, KC, towards a similar path collide with the latter's fascination with the local triads. When KC disappears, Ah Tat is left grappling with unanswered questions and a sense of regret that lingers for years.
It is an engrossing tale that combines historical context with deeply human stories. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers to the sights, sounds, and emotions of 1960s Malaysia, painting a rich and immersive backdrop for the characters' journeys. Through its intricate storytelling and thought-provoking exploration of themes, this book offers a poignant reflection on the complex relationships between individuals, communities, and nations.
Overall, it is a compelling and resonant novel that will captivate readers with its blend of family drama, societal upheaval, and personal redemption.
Set against the backdrop of a newly independent Malaysia, the story begins with Ah Tat's aspirations for a brighter future. His determination to succeed and guide his cousin, KC, towards a similar path collide with the latter's fascination with the local triads. When KC disappears, Ah Tat is left grappling with unanswered questions and a sense of regret that lingers for years.
It is an engrossing tale that combines historical context with deeply human stories. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers to the sights, sounds, and emotions of 1960s Malaysia, painting a rich and immersive backdrop for the characters' journeys. Through its intricate storytelling and thought-provoking exploration of themes, this book offers a poignant reflection on the complex relationships between individuals, communities, and nations.
Overall, it is a compelling and resonant novel that will captivate readers with its blend of family drama, societal upheaval, and personal redemption.
April 27, 2023
I love this quote: We are supposed to go up. Not down.
Personal rate: 3.5 stars
Special for those who love:
- Rivalry between two cousins
- Historical fiction that sets in the 1960s in MY
- A love triangle
I kid you not, this book gripped me from the start. Starting in 1959, we delved into two young men named Ah Tat and Kin Chiew, age twelve. The spotlight of this book goes to Ah Tat. We venture through their life after Malaysia's sovereignty until 1997. Ah Tat considers the sole breadwinner in his family while Kin Chiew is nothing to compare with as he always involves in malicious things. They live together under one roof so there are two families together in the house. However one day, Kin Chiew disappeared and after years he's already making his name in the underworld while Ah Tat became a thriving engineer.
The crackling family, the manifestation of politics, and the perspectives of diverse races make me admit that the controversial issue somehow makes me unhinged. The author wrote entirely the dire situation during the incident of 13th May. The side effect of the riot, people's fears, racism, and even I can't imagine if I was there in that situation whose fault should I point to? But that gives me something. This book is an eye-opener in some way.
Life is like a wheel and that happens eventually to Ah Tat and Kin Chiew. Someone going up and someone at the bottom. I love seeing their growth from a young boy to a fine man but I can't help wondering how both of them reconcile because the author kept it secretive. However, deep down I do love how Kin Chiew kept track of her mum's wellness through Ah Tat. And the side character, Hasan - I don't know but I sense like this character was purposedly crafted that way to be bad for Malay image but on the good side, he was always there for Ah Tat.
Nonetheless, it was a fun read for me. Big thanks to Times Distribution and Miss Putri for this wonderful book!
Personal rate: 3.5 stars
Special for those who love:
- Rivalry between two cousins
- Historical fiction that sets in the 1960s in MY
- A love triangle
I kid you not, this book gripped me from the start. Starting in 1959, we delved into two young men named Ah Tat and Kin Chiew, age twelve. The spotlight of this book goes to Ah Tat. We venture through their life after Malaysia's sovereignty until 1997. Ah Tat considers the sole breadwinner in his family while Kin Chiew is nothing to compare with as he always involves in malicious things. They live together under one roof so there are two families together in the house. However one day, Kin Chiew disappeared and after years he's already making his name in the underworld while Ah Tat became a thriving engineer.
The crackling family, the manifestation of politics, and the perspectives of diverse races make me admit that the controversial issue somehow makes me unhinged. The author wrote entirely the dire situation during the incident of 13th May. The side effect of the riot, people's fears, racism, and even I can't imagine if I was there in that situation whose fault should I point to? But that gives me something. This book is an eye-opener in some way.
Life is like a wheel and that happens eventually to Ah Tat and Kin Chiew. Someone going up and someone at the bottom. I love seeing their growth from a young boy to a fine man but I can't help wondering how both of them reconcile because the author kept it secretive. However, deep down I do love how Kin Chiew kept track of her mum's wellness through Ah Tat. And the side character, Hasan - I don't know but I sense like this character was purposedly crafted that way to be bad for Malay image but on the good side, he was always there for Ah Tat.
Nonetheless, it was a fun read for me. Big thanks to Times Distribution and Miss Putri for this wonderful book!
May 9, 2023
Thank you to the publisher, Penguin Random House SEA, for this novel in return of my honest review. This is one of those books where the cover and title actually attracted me. After reading it, I kept thinking of Hanna Alkaf's The Weight of Our Sky. However, I find that the plots here were written with more personal angsts or thoughts as it seemed more politically inclined. I didn't expect such opinion and find that though it is more realistic, it did kinda ruffled my feathers so to speak.
This novel is also written in fluent English that it didn't feel as localize and it made me feel it is more suited in the English soil rather than in Kuala Lumpur. The author did add some local slangs, but it wasn't deep enough for me lah. Given that the characters are also more kampung, I did find it unparallel to the story itself.
Overall, with friendship, love triangle, hardship, jealousy and revenge as the base of the story, ignoring the political avenue, it is actually an enjoyable read. It was hard for me to grasp it initially but as it progresses and with me flipping through some, I quite liked how it ended. I did expect it but not in that manner. If you are looking for a local KL/ Malaysia read, please read this with an open mind and be forewarned of the political aspect which may not be your cup of tea.
This novel is also written in fluent English that it didn't feel as localize and it made me feel it is more suited in the English soil rather than in Kuala Lumpur. The author did add some local slangs, but it wasn't deep enough for me lah. Given that the characters are also more kampung, I did find it unparallel to the story itself.
Overall, with friendship, love triangle, hardship, jealousy and revenge as the base of the story, ignoring the political avenue, it is actually an enjoyable read. It was hard for me to grasp it initially but as it progresses and with me flipping through some, I quite liked how it ended. I did expect it but not in that manner. If you are looking for a local KL/ Malaysia read, please read this with an open mind and be forewarned of the political aspect which may not be your cup of tea.
May 20, 2023
Alright..what attracted me to this book was the title. Snow in KL?…that’s fascinating. Hence I was excited to dive into this book.
The story is set against the backdrop of post independence Malaysia and the racial riots. The story revolves around two brothers KC and Ah Tat. Their trials and tribulations, of course some family drama sprinkled almost everywhere.
The author also had slipped in political views which I found somehow relatable even now.
The writing is eloquent and easy to read. I am always not fond of racial slurs hence found that a bit offensive when I was reading it.
However, the reason I picked the book was only revealed a few pages towards the end. I’m wondering what was the significance..🥲
And the female character, June. I wonder why she is there. Perhaps for the comfort of the males in the story? Just like in any typical stories, exploit the female for the pleasure of the main male character. 🤦🏽♀️ Come on..do better please.
Overall, if you are into political drama, brotherhood, sibling rivalry and love triangle, this book might be for you. I wouldn’t say this wasn’t good, but it just didn’t hit me at the right spots. 🥲
Thank you Penguin Books Sea for sending me a copy of this book.
The story is set against the backdrop of post independence Malaysia and the racial riots. The story revolves around two brothers KC and Ah Tat. Their trials and tribulations, of course some family drama sprinkled almost everywhere.
The author also had slipped in political views which I found somehow relatable even now.
The writing is eloquent and easy to read. I am always not fond of racial slurs hence found that a bit offensive when I was reading it.
However, the reason I picked the book was only revealed a few pages towards the end. I’m wondering what was the significance..🥲
And the female character, June. I wonder why she is there. Perhaps for the comfort of the males in the story? Just like in any typical stories, exploit the female for the pleasure of the main male character. 🤦🏽♀️ Come on..do better please.
Overall, if you are into political drama, brotherhood, sibling rivalry and love triangle, this book might be for you. I wouldn’t say this wasn’t good, but it just didn’t hit me at the right spots. 🥲
Thank you Penguin Books Sea for sending me a copy of this book.
September 17, 2024
Book Name- “The Snow in Kuala Lumpur” ❄️
Author- @daryl_likes_books
Genre- Contemporary
.
“We walked together through the kampong with the limau trees releasing their delicate white petals across our path, like cigarette ash drifting in the breeze. Warm light was glowing in the windows of the attap houses as people turned up their kerosene lamps. I could hear the garbled sounds of radio programs floating from their doorways.“
This a beautiful read of two men with aggressive fellow competitiveness who ought to have been brothers and two peoples, the Malays and Chinese, who faked a new nation while walking the thin line between blood relationship and a irreparable rivalry. Malaysia in the 1960s. A modern independent nation, full of early promise. On the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, young Ah Tat dreams of a life beyond the kampong. Intense conviction, bookish and a little judgemental, he sees his path clearly and studies hard at the Methodist school, enter university and one day become a man of an effect. It is his duty to guide his wayward cousin, the darkly attractive KC, on a similar path to success. But when KC’s obsession with the local triads results in his sudden disappearance, Ah Tat is left with nothing but questions and regrets. After many years, the alienated cousins are reunited in a much changed country. Ah Tat, is a successful engineer then and future captain of industry, gets to know that KC has become a powerful underworld figure. Solemnly to haul his cousin back from the moral abyss, he is infact drawn into an escalating rivals with KC as the men compete eagerly for wealth, status, influence and the love of the mysterious June Teh. But the question is could an unusual weather event stay the unavoidable avenging of past mistakes? It is a mixed tale with historical context and intense human stories. The author had written with so much emotions that it will make you feel the intensity of the story.
Review- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author- @daryl_likes_books
Genre- Contemporary
.
“We walked together through the kampong with the limau trees releasing their delicate white petals across our path, like cigarette ash drifting in the breeze. Warm light was glowing in the windows of the attap houses as people turned up their kerosene lamps. I could hear the garbled sounds of radio programs floating from their doorways.“
This a beautiful read of two men with aggressive fellow competitiveness who ought to have been brothers and two peoples, the Malays and Chinese, who faked a new nation while walking the thin line between blood relationship and a irreparable rivalry. Malaysia in the 1960s. A modern independent nation, full of early promise. On the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, young Ah Tat dreams of a life beyond the kampong. Intense conviction, bookish and a little judgemental, he sees his path clearly and studies hard at the Methodist school, enter university and one day become a man of an effect. It is his duty to guide his wayward cousin, the darkly attractive KC, on a similar path to success. But when KC’s obsession with the local triads results in his sudden disappearance, Ah Tat is left with nothing but questions and regrets. After many years, the alienated cousins are reunited in a much changed country. Ah Tat, is a successful engineer then and future captain of industry, gets to know that KC has become a powerful underworld figure. Solemnly to haul his cousin back from the moral abyss, he is infact drawn into an escalating rivals with KC as the men compete eagerly for wealth, status, influence and the love of the mysterious June Teh. But the question is could an unusual weather event stay the unavoidable avenging of past mistakes? It is a mixed tale with historical context and intense human stories. The author had written with so much emotions that it will make you feel the intensity of the story.
Review- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 1, 2023
[Review copy from Penguin Southeast Asia]
Brave, but too political...
I reckon this would either be an acquired taste or a niche choice for many.
Focusing on cousins Ah Tat and KC, author Daryl Lim takes us back to the May 13 tragedy. It's family drama woven into historical fiction. Growing up, Ah Tat and KC couldn't have ended up more different. The timeline stretches far beyond the racial riots, affording us a glimpse at the harsh backdrop we lean against - right here in Malaysia.
I'll precede by saying I didn't enjoy reading this. It was way too political for my liking. The ties between Ah Tat and KC presented a solid dynamic - the former an intellect, the latter an underworld figure. I was disappointed by how this dynamic weighted more heavily on what I deem to be "political" messages rather than the potential human conflict itself. There were good scenes, but these felt lukewarm due to the aforementioned messages.
Having said that, I did enjoy the parts on the May 13 riots. The descriptions were vivid without being wordy. To a certain degree, they gave me chills.
Personally, the timeline when Ah Tat and KC were kids was an engaging portion, before the book felt more like a non-fiction instead of a novel. I also liked the meaning behind the title, The Snow In Kuala Lumpur, which I reckon is open to interpretation.
Perhaps it depends on your purpose of reading this. Kudos for the brave voice and historical capture, but for me, the reading experience could've been better.
Brave, but too political...
I reckon this would either be an acquired taste or a niche choice for many.
Focusing on cousins Ah Tat and KC, author Daryl Lim takes us back to the May 13 tragedy. It's family drama woven into historical fiction. Growing up, Ah Tat and KC couldn't have ended up more different. The timeline stretches far beyond the racial riots, affording us a glimpse at the harsh backdrop we lean against - right here in Malaysia.
I'll precede by saying I didn't enjoy reading this. It was way too political for my liking. The ties between Ah Tat and KC presented a solid dynamic - the former an intellect, the latter an underworld figure. I was disappointed by how this dynamic weighted more heavily on what I deem to be "political" messages rather than the potential human conflict itself. There were good scenes, but these felt lukewarm due to the aforementioned messages.
Having said that, I did enjoy the parts on the May 13 riots. The descriptions were vivid without being wordy. To a certain degree, they gave me chills.
Personally, the timeline when Ah Tat and KC were kids was an engaging portion, before the book felt more like a non-fiction instead of a novel. I also liked the meaning behind the title, The Snow In Kuala Lumpur, which I reckon is open to interpretation.
Perhaps it depends on your purpose of reading this. Kudos for the brave voice and historical capture, but for me, the reading experience could've been better.
June 5, 2023
I loved this book.
The Snow in Kuala Lumpur is, beyond the politics and the history, the story of a man's attempt at understanding not only the changing world around him, but his place in it.
The Snow in Kuala Lumpur is well planned and constructed. It is an easy-to-read page-turner that somehow does not provide easy emotional payoffs, but rather invites you to draw your own conclusions (and maybe parallels to your own life), perhaps also suffer though the same emotional turmoil as its main character.
Whilst Lim's writing is poignant and nostalgic, his command of the dramatic prose can even make you nervous in what would be happier scenes, it is also succinct and well-paced; he never overcomplicates the flow of the novel. His depiction of the violent riots was truly haunting.
This book is highly recommended. A fresh, brave novel that seems much to wise-for-its-age to be a debut.
The Snow in Kuala Lumpur is, beyond the politics and the history, the story of a man's attempt at understanding not only the changing world around him, but his place in it.
The Snow in Kuala Lumpur is well planned and constructed. It is an easy-to-read page-turner that somehow does not provide easy emotional payoffs, but rather invites you to draw your own conclusions (and maybe parallels to your own life), perhaps also suffer though the same emotional turmoil as its main character.
Whilst Lim's writing is poignant and nostalgic, his command of the dramatic prose can even make you nervous in what would be happier scenes, it is also succinct and well-paced; he never overcomplicates the flow of the novel. His depiction of the violent riots was truly haunting.
This book is highly recommended. A fresh, brave novel that seems much to wise-for-its-age to be a debut.
June 12, 2023
The Snow in Kuala Lumpur by Daryl Lim was quite different from the books that I usually read. It shares a story mainly about Ah Tat and his cousin KC since they were young to adult. I love the author's writing.
I enjoyed reading the parts on the May 13 riots. I also love to read about their friendship and I freaking love the ending.
However, I think it was to political for me. I guess since it was my first time reading about political story so I didn't enjoyed it very much. It was too heavy for me. I also need to keep in mind while I'm reading since story keeps jumping from year to year.
It took me a while to finish this book. Overall, it was a so so read for me.
Thanks to @putrifariza & @times.reads for the gifted copy in exchange of honest review.
I enjoyed reading the parts on the May 13 riots. I also love to read about their friendship and I freaking love the ending.
However, I think it was to political for me. I guess since it was my first time reading about political story so I didn't enjoyed it very much. It was too heavy for me. I also need to keep in mind while I'm reading since story keeps jumping from year to year.
It took me a while to finish this book. Overall, it was a so so read for me.
Thanks to @putrifariza & @times.reads for the gifted copy in exchange of honest review.
November 3, 2023
This is an engaging book, the author (Daryl Lim) has superbly and seamlessly immersed the sceneries & atmospheres into the story lines & characters. The reader does not feel like an outsider watching an event but rather as an insider , being there with the author throughout every moments with each characters & backgrounds.
It is a delightful book written by an aspiring and promising author.
Fully recommended.
It is a delightful book written by an aspiring and promising author.
Fully recommended.
June 3, 2023
Eloquent, poignant, and spiced with a deep understanding of historical events. Touche le cœur. A must read
October 1, 2023
4.5 ish this book felt like a warm hug as i finished the last page. all emotions encapsulated in these pages. it was such a beautiful and poignant moment for me. what an experience. review to come
edit review:
this is such a candid and real read for me. i loved every second of this. i loved the writing first of all, it is very simple and easy flowing, which i appreciate. this style will always not be a low rated read because the writing makes me really indulge in a book, and this one, i devoured it so quickly but it is so hard to write an adequate review for it.
i did not know what to expect of this read initially, and going into it blindly i fell into a world. my world. malaysia. this is very malaysian and it writes about whst it is like to be malaysian, particularly we follow a chinese malaysian protagonist. i loved that we went through years and decades, seeing the characters grow and knowing their fates and how they change, it’s such a poignant feeling reading this with nostalgia for some reason.
it is very out there and daring to write on themes like racism, and what it means to have progression, sacrifices, and love. but really put the characters in any context at all, it is about what it is like to be human, to feel the things you are feeling, and how the choices you make slowly shape your path.
i love the gaps between the years, we do not get to know what every character is doing and for this book, it works and it’s okay. i loved my time reading and imagining about the possibilities within the timeframe that was left out of the book. and it brings me just raw feelings of embracing the fact that you will not know what everyone has gone through and you do not get to judge them from just what you see.
a very very lively read, it really is a pleasant surprise. definitely high up on my malaysian reads recs list for sure, but it is not for everyone for sure. read it with no biased lens, and you will find a beautiful and melancholy read that you will think about from time to time. for sure i am rereading this again.
edit review:
this is such a candid and real read for me. i loved every second of this. i loved the writing first of all, it is very simple and easy flowing, which i appreciate. this style will always not be a low rated read because the writing makes me really indulge in a book, and this one, i devoured it so quickly but it is so hard to write an adequate review for it.
i did not know what to expect of this read initially, and going into it blindly i fell into a world. my world. malaysia. this is very malaysian and it writes about whst it is like to be malaysian, particularly we follow a chinese malaysian protagonist. i loved that we went through years and decades, seeing the characters grow and knowing their fates and how they change, it’s such a poignant feeling reading this with nostalgia for some reason.
it is very out there and daring to write on themes like racism, and what it means to have progression, sacrifices, and love. but really put the characters in any context at all, it is about what it is like to be human, to feel the things you are feeling, and how the choices you make slowly shape your path.
i love the gaps between the years, we do not get to know what every character is doing and for this book, it works and it’s okay. i loved my time reading and imagining about the possibilities within the timeframe that was left out of the book. and it brings me just raw feelings of embracing the fact that you will not know what everyone has gone through and you do not get to judge them from just what you see.
a very very lively read, it really is a pleasant surprise. definitely high up on my malaysian reads recs list for sure, but it is not for everyone for sure. read it with no biased lens, and you will find a beautiful and melancholy read that you will think about from time to time. for sure i am rereading this again.
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