Harmony Heights

by Ong Chin Huat

Harmony Heights is anything but harmonious. In this nineties-style block of condominium located in a forgotten part of town resides a microcosm of bourgeois Malaysian society. From retired judges and doctors to CEOs and homemakers with side hustles, the residents in this apartment pride themselves on being model citizens.

But beneath the veneer of civility and respectability, lies a hotbed of secrets and skeletons that reveal the true nature of these residents. How will they respond to the trials and tribulations which life throws at them? Will they all manage to keep up appearances when their private affairs and exploits are exposed?

Harmony Heights is a peephole, allowing you to look in, to watch the unfolding lives of cheating husbands, ambitious women, unconventional families, and witness explosive (literally) situations. If you look close enough, you might just see someone you know. Are you ready to keep a secret?

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Asia

298 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2024

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the outside, Harmoney Heights is exactly what its name implies, harmony. But when you take a closer look, secrets, betrayals, lies, and deceits begin to unravel. And that's what makes Harmoney Heights such an interesting read. This book is a little different from the books I usually read, instead of a central plot, it splits it up and shows us the lives of some of the Harmoney Heights residents. Not going to lie, reading it feels a little invasive because I feel like that character in Rear Window, peeping at other people's business.

Harmoney Heights introduces us to a plethora of characters and what I love about this book is the representation. We get all kinds of characters here and reading it feels like home because what's living in Malaysia without such a colourful cast of people? And as we get to know each of the residents, we begin to uncover the secrets they're hiding. Some lie, some cheat, some extort and the majority of them are living double lives. If there's one thing Harmoney Heights teaches me is that you never know what going on behind closed doors.

While I enjoyed reading the book, some of the dialogue can be a little unnatural at times. It just doesn't feel like what a normal person would say in a conversation. It feels a bit forced. And the number of brand mentions in this book is just astounding. To be honest, it feels very much on the nose. There's no doubt the author is well-versed with his luxury brands, but it's honestly too much. However, I do have to give him credit for sprinkling Malaysian brands in the book.

And the ending feels a littttttle unsatisfactory. There are a few loose ends that I wish the author would tie up, or at least show us the fate of those characters. Like did the doctor get sued? Did Yi Wei's parents find out about her activities? Did Shamsul survive? Did Zainal get the promotion?

Nevertheless, it was a fun read. And if you're looking to diversify your reading this year, make this book one of it.

[Ainun Agustine Budiyawan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a collection of gossip of the upper middle class and upper class society of malaysia, sandwiched between the author showcasing his knowledge of high fashion brand.

Crazy rich Asians but without plot and more brand name drops.

atleast the ending was good

the premise is interesting as I got to read about the lifes of upper midde class/upper class of malaysian society

but I dont really find myself enjoying the story so much because its basically the troubles of a rich people, in which when you put context to the current financial climate of our reality right now just makes the story less enjoyable, for me. Although there were one or two characters that are featured are in the lower class but it felt so jarring in comparison to the 4 paragraph dedicated for Datin Cady Fong and her built in wardrobe full of designer clothes and shoes

it does feel like lowkey the author is projecting his knowledge in fashion and upper class society. My main issue in this book is the third person narration and the different POV switch in one paragraph and everything is being described by the narrator including the motivations of the characters are being described. Just feels jarring to me

[Nadiah Zakaria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harmony Heights is everything but harmonious, and while it was entertaining to an extent to have a bird's eye view of the lives of the many characters, it fell quite flat towards the end for me.

Yes, there are various lessons to be learned from the scandals and problems that arise within the community of Harmony Heights. You have a cheating husband, a loyal maid, a snobby Datin who steals things she can afford, an abusive husband with an anxiety-ridden wife and a daughter who's on OnlyFans; you name it, this book has a plethora of characters with various realistic problems you've no doubt seen in local tv shows or even the news.

However, it is also due to this plethora of characters that I find the book fell flat. This is because some of the characters receive more spotlight than the rest, while some are introduced rather briefly that you can't help but wonder what is their significance to the story and whether they add any value. There are characters that I can empathize with, while others just feel like I'm passing by.

I appreciate the transparency of the author's writing, including characters of different races, religions, and sexuality. And also characters of different status and class, reflecting the many types of societal silos in Malaysia within the same setting. But sometimes, despite the realistic portrayal of their lives and the scandals they cause, the dialogues feel over the top. They don't sound like something people would actually say in a conversation.

One thing that irked me the most was the sprinkle of luxury brands throughout the entire book. I understand that the author has a background in fashion and it shines through with the wealthy characters and their tastes in materialistic things. However, where you can simply say a woman glances at her watch, the author would proceed to describe the extremely specific type of watch. The brand, the color, the type; believe it or not, I personally do not care.

God... I think I skimmed over multiple paragraphs where it's just a description of the specific brands of Candy Fong's handbags. I don't want to know where her hot pink Birkin bag is. Tell me why her husband is cheating??

So yes, while the book is highly entertaining to some aspect, showing us a glimpse into the myriad of characters and their vastly contrasting lives, this book didn't leave me satisfied. The ending is rather abrupt. It exploded (literally) and then was barely resolved before it ended. Because of the many characters, there were so many loose ends left untied.

If you're looking for a bit of literary fun, and if you enjoy getting to know 1000 types of luxurious brands every few paragraphs, then I'd suggest you read this book. However, if you want a satisfying ending, I'm afraid it would not serve.

[Freddie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is ambitious but it lacks an emotional core. It features a large cast of characters - most of whom are relatively rich residents of a luxury condo - and therefore has a lot of story threads. However some of the threads are left hanging and together they don't form a coherent story. The characters are mostly written as out-of-touch, materialistic, and vapid - which I find uninspiring. There is also a copious amount of luxury brand name drops which don't contribute much to the book other than to show that the characters are rich.

[Raaacz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harmony Heights is a beautifully crafted story that is both poignant and reflective. It delves into themes of community, harmony, and personal struggle in a multicultural society. The central characters come from diverse backgrounds, and the book masterfully captures the tensions that arise when individuals from different cultures and value systems attempt to coexist in close quarters.

My favorite part of the book was how Jan, Erika, and Candy were able to form a friendship in such a short amount of time. There are many characters, and it can be a bit challenging to remember all of them at first (I even took notes just to keep track of who they were, haha). However, as you delve deeper into their personal lives, you'll recognize something remarkable about each member of the community. The book has an open ending, which left me wanting more—especially curious about what happened to the other characters.

Overall, Harmony Heights is not just a story but an invitation to reflect on the possibilities and limitations of living together in a diverse world.

[Yana C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Harmony Heights’ by Ong Chin Huat is unexpectedly good! Before reading it, I quickly skimmed the summary but I had no expectations—I was simply curious about the premise: a variety of characters living in the same building in Malaysia. The fact that this is written by an Asian author made me want to read it even more.

After the first few chapters and the introduction of several characters, it was slightly overwhelming, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down. As an occasional ‘Marites’ this book had me hooked. The books I’ve been reading recently usually focus on just a couple of protagonists, so I really enjoyed that this one centered on an entire building and its residents. It made me eager to learn each character’s story, secrets, and how they were connected to one another.

I also appreciated that there wasn’t a complete closure for most of the characters (just a personal preference). This was definitely an enjoyable read, and I hope to read more books in the same genre in the future.

[Syahira (syhra_azhm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interested with this book after reading the synopsis. I thought it will be just a simple and relaxing story of each character’s life. But my thought is washed away when I kept reading it. It was full of dramas and tea🤣Starting from that, I can’t stop myself from reading it. I keep on wanting to know the next thing that will happen.

The characters in here are variety. From the high class family to the mid family. The story is set with a concept of jiran tetangga where you can imagine easily living in an apartment that have sorts of people. Kepochi (nosy) aunty, selfish people and even the greedy type of people. From the start, I felt that the structure of the story is unique as each chapter have multiple stories of characters. And as the chapters keep increasing, so it goes for the ‘tea’ and tense part of the story. I love that the author did a great job in revealing the truth at the end🤭You will not get bored, I promise!

The author wrote a wonderful story with multiple perspective that is unique to me. The fact that it tells a story about the asian people is what makes it easy for me to understand and get the point. So many dramas and teas everyone hahahaha🤣. It was an enjoyable read for me.

I’d like to thank @penguinbookssea @chai @ongchinhuat for the review copy! This book will be out on May 2024, so stay tuned to snatch your copy😉

[Adibah(whatdibsread) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harmony Heights is anything but harmonious. Set in a condominium complex, the story delves into the live of a diverse group on individuals residing in it. Anything gorgeous is only on the surface but beneath it, there are much more hidden under it waiting to be found.

This book is a whole lot of drama filled with your typical stereotypes. From nosy neighbour to the ‘always right’ neighbour, this book has it all. Ong Chin Huat bravely shedding the light on societal issues that are often swept under the rug. Like in this book, their community was shaken when the biracial lesbian couple with their adopted daughter moves in which then force each and everyone of them to show their true colours.

Don’t let this bright vibrant colour fools you like it did with me. At first I thought this was going to be a usual family drama but the author delves into the portrayal of different racial individuals with different backgrounds that encourage me to reflect on my own attitudes and beliefs.

Additionally, this book also explore the colourism in multicolour Malaysian society. I do admit that i enjoyed the drama knowing how it is no different to the real world today and some part in this book made me sick to my stomach. This book is great for those who want to see how people acts and reacts to the differences. Thank you Penguin Book Sea for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alexiireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover and premise of Harmony Heights immediately drew me in. I’ve been eager to learn more about our Southeast Asian neighbors, and this book seemed like the perfect opportunity. From the outset, it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the nuanced exploration of privilege and hypocrisy, all delivered with a delightful mix of humor and wit. The chaotic and dramatic elements were balanced beautifully with the humorous moments, making for an engaging read.

Initially, I was apprehensive as the first few chapters introduced a plethora of characters residing in Harmony Heights. I worried about feeling overwhelmed, but those fears were quickly dispelled by the author’s engaging writing style and captivating storytelling. The narrative flowed effortlessly, and I found myself eagerly diving into the gossip of each floor, reveling in the richness of their individual stories. I must admit, I have a penchant for being nosy, and this book catered perfectly to that part of my personality. The scandals and problems of each character provided the ideal companionship for a rainy day spent reading in bed. The secrets and unfolding dramas propelled the story forward, but beyond the juicy gossip, the book offered a thought-provoking glimpse into Malaysian society. It tackled issues such as colorism, eating disorders, abortion, misogyny, infidelity, domestic violence, sexuality, mental health, motherhood, and even OnlyFans.

Although I don’t often read contemporary fiction, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in this book because many aspects of their culture mirrored my own. As a Filipino, I saw our societal issues and nuances reflected in the narrative, prompting me to reflect on our similarities as Southeast Asians. This book has become one of my most heavily annotated reads to date. It’s disheartening to ponder the privilege and hypocrisy of the wealthy while so many struggle to make ends meet. It was fascinating to see that beneath the facade of luxury and status, some characters were rotting from the inside. Despite their wealth, they grappled with their own underlying problems and struggles, making their desperation and greed all too real.

My favorite aspect of this book was the ensemble of characters, a true melting pot of different races, religions, and nationalities, showcasing Malaysia’s multicultural landscape. Each character’s diverse personality traits and motivations kept me eager to learn more and become part of their journeys. I found myself rooting for some characters while wishing for the comeuppance of others. Although the chapters were short, they were insightful and provided enough context to understand each character. The compelling depiction of each individual, with their public facades and private realities, added depth to the story. I especially enjoyed uncovering their dark secrets, which shattered the illusion of perfection among the wealthier residents.

The struggles of migrant and domestic workers, particularly Widya and Iqbal, resonated deeply with me. Their perspectives made me reflect on my own privileges, emphasizing the truth that those who have less often give more because they understand the hardship of having nothing. They became my favorite characters, and I rooted for them throughout the book. Datin Seri Candy Fong and Jan Tee also captured my interest. Candy, with her seemingly perfect luxurious life, possessed a surprising amount of compassion and self-awareness. Jan, on the other hand, impressed me with her confidence to be her true self and her pride in her family.

What prevented me from giving this book a perfect five-star rating was the ending. It felt abrupt, with no proper conclusion for some characters and unresolved plotlines. I also wished for a deeper exploration of the various societal issues introduced. Despite the rushed and incomplete ending, the book was still very satisfying. It felt like watching a Filipino movie, filled with spectacle and action. I wouldn’t mind another book from the author, delving deeper into each character. I highly recommend Harmony Heights for its drama, interesting characters, and realistic portrayal of society.

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

Disclaimer: The review is based on uncorrected reader’s proof. Kindly refer to the completed version!

“Harmony Height” delves into the lives of Malaysians living in luxury condos, showcasing how they navigate their daily lives. The story is inclusive of all races and religions, presenting a picture of individuals seemingly blessed with luxuries yet grappling with relatable problems that many Malaysians face. The variety of lives depicted is compelling, each one complex and complicated, dealing mostly with negative issues. Reading it feels like I’m delving into gossip, revealing the bad habits, scandals, and problems of the characters. I was impressed on how issues aren’t strange to the society and certain points just nailed 🫡.

The book addresses themes like misogyny, embezzlement, eating disorders, transphobia, domestic violence, Alzheimer’s, and more. This makes it intriguing, especially for someone like me who quite nosy 🤪. The narrative is captivating because it constantly unveils new aspects of the characters’ lives, making you eager to know more and follow their journeys to the end.

However, the ending was somewhat anticlimactic for me, as it felt rushed and incomplete. Some characters didn’t receive a proper conclusion; their stories ended abruptly. While some characters had satisfying endings, others were left hanging, and certain plotlines, such as ongoing crimes, were not fully resolved. Overall, the book serves as a reminder of how Malaysians navigate their lives despite the luxuries they have, but the ending left me wanting more 🥰.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone currently living in Australia but who grew up living in a very similar condominium to Harmony Heights in Malaysia, this book was SO fun to read and so eerily accurate. I found it very brave of the author to include plot lines so such ‘raunchy’ and ‘controversial’ by Malaysian standards. I would have loved a key for all the characters at the start of the book that listed all the characters, their occupations and the level they lived on- similar to the character key in Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend.

‘Who the hell does she think she is? Living on the third floor and her husband is just an ex-government servant? Nisha's second comment revealed an unspoken social distinction through the pecking order of the residents living at Harmony Heights.
There was an invisible hierarchy of status, an unwritten code if you like, whereby it was understood that those who lived on the higher floors were somewhat superior to those who resided on the lower ones..’

[Nique 💫 chroniqled ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

my oh my, this was such an entertaining read! it was like a whole drama was playing out in my brain and i just could not stop myself from reading one chapter after the other!

think: high society drama, set in a luxurious apartment complex of 36 floors. we follow its residents as they go on about their lives, and seeing them interact with each other whenever their paths cross.

every character was given a personality. although not too detailed, the descriptions were enough to understand each resident’s thought process, which would then influence how they act. imagine your typical stereotypes: the nosy neighbour who loves to gossip, the screaming-always-fighting family, the busybody who keeps complaining about everything, the “morally correct” couple, the foreign couple minding their own business, the annoying homeowners association pretending to “improve” the neighbourhood, the judgmental aunties, and of course, the rich building owners living in a penthouse on the top floor— oh, and not to mention the children of varying ages.

simple and complex at the same time, the author of this book has weaved a story from numerous perspectives, and has managed to create a whole picture— albeit a chaotic one (which is, of course, the whole point)— of how it is to live in a typical asian community. you get a ton of drama, just because everyone is in each other’s business.

wildly enjoyable— i recommend this to fans of crazy rich asians! this book literally needs to be a whole series. i would definitely watch it for all the juicy drama. i give it 🌟🌟🌟🌟 #niquereviews

thank you so much once again to @penguinbookssea for giving me this ARC 🤍✨

💛 this title will be out MAY 2024 💛

[syarif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siapa bilang tinggal di apartemen lebih tenang dan ga drama🫣💭.

Selamat datang di Harmony Heights!! sebuah hunian kelas menengah ke atas di Malaysia dengan penghuninya yang beragam. Pasangan old money, dokter, asisten rumah tangga, anak kuliah, budak korporat, pensiunan PNS hingga freelancer dari aneka etnis 🌍 dan seksualitas 👩‍❤️‍👩 ikut mewarnai tempat ini. Orang yang beragam, tentu masalahnya juga sangat beragam. Bener-bener dibikin DAR DER DOR sama dramanya✋😏.

Alurnya slow burn typical mundane life, tapiiiiii kalau udah melahap 70% nya plotnya udah ga burning lagi tapi KEBAKARAN 👹. Konfliknya agak overlapping saking kacaunya tapi kebantu banget dengan multi POV dan tiap chapternya cuman 5-6 halaman jadi gampang buat jeda. Pssstttt…. everyone has their little dirty secret here 🌶️💥 domestic abuse, love afffair, alter ego, finance issues, dysfunctional family, friendship break up, revenge and so much more of rich people problems. Banyak isu sosial yang diangkat sama penulis disini. Meski setting di Malaysia, tapi menurutku situasinya sangat familiar seperti di Indonesia. Oiya, di buku ini juga Indonesia beberapa kali disebut bahkan karakternya ada TKW dari Malang😆.

Hats off to the author for connecting the dots of every character under chaotic situations ✋🤪🤚. Lesson learn: what goes around comes back around. So many jawdropping scene and i enjoy it with the drama stuffs (love to see the downfall of zalim people😘). Xoxo.

[Andreea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harmony Heights is delicious, a tale of opulence, intrigue, and the struggles that echo beneath the glossy veneer of a Malaysian luxury condominium. Released by Penguin SEA in Feb 2023, the story is a captivating exploration of the high life in Malaysia and its societal disparities.

The unexpected goodness of the book lies in Huat’s storytelling, a surprise for someone initially sceptical of a former editor’s literary style. Structured in short chapters, and narrated by multiple characters, the story effortlessly guides you through the complexity of Harmony Heights, keeping you captivated. The writing, though simple, proves very engaging, turning a Saturday read into an immersive experience. I even found myself trying to Google the characters in the book, as they felt real to me. Ever since having finished, I keep thinking about the characters and what of them. I would love to read a sequel!

As a resident of Kuala Lumpur, I couldn’t help but recognise the local stereotypes mirrored in the characters. The nosy neighbour, the upward family with a newfound status that looks down upon others (Dato/Datin are titles of people of honour of former aristocratic families in Malaysia); the affluent Malaysian Chinese elite, the expat LGBTQ household of triple ethnicity. Each character feels authentic. Insightful glimpses into the lives of the often invisible support staff (maids, drivers, gardeners) add a layer of nuance to the narrative, as we get the chance to see the protagonists through the eyes of the people who depend on them.

However, behind the façade of wealth and social standing, the novel deftly tackles universal human challenges. From domestic violence to eating disorders, affairs, caregiving for a parent with dementia, going through menopause, mental health struggles, financial woes, and unfulfilled ambitions, to the poignant story of a girl turning to OnlyFans for escape from her abusive father - the residents grapple with a spectrum of issues. The author blends these dramas seamlessly, infusing not only depth but also humour into the narrative.

Harmony Heights seamlessly blends drama and humour. The short chapters and keen insights into Malaysian high society prove captivating, even if I do not read magazines and have no interest in the lives of celebrities in general. Add to this Malaysian cultural nuggets, from food to language, to fashion and it’s a worthy read if you live here or you want to learn about Malaysia. Despite the gravity of the issues explored, the narrative maintains a lighthearted tone, with subtle irony that made me chuckle many times.

[Hannah Maerix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I NEED PART 2 WTHEK I NEED CLOSURE FOR ALL THE STORIES 😭

i loved how i felt like a chismosa in all their rich people problems! there’s really no deeper story besides rich people conflict which i appreciated cos it was vv timely to me :>

also felt like the entire book was full of product placements (pps) which is a bit OA

[lysareading · Rating 4 out of 5]

entertaining and the hidden struggle of each resident is so well-portrayed. i'm gonna share my review soonest.

[Deotima Sarkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harmony Heights by Ong Chin Huat is a fun,  captivating delve into the lives of the residents of a luxurious condominium complex in Malaysia. Set against the backdrop of high society, the novel unravels a tapestry of secrets, betrayals, and double lives, hidden beneath the facade of harmony and respectability.
The most intriguing aspects of the book is its diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct personality and background. From nosy neighbors to ambitious individuals, the residents of Harmony Heights come to life through Ong Chin Huat's vivid descriptions.
The nosy neighbor with her own secrets, a kleptomaniac mom who wants to settle her daughter who has an eating disorder. There is this rich fashionista with a husband with monetary issues, there are affairs ongoing, people trying to show off and show over. The new same sex couple in Jan and Erika with their bangladeshi child however were no doubt the highlight for me.
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I loved how each character came in and built up the story. Living in a society of flats I could really identify with most of these characters, we really encounter most of these types including the working class in our daily lives. Of course, no community would be complete without the meddling homeowners association, whose well-intentioned efforts to "improve" the neighborhood often result in chaos and conflict. Their strict rules and regulations serve as a source of tension among the residents, fueling resentment and discord and in this story bringing up the climax too.
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The diverse cast of characters with their nuances actually is the beauty of this book which I think will make for a beautiful adaptation at one point. The climax leaves us with questions about the lives of some of these characters, triggering our voyeurism further. Contemporary, relevant and colorful, makes for nice light reading.
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Thanks @penguinbookssea and @chai_n_books (chaitanya) for the ARC. The book releases next month!
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[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Solid Stars

Harmony Heights is usually not a genre (Contemporary fiction) that I dabbled in. Still, the premise and cover were too good to pass up, especially by a Malaysian author.

From the start, the story pulled me in, and if I did not put the book down, I needed to continue reading to know what happened and talk about the amount of tea and drama there was. The author’s writing style was witty, engaging and humorous, making this a devourable and easy-to-read book. I thought the multiple perspectives would lead to confusion and chaos, but there was an ease to the book, which honestly flows well. It also features Asians; I speak their lingo, making it a fun read.

I love that the author doesn’t shy away from topics like mental health, scandals, domestic violence, eating disorders, abortion, colorism, infidelity, sexuality, wealth and status etc. It was a refreshing take into a peek at each individual’s life, showing that the grass is not always greener on the other side. I love that we looked into Malaysia’s multicultural landscape featuring different races and religions.

For example, we got a peek into Alice’s life, a busybody better known as a "kepochi" in Malaysian slang, who needs to know about everything going on with everybody’s lives at Harmony Heights. On the other side, she has a father suffering from Alzheimer's and wasting away that she is forced to care for even though he favours her other siblings more and mocks her for her unwedded status, which may explain her penchant for needing to know everything.

My only sadness was that the book ended too abruptly for my liking! I still want more tea about the residents, especially seeing some go through the consequences of their stupidity and their privileged ways.

I also had the pleasure of meeting the author unexpectedly in a bookstore one day (very impromptu I assure you and managed to speak to him and got my book signed!)

[Alifia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Harmony Heights feels like meeting that one Malaysian aunties : full of hot tea and spilled beans.

With balanced representation of Malaysian big three races (Malay, Indian, and Chinese), expatriats, and migrant workers (tho I always conflicted with these two terms like Erika), Harmony Heights residents are any ordinary neighbors I used to bump into when I still lived in condo, with all the dramas that entails.

This book is full of shocker. There are moments when I shocked, gasped, even loudly thought “IS THIS ALLOWED TO BE WRITTEN”, and practically confused in Indonesian. Chin brought up topics that as far as I know, not widely discussed in Malaysia, some sort of open secrets my friends would say.

It’s a fun read, full of surprise. I’m also thankful Chin included an Indonesian domestic worker character in the book. I feel somewhat represented although I feel more related to Erika, being an foreign corporate worker.

[Louise Bureau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a crazy romp through the lives of crazy rich (& not so rich) Malaysians!
To anyone unfamiliar with life in Malaysia, Harmony Heights may seem a little far fetched but it absolutely is not!
Whilst the story line didn't surprise me, I've awarded 4 stars as it's such a very accurate account of this level of Malaysian society, which sadly is often very shallow, devious & judgemental.

[Rahdika K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the enigmatic world of Harmony Heights, where the facade of normalcy is shattered by the secrets lurking behind closed doors, unleashing a whirlwind of unimaginable events.

Let's dive into this captivating tale by first admiring its vibrant cover, a reflection of the colorful characters awaiting within. It drew me in with its charm, enticing me to embark on this literary journey.🤭

As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to the eclectic residents of Harmony Heights, each with a backstory as rich and complex as the next. Behind the veil of propriety lies a tapestry of relatable struggles, echoing real-life scenarios that at times resonates deeply.

The author skillfully navigates through themes of
colourism, superstitions, and misogyny, shining a spotlight on societal issues often swept under the rug. Particularly commendable is the portrayal of mental health and the enduring stigma surrounding it, alongside poignant discussions on menopause. It's a rarity to stumble upon discussions about menstruation or menopause in literature, despite their natural significance. Therefore, hats off to the author for bravely addressing these essential topics.

With short, enticing chapters, the pace of the story is brisk, luring readers into a captivating whirlwind of events. Brace yourself for moments of sheer disbelief and gripping suspense, as the narrative takes unexpected turns.😏

In conclusion, Harmony Heights is a delightful immersion into the Malaysian diaspora experience, offering an authentic portrayal of the culture and its complexities. A must-read for those seeking a Malaysian narrative that resonates on a profound level.

Some of my favourite lines:
💅🏾 ‘Power struggles and politics knew no bounds when it came to humankind…’

💅🏾 ‘There was nothing a little tea couldn’t solve.’

💅🏾 ‘Finding a good maid was just like marrying a good man,…’

*Thank you to Miss Putrifariza and Times Reads for sending me this copy.

[Soumya · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Harmony Heights”by Ong Chin Huat is a poignant tale of love and self-discovery. The characters are vividly drawn, their emotional journeys deeply relatable. Set in a regular neighbourhood , the narrative's heartfelt exploration of healing and connection leaves a lasting impact, making it an unforgettable, intimate read.
It would be much more relatable to Asian readers who have perhaps lived in apartment complex and can relate to the going ons of such a set up . You have the wealthy , the poor , the kind hearted , the snobs , the hard worker , the barely getting by - family truths hidden from public .
Lovely hot pot of characters to keep things engaging!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Vinsci Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Alice Yong · Rating 5 out of 5]

The shenanigans of Wisteria Lane paled in comparison to the going-ons of this Malaysian condo. Peopled by a cast of colourful characters, their foibles and atas (posh) lives made for great reading. I wouldn’t mind a follow up novel just to satisfy my curiosity on some of the intriguing incidents and find out the eventual outcomes for some of those HH residents. An absolute blast of a story.

[Joyce AP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I just wanna say how I loved the book cover~ it’s giving summer vibes! 🌞Harmony Heights explores the intricate dynamics of living in a middle-class community , the nature of human connections, and the subtle conflicts that occur out of sight. Taking place in a made-up condominium complex in Malaysia, the novel creates a detailed depiction of city life and the challenges faced by its varied inhabitants as they deal with personal goals, societal pressures, and cultural differences.

The author skillfully intertwines multiple storylines, giving each character a distinct voice and backstory. It is very intriguing and gives us a peek into Malaysian culture, but it also feels like a reflection of everyone’s life. We all carry certain issues and obsessions that affect not only ourselves but also the people around us. The story shows how our undesirable actions can have repercussions we don’t always expect.

Initially, the large cast of characters felt overwhelming, but their interconnected lives became engaging as the story progressed. While I had an idea of the condo's fate, the ending lacked a dramatic impact but maintained a sense of lingering hope. Overall, it’s a compelling read about community and relationships.

[Lia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like reading a Kevin Kwan book, but make it Malaysian.
Honestly, I love the drama, but I don't get all the ending clearly haha. I need more info abt who fight on the party and what will happen to Azizah's health.
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Overall, an enjoyable read!

[kapvlogs · Rating 3 out of 5]

the book basically follows the residents of harmony heights, a luxury condominium in malaysia. it’s written in the form of short interconnected stories, all of which just circle around the residents of the infamous condominium complex.

first things first, this was such an entertaining read! I didn’t expect much from this book so I’m just really happy I was able to get through the book without consuming that much brain power. although, I was kinda struggling with the malaysian slangs in this one…but it’s technically just my fault since I refused to do some research bec I believed in the power of context clues lol

going back!

I really liked how the author in this one depicted the characters in the story. he knew how to give life to the characters, so he was able to write each resident’s story which made it feel so personal.

for example, candy, whose character is similar to that of astrid leong’s in crazy rich asians, had her story written in a way wherein it felt like the amount of money she has oozes out of the pages of the book — her impeccable fashion sense was described so well with the big-name brands being dropped every now & then.

then we have yi wei, a young adult whose insecurity & angsty feelings were perfectly portrayed through scenes which describe her as someone who has been constantly holed up in her room but unknown to the rest of harmony heights, she also has dark and dirty secrets of her own.

the book was very on theme with its premise of showing the scandalous & not-so-scandalous lives of the residents of harmony heights, but what I didn’t like here though was that the stories weren’t given the proper closure they deserved. it would’ve been nice to know how things wrapped up for each of the characters in the book seeing as the entire thing was literally about all of them.

for me, it ended up being another of those ‘no plot, just vibes’ kinda thing. it had the potential to do a banging wrap-up to the story, but the author chose to end it in a very very cliché manner, so…yeah 😅

[Hanie Noor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nuanced portrayal of contemporary Malaysian society 🏙️

In “Harmony Heights”, we walk through the lives of this high-rise condominium complex residents. Living in a community, it’s about time before crossing paths with each other while some can’t help but poke their nose into other’s businesses. Everyone faces their own personal struggles, desires, & secrets but as tensions rise & relationships intertwine, they find themselves caught in a web of deceit, betrayal, & redemption.

▪️On family dynamics, social hierarchies, & the juxtaposition of tradition & modernity
▪️On the consequences of secrets & lies, as well as the capacity for forgiveness & growth
▪️On identity, social class divide, societal expectations, & pursuit of happiness amidst adversity.

A good blend of various aspects of Malaysian societal issues & cultural references presented throughout the book. Reflects the realities faced by many Malaysians while offering a glimpse into the diverse experiences & perspectives within our country. Witnessing a slice of Malaysian life through diverse characters & multi-story.

A read that resonates with Malaysians, prompting important conversations & fostering a deeper understanding of our Malaysian society.

[Sumaiyah Djedovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was so good!! such an easy read and made me feel very homey living in london 🥹 so nice to read things that you can relate to (like dome cafe in KLCC 😋)

[Carl Gouw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot is smart, crafted yet confronting the real dark sides of people, places and cultures. It depicts sociocultural issues of globalisation, capitalism, postcolonialism and the digital economy.

The ending is touching and a wrap-up that leaves readers with a good kind of after taste and something to wonder about ourselves deep inside and the world wide outside.