What do you think?
Her Crashing Waves
Fadhia is a seaside girl living a sheltered life. Her parents, scarred by a horrible mistake, keep her from all that she holds dear in hope of making things right again.
But Fadhia sees her family slowly drifting apart, their once-close bond strained by the weight of disappointment. She also begins to cast a shadow over her friendship with Wan, someone of a troubled history.
Driven by a newfound purpose, she sets out on a heartfelt mission to reclaim everything that once belonged to her no matter how hard it gets.
But can she ride the waves out safely? Or will she just sink trying?
But Fadhia sees her family slowly drifting apart, their once-close bond strained by the weight of disappointment. She also begins to cast a shadow over her friendship with Wan, someone of a troubled history.
Driven by a newfound purpose, she sets out on a heartfelt mission to reclaim everything that once belonged to her no matter how hard it gets.
But can she ride the waves out safely? Or will she just sink trying?
112 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 1, 2023
Her Crashing Waves is a a breath of fresh air in the land of Bookiut English novellas as the genre is different entirely than its predecessors. It is, in a way, a bildungsroman with important lessons to be learnt by the end of it.
Though it's not the usual genre I would go for, I did enjoy reading about Fadhia's life and the struggles she faces within herself, with her family members, and also her friends. The problems portrayed are the reflections of real life and how they can impact the relationships we have with the people around us.
I also think the characters (especially Fadhia and her mother) are written beautifully. Their realistic characterizations allow you to feel their pain and root for them, even in their darkest times when they fight and hinder themselves from each other's warmth and truths. Unfortunately, I know all too well about dysfunctional families and fall-outs. Though the ending of this book is something most of us who understand would want in our lives too, I know it can be too much to ask for sometimes.
Kudos to the author, Aidil Azizul, for this beautiful and heartwarming book. I really liked the characters and the different personalities they bring to life through the beautifully written prose. Perfect book for those looking to chill by reading about family drama that isn't their own.
Though it's not the usual genre I would go for, I did enjoy reading about Fadhia's life and the struggles she faces within herself, with her family members, and also her friends. The problems portrayed are the reflections of real life and how they can impact the relationships we have with the people around us.
I also think the characters (especially Fadhia and her mother) are written beautifully. Their realistic characterizations allow you to feel their pain and root for them, even in their darkest times when they fight and hinder themselves from each other's warmth and truths. Unfortunately, I know all too well about dysfunctional families and fall-outs. Though the ending of this book is something most of us who understand would want in our lives too, I know it can be too much to ask for sometimes.
Kudos to the author, Aidil Azizul, for this beautiful and heartwarming book. I really liked the characters and the different personalities they bring to life through the beautifully written prose. Perfect book for those looking to chill by reading about family drama that isn't their own.
July 10, 2026
I picked this up because it was in Badass Book Club July listing and luckily I owned it!
When I first read it, it was unputdownable! Hard to believe that this is a debut novella because it was so well-written. I never knew a small conflict about family and friends could be so uplifting and make me sob in a good way. I could say the author's writing affected me real deep this time.
I resonated with Fadhia's situation. I do think the readers could relate when they see how fragile and vulnerable Fadhia's older brother is, when he needs to meet his mother's expectations. By using the word 'medicine' and 'rehab', we already got a glimpse into how bad the situation is. Although the scene was short, I could feel Fadhia almost burst when she tried to open up to her mother as she already predicted what the outcome would be when she wanted to talk about it. Well, at least - she was brave enough to talk back to her mother.
Her mother is the definition of a mother who wants the best for her children but neglects the emotional support. It's truly a reflection of reality and it's painful to swallow the fact that it happened to me too, a long time ago. This quote says it all:
But despite the conflict, the author countered with supportive characters and blended in the friendship element. Well eventually, I love all the characters! Everyone got their spotlight. For Wan's case, it's kinda heartening to know his struggles. I love when Fadhia tried to gently reason with her parents just to help her friend, Wan. Seriously, this novella is underrated. I fell in love with the writing instantly.
On a side note: I do want a side story of Fadhia's older brother: Fadhil.
When I first read it, it was unputdownable! Hard to believe that this is a debut novella because it was so well-written. I never knew a small conflict about family and friends could be so uplifting and make me sob in a good way. I could say the author's writing affected me real deep this time.
I resonated with Fadhia's situation. I do think the readers could relate when they see how fragile and vulnerable Fadhia's older brother is, when he needs to meet his mother's expectations. By using the word 'medicine' and 'rehab', we already got a glimpse into how bad the situation is. Although the scene was short, I could feel Fadhia almost burst when she tried to open up to her mother as she already predicted what the outcome would be when she wanted to talk about it. Well, at least - she was brave enough to talk back to her mother.
Her mother is the definition of a mother who wants the best for her children but neglects the emotional support. It's truly a reflection of reality and it's painful to swallow the fact that it happened to me too, a long time ago. This quote says it all:
Surely Mak knew how sacred the word 'mother' was to both herself and Fadhia. Yet, Mak abused it until she heard what she wanted to hear from Fadhia.
But despite the conflict, the author countered with supportive characters and blended in the friendship element. Well eventually, I love all the characters! Everyone got their spotlight. For Wan's case, it's kinda heartening to know his struggles. I love when Fadhia tried to gently reason with her parents just to help her friend, Wan. Seriously, this novella is underrated. I fell in love with the writing instantly.
On a side note: I do want a side story of Fadhia's older brother: Fadhil.
July 13, 2024
I don't know where to start. I think this story instead of uplifting and hope-giving, I felt it weighed me down. I don't think I know the book I chose to read enough and I ended up not feeling it. Her Crashing Waves follows a story of a seaside girl who struggles after her family had a sad episode where her brother was sent to a rehab centre. Living with a strict parent consumed her brother that he took a shortcut to relieve himself. Bearing the shame that she didn't want, Fadhia's mother treated her or in other words became overprotective with her. She prohibited Fadhia to befriend with Wan just because her mother listened to rumuors.
I dont like the story much since I cannot resonate but I absolutely love the proses and the way the story was told.
I dont like the story much since I cannot resonate but I absolutely love the proses and the way the story was told.
October 10, 2025
I never thought the book I expected to be lighthearted would weigh so heavily with such a deep, heavy plot—that is ‘Her Crushing Waves’. A story about Fadhia, a teenage girl who who began facing several problems after an incident involving her older brother. Not only that, watching her family slowly drift apart truly frightened her.
Reading this as an adult, I find the vocabulary simple enough—definitely a good fit for young adult readers.
Reading this as an adult, I find the vocabulary simple enough—definitely a good fit for young adult readers.
May 24, 2024
4.5 ☆
Instant thought (if I did not came back for the proper review pls check my ig.lol)
Love:
TW
Promoting local kuih
The characters are still using bicycles and not motorcycles
Cheers to Fadhia for having the guts to open up🥳
Cool father
Soon I'll write from a mom's pov. InsyaAllah
Instant thought (if I did not came back for the proper review pls check my ig.lol)
Love:
TW
Promoting local kuih
The characters are still using bicycles and not motorcycles
Cheers to Fadhia for having the guts to open up🥳
Cool father
Soon I'll write from a mom's pov. InsyaAllah
October 6, 2024
literally finished in one sitting and my eyes are hurting for crying too much….a very eye opening story and this is what it feels like to hope for something. very heart-wrenching and i love how it ended.
November 19, 2024
I'm attracted by the cover page and the synopsis. The cover reminds me of my childhood where I spent the time playing with my friends along the beach, just like how Fadhia spent hers. It's a good novel and am trying my best to give a shot for YA genre.
The author did his best to bring out the beautiful themes of family and friendship. When something unexpected thing happened to Fadhia's family, she managed her life just like a matured girl. Surrounded by her kind friends and her teacher as her support system. The bond between them feels authentic, brimming with laughter and supportive. I was specially moved by what Intan did for her, being there for her all the times, which underscored how friends can provide the strength we need to navigate life’s turbulent waters.
This novel is a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing our relationships, despite their imperfections. Whether through familial ties or friendships, Aidil Azizul shows that it’s these bonds that help us navigate life’s most challenging moments. This book isn’t just a story—it’s an emotional journey that will leave you reflecting on your own connections long after the final page.
The author did his best to bring out the beautiful themes of family and friendship. When something unexpected thing happened to Fadhia's family, she managed her life just like a matured girl. Surrounded by her kind friends and her teacher as her support system. The bond between them feels authentic, brimming with laughter and supportive. I was specially moved by what Intan did for her, being there for her all the times, which underscored how friends can provide the strength we need to navigate life’s turbulent waters.
This novel is a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing our relationships, despite their imperfections. Whether through familial ties or friendships, Aidil Azizul shows that it’s these bonds that help us navigate life’s most challenging moments. This book isn’t just a story—it’s an emotional journey that will leave you reflecting on your own connections long after the final page.
June 15, 2026
Damn, what a heartfelt story... Almost cried. As said in the acknowledgement section, Her Crashing Waves is a story about hope & dream.
BRO!!!! I can't believe a novella got me in the feels 😭 This is phenomenal! I love the premise of the story & made me craving for some kuih in a calm & serene atmosphere. It is a very good segue for readers to understand how to resolve a conflict & the struggles to open up/reveal the truth to your loved one that everyone is currently in shambles. The hopes & dreams of a stable family with minimal conflicts starting to drift away.
Honestly, the writing was truly beautiful, tugged my heartstrings.
BRO!!!! I can't believe a novella got me in the feels 😭 This is phenomenal! I love the premise of the story & made me craving for some kuih in a calm & serene atmosphere. It is a very good segue for readers to understand how to resolve a conflict & the struggles to open up/reveal the truth to your loved one that everyone is currently in shambles. The hopes & dreams of a stable family with minimal conflicts starting to drift away.
Honestly, the writing was truly beautiful, tugged my heartstrings.
December 4, 2023
Exploring the internal strife in the family dynamics and relationship, Her Crashing Waves unabashedly captured the struggles of parental expectations on their children and how emotional neglect lead to the hardship faced by the young children. Its no brainer that parents always want the best for their child but when overbearing & strictness applied in the household, there are bounds to be hearts and feelings being hurt.
In Fadhia's case, her mother seems to be the strict type in their family, a successful woman who works for an orphanage yet may dismissed most of her children feelings, her loving father who is the closest to her and her older brother that she looks up to but a past he carried with a heavy heart. In the realm of the Bookiut lineup, this one reflected the reality the most in which I believe a lot of us can relate. Family relationship is complrx especially when we couldnt express our thoughts & feelings honestly. When I read this, I understand a lot of whats going on in Fadhia's relationship with her mother, its something that I myself can relate to the point it hurts.
I adored the friendship in this story too with how there is the highlight of stigma attached to Wan as a boy that struggle financially with poor family situation that caused him to work multiple jobs to support his family. Its sad when adult looked down on him bcus he is still young & needed guidance. Thankful for the friends he has around him. With Fadhli, Fadhia's brother, we can assume what he struggle the most as we are given glimpses of his past and how troubled he was in, its really sad to read once u understand how expectations can sometimes burn someone when its too high.
Thank you to Bookiut for the review copy.
#berlayarduniafiksyenPTS #bukubookiut #hercrashingwaves #SIBF2023
In Fadhia's case, her mother seems to be the strict type in their family, a successful woman who works for an orphanage yet may dismissed most of her children feelings, her loving father who is the closest to her and her older brother that she looks up to but a past he carried with a heavy heart. In the realm of the Bookiut lineup, this one reflected the reality the most in which I believe a lot of us can relate. Family relationship is complrx especially when we couldnt express our thoughts & feelings honestly. When I read this, I understand a lot of whats going on in Fadhia's relationship with her mother, its something that I myself can relate to the point it hurts.
I adored the friendship in this story too with how there is the highlight of stigma attached to Wan as a boy that struggle financially with poor family situation that caused him to work multiple jobs to support his family. Its sad when adult looked down on him bcus he is still young & needed guidance. Thankful for the friends he has around him. With Fadhli, Fadhia's brother, we can assume what he struggle the most as we are given glimpses of his past and how troubled he was in, its really sad to read once u understand how expectations can sometimes burn someone when its too high.
Thank you to Bookiut for the review copy.
#berlayarduniafiksyenPTS #bukubookiut #hercrashingwaves #SIBF2023
May 2, 2026
Love is not always a calm sea, sometimes it is a crashing wave that breaks us apart just so we can learn how to drift back together.
In Her Crashing Waves captures the journey of young Fadhia as she navigates the turbulent waters of family life and the delicate balance of friendship. The beauty of this novella lies in its honest depiction of domestic conflict, offering a poignant look at how misunderstandings can shape our most personal relationships.
I deeply empathized with Fadhia’s heartache following the tragedy involving her brothers, an event that ultimately pulled her family apart. She longs for a confidant, someone to share her feelings with the way her brother once did but in the wake of their loss, she is left feeling profoundly misunderstood.
While I tried to empathize with her mother’s perspective, understanding that a parent only wants the best for their children, it was painful to see her refuse to acknowledge her children's emotions or grant them the space to grieve. This tension is further strained when Fadhia’s parents forbid her friendship with Wan based on nothing more than baseless rumors. It feels deeply unfair, especially given everything she has endured. Amidst this turmoil, the bond between Fadhia, Wan, and Intan is a beautiful contrast, their mutual respect and the comfort they find in one another’s company provide the only true sanctuary in Fadhia’s world.
This story illustrates that even when the tide of grief pulls a family apart, the heart can still find its way back to shore. While Fadhia’s parents struggled to offer the emotional sanctuary she needed, she discovered her own resilience through the unwavering light of friendship. Their bond proves that we do not have to weather the storm alone. After all, we learn from our mistakes, and it is through these trials that we finally learn how to truly care for those we love.
In Her Crashing Waves captures the journey of young Fadhia as she navigates the turbulent waters of family life and the delicate balance of friendship. The beauty of this novella lies in its honest depiction of domestic conflict, offering a poignant look at how misunderstandings can shape our most personal relationships.
I deeply empathized with Fadhia’s heartache following the tragedy involving her brothers, an event that ultimately pulled her family apart. She longs for a confidant, someone to share her feelings with the way her brother once did but in the wake of their loss, she is left feeling profoundly misunderstood.
While I tried to empathize with her mother’s perspective, understanding that a parent only wants the best for their children, it was painful to see her refuse to acknowledge her children's emotions or grant them the space to grieve. This tension is further strained when Fadhia’s parents forbid her friendship with Wan based on nothing more than baseless rumors. It feels deeply unfair, especially given everything she has endured. Amidst this turmoil, the bond between Fadhia, Wan, and Intan is a beautiful contrast, their mutual respect and the comfort they find in one another’s company provide the only true sanctuary in Fadhia’s world.
This story illustrates that even when the tide of grief pulls a family apart, the heart can still find its way back to shore. While Fadhia’s parents struggled to offer the emotional sanctuary she needed, she discovered her own resilience through the unwavering light of friendship. Their bond proves that we do not have to weather the storm alone. After all, we learn from our mistakes, and it is through these trials that we finally learn how to truly care for those we love.
December 14, 2023
to begin with, this book feels like a warm hug in a cold weather. wholesome, warm, cozy and u feel like u don’t wanna let go of it.
fadhia, she’s like a fine cut diamond. the suffering, loss, and anguish she endured had shaped and polished her into the best person she is. the waves she ride had sailed her to the destination of pure acceptance and contentment.
fadhia has intan and wan as her strongest support system. i love how this trio reminds me that, despite how lonely ur journey may seem, u are never alone. its good to rely on others and to be relied upon 🤍
the family conflict opened my eyes to fadhia’s point of view, as well as her parents'. even the emotions feel tangible as the writer beautifully use the setting and choice of words to capture the reader’s heart, helping them understand what the characters are going through.
overall, this story is quick and straightforward yet enough to make me feel inspired and content. it basically reminds me that there's more to life beyond what we can see and experience. u just gotta have the strong will to seek it out and let it inspire you into your best version🤍
fadhia, she’s like a fine cut diamond. the suffering, loss, and anguish she endured had shaped and polished her into the best person she is. the waves she ride had sailed her to the destination of pure acceptance and contentment.
fadhia has intan and wan as her strongest support system. i love how this trio reminds me that, despite how lonely ur journey may seem, u are never alone. its good to rely on others and to be relied upon 🤍
the family conflict opened my eyes to fadhia’s point of view, as well as her parents'. even the emotions feel tangible as the writer beautifully use the setting and choice of words to capture the reader’s heart, helping them understand what the characters are going through.
overall, this story is quick and straightforward yet enough to make me feel inspired and content. it basically reminds me that there's more to life beyond what we can see and experience. u just gotta have the strong will to seek it out and let it inspire you into your best version🤍
December 5, 2023
This is a story about Fadhia, a girl who has to tiptoes around her parents, especially her mother. She feels suffocated by her family's situation after a mistake made by her brother.
Fadhia reaches her breaking point, and all hell broke loose, and it is actually just what she needs to put the broken pieces of her family back together.
The writing is good. The author weaves the words beautifully. However, the plot is lacking, in my opinion. I understand the purpose of some scenes, but somehow, it just doesn't fit. But kudos to the author as it's not easy to make the flow of the story run smoothly.
Fadhia reaches her breaking point, and all hell broke loose, and it is actually just what she needs to put the broken pieces of her family back together.
The writing is good. The author weaves the words beautifully. However, the plot is lacking, in my opinion. I understand the purpose of some scenes, but somehow, it just doesn't fit. But kudos to the author as it's not easy to make the flow of the story run smoothly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2024
I'm loving the sceneries and vibes from this story. The windy beach, the salt air, the melody of the waves crashing. It felt so close to home. Good flow of the story and how the main protagonist interacts with people around her while solving her problems. Feels very good to read, like a warm hug embracing your heart. Be kind to your family and friends, peeps!
August 15, 2026
I think the writing has too many unnecessary metaphors
5 chapters in, and I still don't understand where the story is going, and I feel like the writer mostly touches the surface of the MC's issue, which leaves the story quite vague
5 chapters in, and I still don't understand where the story is going, and I feel like the writer mostly touches the surface of the MC's issue, which leaves the story quite vague
April 1, 2024
love this book it felt so soothing reading it and very wholesome, im interested in future works of the author
October 31, 2024
i love how the story’s progresses. the character development of fadhia and her mom is everything. hoping it’d be longer hahaha!
June 17, 2024
Her crashing waves is a book that has an amazing story-line.
Here's what I like most
The conversations between Fadhia and her family members (such as her mom and brother) were sooo heart felt!! but some were sad
i love puan hanum's personality! And all of Fadhia's friend's had different personalities, which makes them unique from each other
The characters were described so well that I could imagine how they would look like, and I would def be friends with Fadhia
I cried, smiled, and laughed while reading this book. It was truly a well-written novel! Although it had only hundreds of pages, it felt longer.
you should definitely read this
Here's what I like most
The conversations between Fadhia and her family members (such as her mom and brother) were sooo heart felt!! but some were sad
i love puan hanum's personality! And all of Fadhia's friend's had different personalities, which makes them unique from each other
The characters were described so well that I could imagine how they would look like, and I would def be friends with Fadhia
I cried, smiled, and laughed while reading this book. It was truly a well-written novel! Although it had only hundreds of pages, it felt longer.
you should definitely read this
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews