Katie Goes to KL

by Su-May Tan

‘I love Su-May Tan’s writing. Her Malaysia and her Australia are complex, vivid places.’ - James Button, author and ex-journalist, The AgeA coming-of-age tale of love and cultural reconnection set in modern-day Kuala LumpurKATIE CHEN, sixteen, lives in the unremarkable suburb of Narre Warren in Australia with her somewhat reclusive Malaysian father. Coming to Australia when she was five and then losing her mother at seven, she has always struggled with her identity.One day, she goes back to Malaysia for her grandmother’s funeral and discovers that her mother—long-thought-dead—is alive. Thus begins Katie’s quest to reconnect with her mother and discover her roots.The novel is set in modern-day Kuala Lumpur (KL) against a backdrop of rising political tension between the Chinese and the Malays. When Katie discovers that her mother is Malay, she finds herself caught between her Chinese cousins and her mother’s conservative Muslim community, the Wira group.As Katie bonds with her cousins through KL’s underground music scene, she is forced to define her loyalties. Which community should she support and where does she belong?

Genres: Young Adult

240 pages, Paperback

Published December 5, 2023

About the author

Su-May Tan was born and raised in Malaysia but is currently living on Wurundjeri country in Melbourne. Her debut short story collection Lake Malibu and other stories was shortlisted for the Queensland Literary Award 2022.

Reviews

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our protagonist, 16-year-old Katie, immigrated to Australia with her parents when she was young. She lost her mother at a young age and grew up with her dad, who was a single parent. Unexpectedly, she had to go back to Malaysia for her grandmother’s passing, where she reunited with her extended family and her unexpectedly very much alive mum, who is estranged from her. She learns more about her family culture, roots and dynamics and finds herself along the way.

It’s a teen’s journey to self-discovery and family bonds in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. This story explores the “what if” concept of Malaysia’s political parties being ruled by a religiously conservative community with strong authoritarianism and getting pushback from the normal society, with rising political tensions on both sides, told from Katie’s point of view.

The author did a great job of making Katie’s journey to self-discovery the main plot point of the book. It’s nice to see that there was some sense of found family as she slowly finds pockets of places where she could “fit in” as she learns to embrace her roots and culture while overcoming her fear of playing in public.

My only criticism is that some parts of the book gloss over certain emotional scenes or that it is a tell vs a show. For example, when Katie learned of her mum, I did not feel the sense of emotions from her, and it felt glossed over.

Overall, it is a solid read told from the perspective of a teen who returns to her roots while capturing the cityscape of Kuala Lumpur and the multifaceted culture and society we have in Malaysia.

[Finn (theroyaltyreader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie Chen, 16, moved to 🇦🇺 at five and lost her mother at seven. Returning to 🇲🇾 for her grandmother’s funeral, she unexpectedly reunites with her estranged mother and begins to rediscover her roots.

It’s a coming-of-age story about love, rekindling family bonds, and reconnecting with one’s culture, set in contemporary Kuala Lumpur.Set against a backdrop of rising political tensions, the story explores love and cultural reconnection despite of prohibitions by a group of conservative community.

Honestly, I’m really drawn to the issues in the plot, especially the political tension, which is shown clearly and feels relatable. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of fascism. Since this story is told from a teenager’s point of view, it shouldn’t be taken too seriously. For me, the plot is pretty laid-back, though some parts are a bit unsettling.

Katie is shown hanging out with her Malaysian friends a lot, making memories while searching for her place in the world. She enjoys making music but having some clashing cases with personality and eventually overcome them by embracing her Malaysian identity. Throughout her journey, the story captures the essence of Malaysia well, but it feels more city-oriented.

I would have liked to see Katie express more emotions, as teenagers often show their feelings strongly. Overall, it’s an interesting look at identity and culture, offering a thoughtful perspective on the challenges of growing up.

Thank you to Su-May Tan & @penguinbookssea for the book💗🙏🏼

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this to learn about Malaysia and the dynamics between people here. It's set in the early 2000's (I think), and it did enlightenment me about the political/social goings-on in KL/Malaysia during that time.

This is highly readable, well-written, and packs a lot of meaty things into a small package. It reads like a teen novel, and maybe that is what it is intended to be.

My main complaint is that although the main character is clearly deeply conflicted, we're never given a window into her thoughts. Also, when she makes a surprising discovery about a person in her life, it doesn't seem to rattle her at all, which is strange and unrealistic.

[mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

not sure how i feel about all the political stuff because i’m not sure i liked the way some of it was written but i enjoyed the characters. there’s a bittersweet feeling about her dad and mum never being able to be together. there’s also a melancholy in her mum having to suffer her alzheimer’s and depression alone in the country she loves. i liked katie and justin’s dynamic and him moving to melbourne was sweet.

[Laura Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening and engrossing, Katie goes to KL captures the beauty and bustle of Malaysia, and its complex social dynamics, through the vibrant voice of a second generation Australian. It is the best of travel stories, where you leave home only to discover worlds of wonder, deep roots, and more of yourself. A thoroughly enjoyable read from beginning to end.

[Syaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

one moment it's about her finding her true self, reconnecting the lost connection between her and her mum. The next? she's unsure with herself but proceeding to get relationship with her new male friend. unbothered to know everything bout her mum towards the end.. like wishing her mum all the best she had while fighting for Alzheimer? mbah.

[Tracy Keogh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The author immerses us in the world of Katie in a beautifully written and expressive way. If you have a teenager in the house or indeed like myself love Young Adult fiction you will not put this down.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read. Tan has an uncanny way of bringing out the beauty in the smallest details. An enjoyable read for anyone wanting to lose themselves in the magic of KL.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing. I especially enjoyed the ending! ;) I'm always up for a happy ending.