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The Great Reclamation
Set against a changing Singapore, a sweeping novel about one boy’s unique gifts and the childhood love that will complicate the fate of his community and country
Ah Boon is born into a fishing village amid the heat and beauty of twentieth-century coastal Singapore in the waning years of British rule. He is a gentle boy who is not much interested in fishing, preferring to spend his days playing with the neighbor girl, Siok Mei. But when he discovers he has the unique ability to locate bountiful, movable islands that no one else can find, he feels a new sense of obligation and possibility—something to offer the community and impress the spirited girl he has come to love.
By the time they are teens, Ah Boon and Siok Mei are caught in the tragic sweep of history: the Japanese army invades, the resistance rises, grief intrudes, and the future of the fishing village is in jeopardy. As the nation hurtles toward rebirth, the two friends, newly empowered, must decide who they want to be, and what they are willing to give up.
An aching love story and powerful coming-of-age that reckons with the legacy of British colonialism, the World War II Japanese occupation, and the pursuit of modernity, The Great Reclamation confronts the wounds of progress, the sacrifices of love, and the difficulty of defining home when nature and nation collide, literally shifting the land beneath people’s feet.
Ah Boon is born into a fishing village amid the heat and beauty of twentieth-century coastal Singapore in the waning years of British rule. He is a gentle boy who is not much interested in fishing, preferring to spend his days playing with the neighbor girl, Siok Mei. But when he discovers he has the unique ability to locate bountiful, movable islands that no one else can find, he feels a new sense of obligation and possibility—something to offer the community and impress the spirited girl he has come to love.
By the time they are teens, Ah Boon and Siok Mei are caught in the tragic sweep of history: the Japanese army invades, the resistance rises, grief intrudes, and the future of the fishing village is in jeopardy. As the nation hurtles toward rebirth, the two friends, newly empowered, must decide who they want to be, and what they are willing to give up.
An aching love story and powerful coming-of-age that reckons with the legacy of British colonialism, the World War II Japanese occupation, and the pursuit of modernity, The Great Reclamation confronts the wounds of progress, the sacrifices of love, and the difficulty of defining home when nature and nation collide, literally shifting the land beneath people’s feet.
464 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2023
522 people are currently reading
21989 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Heng
9 books279 followersRachel Heng is the author of the novels The Great Reclamation (Riverhead, 2023) and Suicide Club (Henry Holt, 2018), which has been translated into ten languages. Rachel's short fiction has been published in The New Yorker, McSweeney's Quarterly, Glimmer Train, Kenyon Review, longlisted for the Sunday Times Short Story Award, and recognized by anthologies including Best American Short Stories, The Pushcart Prize, Best Small Fictions and Best New Singaporean Short Stories. Her non-fiction has been listed among Best American Essays’ Notable Essays and published in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Esquire and elsewhere. She has received grants and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, Vermont Studio Center, Sewanee Writers' Conference, Fine Arts Work Center and the National Arts Council of Singapore. Rachel received her MFA in Fiction and Playwriting from the Michener Center for Writers, UT Austin, and her BA in Comparative Literature & Society from Columbia University. She is currently an Assistant Professor in English at Wesleyan University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 661 reviews
July 24, 2023
What is the cost of modernity?
For all that we gain, what does it take from us?
Culturally? Communally? Ecologically?
Individually?
These are the questions asked in Rachel Heng's superlative novel The Great Reclamation. While there is no one answer to each of these questions, Heng explores their unique implications through the history of modern Singapore.
Over the course of main character Ah Boon's life, his country changes as he does. As he grows, the relationship becomes more of a push/pull, with certain circumstances leading him to become an agent of modernity.
Circumstances mostly in the form of rejection, real or perceived.
Born in a rural fishing community in Singapore during British colonial rule, as a child, Ah Boon longs to join the men of his family on their fishing boat. His first chance to join them, he seemingly has a spiritual connection with the land and sea, locating islands rich with sealife that no one else can. His family grows leery of this ability, barring him from further boat trips. This first rejection stays with Ah Boon, putting distance between him and his family and their tradition, as well as the land itself.
He is instead sent to school, receiving his primary education during Japan's occupation of Singapore in WWII and their subsequent retreat. During these uncertain times, he develops a deep bond with his classmate Siok Mei. The daughter of leftist rebels, passionate Siok Mei finds herself drawn to the same social causes as her parents before her. At first, Ah Boon joins her in protests, but not out of support for the causes.
Out of purported love for Siok Mei.
When the two realize their misaligned priorities, their paths diverge. With this crushing second rejection, Ah Boon begins a career working with the post-Singapore independence government - eager to aid in the modernizing of the country that Siok Mei is so against.
And in doing so, he sacrifices an immense number of irreplaceable things.
While Ah Boon remains the book's focal point, the POVs from his family members, all varying in their relation to him and the old way of life, provide a complete picture of their changing nation. Most compellingly are the POV chapters of Siok Mei. She and Ah Boon experience Singapore on opposite sides of the culture war, a dynamic rather like that of Jenny and Forrest Gump. Like the latter duo, she and Ah Boon come together again, but with a much more devastating result.
The Great Reclamation is so many things. A detailed history of how modern Singapore came to be. A bucolic portrait of the fishing tradition. A crushing depiction of things before they were lost, painful to read of how impossible they are to regain.
A very nearly perfect book. Definitely a must-read.
For all that we gain, what does it take from us?
Culturally? Communally? Ecologically?
Individually?
These are the questions asked in Rachel Heng's superlative novel The Great Reclamation. While there is no one answer to each of these questions, Heng explores their unique implications through the history of modern Singapore.
Over the course of main character Ah Boon's life, his country changes as he does. As he grows, the relationship becomes more of a push/pull, with certain circumstances leading him to become an agent of modernity.
Circumstances mostly in the form of rejection, real or perceived.
Born in a rural fishing community in Singapore during British colonial rule, as a child, Ah Boon longs to join the men of his family on their fishing boat. His first chance to join them, he seemingly has a spiritual connection with the land and sea, locating islands rich with sealife that no one else can. His family grows leery of this ability, barring him from further boat trips. This first rejection stays with Ah Boon, putting distance between him and his family and their tradition, as well as the land itself.
He is instead sent to school, receiving his primary education during Japan's occupation of Singapore in WWII and their subsequent retreat. During these uncertain times, he develops a deep bond with his classmate Siok Mei. The daughter of leftist rebels, passionate Siok Mei finds herself drawn to the same social causes as her parents before her. At first, Ah Boon joins her in protests, but not out of support for the causes.
Out of purported love for Siok Mei.
When the two realize their misaligned priorities, their paths diverge. With this crushing second rejection, Ah Boon begins a career working with the post-Singapore independence government - eager to aid in the modernizing of the country that Siok Mei is so against.
And in doing so, he sacrifices an immense number of irreplaceable things.
While Ah Boon remains the book's focal point, the POVs from his family members, all varying in their relation to him and the old way of life, provide a complete picture of their changing nation. Most compellingly are the POV chapters of Siok Mei. She and Ah Boon experience Singapore on opposite sides of the culture war, a dynamic rather like that of Jenny and Forrest Gump. Like the latter duo, she and Ah Boon come together again, but with a much more devastating result.
The Great Reclamation is so many things. A detailed history of how modern Singapore came to be. A bucolic portrait of the fishing tradition. A crushing depiction of things before they were lost, painful to read of how impossible they are to regain.
A very nearly perfect book. Definitely a must-read.
October 12, 2023
[4.5/5 stars]
1941, Singapore - this is a story about Ah Boon, the son of a fisherman who has a unique ability to locate movable islands that no one else can see.
From being a British colony to WWII Japanese occupation and back to under British rule, this book is an engaging Singaporean history lesson. One follows Ah Boon and his family, as well as his friendship with Siok Mei - The Lee family stands as a solid rock, devoted to stay true to themselves but slowly being wore out by the colonialism and imperialism. There are political parties, patriotism and resistance that stay between Boon and Mei; one balances each other yet what's one willing to sacrifice for the cause?
In times of political unrest, hearts are hardened by the brutality and relationships shattered. Heng draws a raw portrait of the family, infusing tender and poignant moments that invite empathy. The novel also confronts the costs of modernization - what is a progress? and how far would one bear having one's land taken for the supposed order and prosperity?
I absolutely loved the writing - at first, it was atmospheric, transporting one to that time and space; then transitioning to a more captivating tone, making readers fully absorbed in the story. Heng masterfully uses splashes of magical realism to paint family and land as one body, their destinies intrinsically connected. One of interesting aspects of this book was learning a bit about the parents' backstory, which gave readers a deeper understanding of the characters' motives and behavior. I thought that there wasn't enough about Boon and Mei and I wish their relationship had been further explored. As much as I found Boon's final choice realistic, regarding his nature throughout the narrative, I thought it was quite unbelievable (or I didn't want to believe it).
With consistent pacing, THE GREAT RECLAMATION is a love story. It is also a powerful meditation on the meaning of home and the fight for culture, history and society. For those who enjoy a nuanced historical fiction and wanting to read more about Singaporean history, this book is for you. (Adding Heng's 'Suicide Club' to my tbr)
(note: sharing similar themes in a different setting, I would highly pair THE GREAT RECLAMATION with THE LOST CENTURY by Larissa Lai)
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Riverhead Books . All opinions are my own ]
1941, Singapore - this is a story about Ah Boon, the son of a fisherman who has a unique ability to locate movable islands that no one else can see.
From being a British colony to WWII Japanese occupation and back to under British rule, this book is an engaging Singaporean history lesson. One follows Ah Boon and his family, as well as his friendship with Siok Mei - The Lee family stands as a solid rock, devoted to stay true to themselves but slowly being wore out by the colonialism and imperialism. There are political parties, patriotism and resistance that stay between Boon and Mei; one balances each other yet what's one willing to sacrifice for the cause?
In times of political unrest, hearts are hardened by the brutality and relationships shattered. Heng draws a raw portrait of the family, infusing tender and poignant moments that invite empathy. The novel also confronts the costs of modernization - what is a progress? and how far would one bear having one's land taken for the supposed order and prosperity?
I absolutely loved the writing - at first, it was atmospheric, transporting one to that time and space; then transitioning to a more captivating tone, making readers fully absorbed in the story. Heng masterfully uses splashes of magical realism to paint family and land as one body, their destinies intrinsically connected. One of interesting aspects of this book was learning a bit about the parents' backstory, which gave readers a deeper understanding of the characters' motives and behavior. I thought that there wasn't enough about Boon and Mei and I wish their relationship had been further explored. As much as I found Boon's final choice realistic, regarding his nature throughout the narrative, I thought it was quite unbelievable (or I didn't want to believe it).
With consistent pacing, THE GREAT RECLAMATION is a love story. It is also a powerful meditation on the meaning of home and the fight for culture, history and society. For those who enjoy a nuanced historical fiction and wanting to read more about Singaporean history, this book is for you. (Adding Heng's 'Suicide Club' to my tbr)
(note: sharing similar themes in a different setting, I would highly pair THE GREAT RECLAMATION with THE LOST CENTURY by Larissa Lai)
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Riverhead Books . All opinions are my own ]
July 7, 2023
I became utterly entranced with this story from the first page. It's about Ah Boon, a young boy growing up in Singapore in the early 20th century, whose father and older brother go out on their boat to catch fish every day. When they decide to take Ah Boon along for the first time, he leads them to a previously undiscovered island whose shores are teeming with fish. Over time, they realize that Ah Boon is the only one who can find these uncharted islands in the sea, and that unique gift is something that remains with him throughout his life, although like many gifts, it can be a blessing or a curse depending on context and perspective.
This book reads like a sweeping multigeneration epic, so it's kind of jarring to keep in mind that everything that happens in Singapore in this story transpires over the course of one person's lifetime. We see Singapore as a British colony from a young child's eyes, we see a teenager's experiences of a home ravaged by war when the Japanese army invades, and we see postwar political turmoil and accelerated economic growth from the point of view of an adult who wants to do what's best for his family, his friends, and himself, when it's not always clear what the right choices are in a world is changing faster than can be imagined.
This is a really beautifully crafted novel. It made me feel a deep longing for a world that I've never seen and didn't know anything about, and that's something that really sets apart a great historical fiction to me.
This book reads like a sweeping multigeneration epic, so it's kind of jarring to keep in mind that everything that happens in Singapore in this story transpires over the course of one person's lifetime. We see Singapore as a British colony from a young child's eyes, we see a teenager's experiences of a home ravaged by war when the Japanese army invades, and we see postwar political turmoil and accelerated economic growth from the point of view of an adult who wants to do what's best for his family, his friends, and himself, when it's not always clear what the right choices are in a world is changing faster than can be imagined.
This is a really beautifully crafted novel. It made me feel a deep longing for a world that I've never seen and didn't know anything about, and that's something that really sets apart a great historical fiction to me.
August 19, 2023
I read Rachel Heng’s debut novel, Suicide Club, a few years ago and I have to say The Great Reclamation felt as if I was reading a different author. The books tackle very different themes and are of different genres, but her writing has improved massively. This being said, like in her debut novel, I could not connect to the characters here.
When I pick up a chunky book like this one, I expect to root for the characters. Or at least care for them or hate them - I’ll be happy with any emotion. Ah Boon made me feel nothing at all. I thought his gift to find islands would be intriguing and make me curious about him, but somehow I just didn’t really care at any point. I didn’t care about the characters at all and the story was so slow I ended up listening to this at 3x speed sometimes, I just wanted to be over with it.
The historical fiction side of things is a five-star read. Reading about how apartment buildings were a sign of Singapore's development and the pride of the people as they saw them as a mark that they will no longer be a 'third-world' country, and many other scenes, were really touching. And very well written. I’ve studied Singapore in my undergrad degree but it’s the first fiction book I pick up dealing with its history so it felt great to see the ups and downs and how people reacted to it (like sure, it’s fiction, but it was cool).
5-star writing and a really good overview of Singapore’s history but that’s where my praise will end. Suicide Club wasn’t this good objectively but the story rattled me and I think about it a few times a week, I don’t think this book will linger like her debut did. Looking forward to whatever comes next from Heng, though!
When I pick up a chunky book like this one, I expect to root for the characters. Or at least care for them or hate them - I’ll be happy with any emotion. Ah Boon made me feel nothing at all. I thought his gift to find islands would be intriguing and make me curious about him, but somehow I just didn’t really care at any point. I didn’t care about the characters at all and the story was so slow I ended up listening to this at 3x speed sometimes, I just wanted to be over with it.
The historical fiction side of things is a five-star read. Reading about how apartment buildings were a sign of Singapore's development and the pride of the people as they saw them as a mark that they will no longer be a 'third-world' country, and many other scenes, were really touching. And very well written. I’ve studied Singapore in my undergrad degree but it’s the first fiction book I pick up dealing with its history so it felt great to see the ups and downs and how people reacted to it (like sure, it’s fiction, but it was cool).
5-star writing and a really good overview of Singapore’s history but that’s where my praise will end. Suicide Club wasn’t this good objectively but the story rattled me and I think about it a few times a week, I don’t think this book will linger like her debut did. Looking forward to whatever comes next from Heng, though!
June 11, 2023
"Decades later, the kampong would trace it all back to this very hour, waves draining the light from this slim, hungry moon."
🌊🐠🏙
Rachel Heng's "The Great Reclamation" is a gorgeous historical fiction chronicling Singapore's battle for independence during and after World War II and its journey to a beautiful, orderly, and wealthy future. One boy's extraordinary abilities and the youthful love he feels would affect the fate of his neighborhood and nation in ways that no one could have imagined.
Embedded with magic, this novel is a history lesson delivered with nuance, reason and a touch of fantasy. Heng depicts the cruelty of war and reformation while recounting a tale that is tender, sentimental, and full of love.
The Great Reclamation is an intriguing tale that is delivered with compassion. Heng is not attempting to demonize Singapore's fledgling administration. Instead, she wants to examine the lasting effects of the conflict between traditionalists and modernists, demonstrating that there were sincere believers on both sides of the debate, each carrying their own histories and traumas with them. It serves as a timely reminder that much of what we currently view as progress had negative effects on traditional civilizations in the late 20th century (and today.) It's a fascinating and devastating reminder that creating something new often requires demolishing what already exists.
A stunning narrative set against a broad vista of colonial politics, World War II in Southeast Asia, environmentalism, and the inexorable forces of progress and modernity. The Great Reclamation is a magical and necessary read.
🌊🐠🏙
Rachel Heng's "The Great Reclamation" is a gorgeous historical fiction chronicling Singapore's battle for independence during and after World War II and its journey to a beautiful, orderly, and wealthy future. One boy's extraordinary abilities and the youthful love he feels would affect the fate of his neighborhood and nation in ways that no one could have imagined.
Embedded with magic, this novel is a history lesson delivered with nuance, reason and a touch of fantasy. Heng depicts the cruelty of war and reformation while recounting a tale that is tender, sentimental, and full of love.
The Great Reclamation is an intriguing tale that is delivered with compassion. Heng is not attempting to demonize Singapore's fledgling administration. Instead, she wants to examine the lasting effects of the conflict between traditionalists and modernists, demonstrating that there were sincere believers on both sides of the debate, each carrying their own histories and traumas with them. It serves as a timely reminder that much of what we currently view as progress had negative effects on traditional civilizations in the late 20th century (and today.) It's a fascinating and devastating reminder that creating something new often requires demolishing what already exists.
A stunning narrative set against a broad vista of colonial politics, World War II in Southeast Asia, environmentalism, and the inexorable forces of progress and modernity. The Great Reclamation is a magical and necessary read.
April 7, 2023
A very readable novel with a promising synopsis. But the book undelivered in areas that were crucial to its supposed concept (maybe if the synopsis didn't frame it as a love story or focus on the magical islands, it might work?) -
1. This book wants to be a powerful love story but it is not. The love between Boon and Siok Mei was mostly unmemorable, undone by a small misunderstanding (that could have been resolved by any other couple with a little bit of patience), and eventually destroyed by an act of revenge which was utterly unnecessary. Their love was neither convincing nor powerful. Shallow and superficial maybe.
2. Magical islands was a convenient tool for the plot to advance but it was illogically managed. How many readers consider the point that the islands could have served as a safe haven for the villagers during the war? If the novel wishes to ignore this possibility, then it should have stayed that way instead of conveniently using the islands later in the book as a way to hide Siok Mei from the police. Also how does a woman survive on a preciously uninhabited island with no shelter, access to electricity, food or water, and no protection from predators/elements? How was Boon sure that the islands were safe for Siok Mei to stay overnight when noone has done so previously? These questions were conveniently ignored.
Otherwise I think the author made a good attempt at relying on research into Singapore history to make the book interesting. She is also relatively organised in sequencing the events across the plot. Also thank god that the author doesn't use purple prose.
1. This book wants to be a powerful love story but it is not. The love between Boon and Siok Mei was mostly unmemorable, undone by a small misunderstanding (that could have been resolved by any other couple with a little bit of patience), and eventually destroyed by an act of revenge which was utterly unnecessary. Their love was neither convincing nor powerful. Shallow and superficial maybe.
2. Magical islands was a convenient tool for the plot to advance but it was illogically managed. How many readers consider the point that the islands could have served as a safe haven for the villagers during the war? If the novel wishes to ignore this possibility, then it should have stayed that way instead of conveniently using the islands later in the book as a way to hide Siok Mei from the police. Also how does a woman survive on a preciously uninhabited island with no shelter, access to electricity, food or water, and no protection from predators/elements? How was Boon sure that the islands were safe for Siok Mei to stay overnight when noone has done so previously? These questions were conveniently ignored.
Otherwise I think the author made a good attempt at relying on research into Singapore history to make the book interesting. She is also relatively organised in sequencing the events across the plot. Also thank god that the author doesn't use purple prose.
January 21, 2023
An epic piece of historical fiction in an area that most Americans know very little about. This is the flip side of Crazy Rich Asians, the villagers, who survive by fishing, living along the coast. WWII and Japanese atrocities is the pivotal moment for Ah Boon, his family, and his friendship with Siok Mei. The two friends paths diverge between fighting oppression and moving Singapore into the "modern" world. At a certain point, what are the costs of modernization and is it ultimately worth it. So many relevant issues still remain today in this thought provoking read.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
June 7, 2023
[ 4.5 ☆ ] this book was so good???????? i know a lot about singapore's history, considering i used to live there till uni, but seeing it in a new perspective, in a perspsective of a young man growing up during a turmoiled time in singapore - during the war, and then the period afterwards with the merger of malaya (now malaysia), and then the separation.
it felt good to read about my own hometown, in a perspective that felt close to me, and personal, rather than a far-away perspective given by history books.
it felt good to read about my own hometown, in a perspective that felt close to me, and personal, rather than a far-away perspective given by history books.
August 19, 2024
Me lancé a este libro un poco a ciegas, vi algo sobre una historia de amor a lo largo de los años y sería. Disfruté bastante de su lectura y sus personajes, me gustó la complejidad de su protagonista y el cómo fue intentando definir su personalidad por su cuenta.
Ah Boon es el hijo menor de una familia de pescadores en un pequeño kampong de Singapur, sin embargo, sabe que no quiere seguir el trabajo familiar, aunque no sepa lo que quiera. Por eso, cuando es obligado a asistir a la escuela y conozca a Siok Mei la volverá el centro de todos sus deseos, aunque estos impliquen unirse a sindicatos contra el colonialismo británico y el coste de la modernidad.
El personaje de Ah Boon me pareció muy interesante, durante gran parte del libro se vio como un niño bueno y tímido. De hecho, era un personaje bastante pasivo que seguía a los demás y rara vez hacía lo que quería, porque tampoco estaba seguro de qué era lo que quería. Había cierta inocencia en Ah Boon, incluso en su versión veinteañera se sentía como un niño que estaba perdido y necesitaba que lo guiaran, porque solo se dejaba llevar por lo que le sucedía. Como lectores fuimos creciendo con Ah Boon e intentando entenderlo al mismo tiempo que él estaba haciéndolo, básicamente el libro consistió en su viaje personal de descubrir qué quería y quién era.
A diferencia de Ah Boon, que era un personaje adorable al que querías que las cosas le salieran bien, Siok Mei era algo desesperante. Estaba obsesionada con la política porque creía que tenía que estar a la altura de sus padres, unos activistas políticos que murieron cuando era pequeña. No me caía especialmente bien porque forzaba sus decisiones en Ah Boon y luego se decepcionaba cuando él no estaba a la altura de lo que ella esperaba. Sin embargo, se me hizo un personaje coherente en su construcción y pensamiento, inclusos sus hipocresías eran consistentes con lo que sabíamos del personaje.
No creo que el libro sea una historia de amor a lo largo de los años. Creo que Ah Boon se aferró a la única persona con paciencia para buscar una forma de acercarse a él y se obsesionó con ella, la hizo su personalidad y sus deseos. Jamás mostró realmente interés por los sindicatos y los temas políticos, pues solo quería pasar tiempo con Siok Mei y eso quedó en claro varias veces. En especial cuando le pidió a Siok Mei decidir entre él y sus convicciones, alguien que la amara de verdad y conociéndola como lo hacía no le hubiera pedido que escogiera, era egoísta y estúpido.
Sin hacer un spoiler del final, siento que fue perfecto y demostró mi punto anterior. Si hubiera sido un final distinto hubiese cambiado toda mi percepción del libro y de la historia que estaba contando, en particular, la definición del personaje de Ah Boon. De hecho, creo que ese momento fue el decisivo para confirmar la personalidad de Ah Boon y todo lo que solo podría haber sido una interpretación hasta el momento. Realmente me pareció el final perfecto para el personaje que yo estaba descubriendo y para el libro.
Sé que hice sonar mal la relación entre ambos, no creo que se amaran, pero sí que se querían mucho y que fueron la única persona que tuvieron en unos años importantes de sus vidas. Me gustaba la comodidad que existía entre ambos, lo cariñosos que eran y cómo realmente veían al otro como persona. Dicho eso, y uno de los motivos por los que no apoyaba su relación, fue porque siempre era asimétrica, nunca eran iguales, siempre se notaba que Siok Mei tenía el control y poder de la relación. Luego, en un momento, fue Ah Boon quien tuvo ese poder. Jamás fueron iguales.
Con respecto a la trama, fue una novela que transcurrió a lo largo de varios años, creo que más de veinte, mientras distintos sucesos históricos van sucediendo. No tengo idea sobre Singapur y su historia, sin embargo, entendí que partieron como una colonia británica, luego, llegó la WWII y la ocupación japonesa, para que luego se iniciara una campaña para obtener su independencia. El libro si bien mencionó estos hechos, no se centró en explicar el contexto histórico y varias cosas se tenían que deducir y googlear. Me pareció muy interesante el tema de esta búsqueda de la modernidad y el coste asociado, porque desde cualquier punto de vista íbamos a encontrar puntos en contra y puntos a favor. Sí que se podía romantizar la vida en el kampong y las tradiciones, pero no era menos ciertas las condiciones de vida que tenían o las dificultades para la gente mayor.
Creo que lo que más me gustó del libro fue la falta de juicio detrás de la narración. Por lo que dije en el párrafo anterior, otro autor podría haber escrito una novela sobre cómo los extranjeros arruinaron esas comunidades o todas las desventajas bajo las que vivían, como una historia de superación muy al estilo de Hollywood. Y sí que dejó en claro que como colonia inglesa no tenían las mejores condiciones, tampoco demonizó del todo la situación. No obstante, si bien sí que ocurrieron eventos trágicos, como con la ocupación japonesa, jamás se sintió como una tragedia del protagonista contra todo lo malo que sucedía en su contra. Desde los ojos de Ah Boon había una cierta indiferencia a su entorno o a su contexto, esto le afectaba en términos prácticos, pero no le importaba como tal. Al final no tenía tanto control sobre lo que pasara en su país, solo tenía control de sus decisiones personales.
El mar robado es la historia de un joven entre las décadas del 40 al 60 en Singapur que se ve obligado a crecer mientras la isla pasa por bruscos cambios políticos. Es el viaje de descubrir qué es lo que quiere y quién quiere ser mientras encuentra su lugar en un mundo que no deja de mutar.
Ah Boon es el hijo menor de una familia de pescadores en un pequeño kampong de Singapur, sin embargo, sabe que no quiere seguir el trabajo familiar, aunque no sepa lo que quiera. Por eso, cuando es obligado a asistir a la escuela y conozca a Siok Mei la volverá el centro de todos sus deseos, aunque estos impliquen unirse a sindicatos contra el colonialismo británico y el coste de la modernidad.
"Quizá todo aquello no tenía nada que ver con aquel momento, con el bote ni con el mar, sino con el chico".
El personaje de Ah Boon me pareció muy interesante, durante gran parte del libro se vio como un niño bueno y tímido. De hecho, era un personaje bastante pasivo que seguía a los demás y rara vez hacía lo que quería, porque tampoco estaba seguro de qué era lo que quería. Había cierta inocencia en Ah Boon, incluso en su versión veinteañera se sentía como un niño que estaba perdido y necesitaba que lo guiaran, porque solo se dejaba llevar por lo que le sucedía. Como lectores fuimos creciendo con Ah Boon e intentando entenderlo al mismo tiempo que él estaba haciéndolo, básicamente el libro consistió en su viaje personal de descubrir qué quería y quién era.
A diferencia de Ah Boon, que era un personaje adorable al que querías que las cosas le salieran bien, Siok Mei era algo desesperante. Estaba obsesionada con la política porque creía que tenía que estar a la altura de sus padres, unos activistas políticos que murieron cuando era pequeña. No me caía especialmente bien porque forzaba sus decisiones en Ah Boon y luego se decepcionaba cuando él no estaba a la altura de lo que ella esperaba. Sin embargo, se me hizo un personaje coherente en su construcción y pensamiento, inclusos sus hipocresías eran consistentes con lo que sabíamos del personaje.
"Sin embargo, el dolor, en otros tiempos una cuerda dura que parecía tensarse a cada momento, se había suavizado con el paso del tiempo hasta quedar reducido a un hilo delicado en el tapiz que era la vida cotidiana de la familia, tejido sin dejar ninguna costura".
No creo que el libro sea una historia de amor a lo largo de los años. Creo que Ah Boon se aferró a la única persona con paciencia para buscar una forma de acercarse a él y se obsesionó con ella, la hizo su personalidad y sus deseos. Jamás mostró realmente interés por los sindicatos y los temas políticos, pues solo quería pasar tiempo con Siok Mei y eso quedó en claro varias veces. En especial cuando le pidió a Siok Mei decidir entre él y sus convicciones, alguien que la amara de verdad y conociéndola como lo hacía no le hubiera pedido que escogiera, era egoísta y estúpido.
Sin hacer un spoiler del final, siento que fue perfecto y demostró mi punto anterior. Si hubiera sido un final distinto hubiese cambiado toda mi percepción del libro y de la historia que estaba contando, en particular, la definición del personaje de Ah Boon. De hecho, creo que ese momento fue el decisivo para confirmar la personalidad de Ah Boon y todo lo que solo podría haber sido una interpretación hasta el momento. Realmente me pareció el final perfecto para el personaje que yo estaba descubriendo y para el libro.
"Y, por ello, lo quería. Era la coraza con la que se protegía lo que dejaba entrever su deseo herido. Donde los demás veían una actitud distante, ella veía un anhelo feroz y contenido, y eso había hecho que le tomara cariño. Quizá fuera por eso que aparecía tanto en sus arrestos imaginados: quería ser la coraza que lo protegiera de los golpes. Quería que Ah Boon bajara la guardia, que descansara. Lo quería a él".
Sé que hice sonar mal la relación entre ambos, no creo que se amaran, pero sí que se querían mucho y que fueron la única persona que tuvieron en unos años importantes de sus vidas. Me gustaba la comodidad que existía entre ambos, lo cariñosos que eran y cómo realmente veían al otro como persona. Dicho eso, y uno de los motivos por los que no apoyaba su relación, fue porque siempre era asimétrica, nunca eran iguales, siempre se notaba que Siok Mei tenía el control y poder de la relación. Luego, en un momento, fue Ah Boon quien tuvo ese poder. Jamás fueron iguales.
Con respecto a la trama, fue una novela que transcurrió a lo largo de varios años, creo que más de veinte, mientras distintos sucesos históricos van sucediendo. No tengo idea sobre Singapur y su historia, sin embargo, entendí que partieron como una colonia británica, luego, llegó la WWII y la ocupación japonesa, para que luego se iniciara una campaña para obtener su independencia. El libro si bien mencionó estos hechos, no se centró en explicar el contexto histórico y varias cosas se tenían que deducir y googlear. Me pareció muy interesante el tema de esta búsqueda de la modernidad y el coste asociado, porque desde cualquier punto de vista íbamos a encontrar puntos en contra y puntos a favor. Sí que se podía romantizar la vida en el kampong y las tradiciones, pero no era menos ciertas las condiciones de vida que tenían o las dificultades para la gente mayor.
"Nada duraba para siempre, ni siquiera los vínculos más cercanos".
Creo que lo que más me gustó del libro fue la falta de juicio detrás de la narración. Por lo que dije en el párrafo anterior, otro autor podría haber escrito una novela sobre cómo los extranjeros arruinaron esas comunidades o todas las desventajas bajo las que vivían, como una historia de superación muy al estilo de Hollywood. Y sí que dejó en claro que como colonia inglesa no tenían las mejores condiciones, tampoco demonizó del todo la situación. No obstante, si bien sí que ocurrieron eventos trágicos, como con la ocupación japonesa, jamás se sintió como una tragedia del protagonista contra todo lo malo que sucedía en su contra. Desde los ojos de Ah Boon había una cierta indiferencia a su entorno o a su contexto, esto le afectaba en términos prácticos, pero no le importaba como tal. Al final no tenía tanto control sobre lo que pasara en su país, solo tenía control de sus decisiones personales.
El mar robado es la historia de un joven entre las décadas del 40 al 60 en Singapur que se ve obligado a crecer mientras la isla pasa por bruscos cambios políticos. Es el viaje de descubrir qué es lo que quiere y quién quiere ser mientras encuentra su lugar en un mundo que no deja de mutar.
"¿Qué era el amor sino el miedo de perder a alguien?"
June 27, 2023
This was an excellent read!
June 17, 2023
4.5 stars rounding up for this beautifully written historical fiction from Singapore-American debut novelist Rachel Heng. Heng uses a touch of magical realism in depicting the 20th-century history of Singapore through the experiences of a fishing family and its sensitive younger son adjusting to the dramatic upheavals that took the island nation from an impoverished British colony through the harsh Japanese occupation of World War II to the path toward its current economic leadership.
June 17, 2023
It is 7 weeks before National Day. The fighter jets streaming across the sky remind us that the celebrations are coming. While most today did not experience colonial control, Japanese occupation and communist insurgents, its not something we would forget. Its fitting to reflect on the birth of a nation, this time through the eyes of a kampung (village) of fisherman.
The events and setting are familiar but not retold in a fresh way. Although the backdrop of a kampung is unique, the first two thirds was like a dry repetition from the history books. The people and places were pretty two dimensional. Only in the final third did the plot get more interesting and the characters start to stir. The prose is average, with only a few sections which stand out.
Despite the attempts to keep the story politically neutral, replacing names with local slang, there was a pervasive mistrust of colonial and government actions.
Perhaps there was too much effort to incorporate history into the plot. It might have been better to just focus on the islands and the reclamation itself. So overall it is readable but not memorable.
The rest of the review contains spoilers.
The events and setting are familiar but not retold in a fresh way. Although the backdrop of a kampung is unique, the first two thirds was like a dry repetition from the history books. The people and places were pretty two dimensional. Only in the final third did the plot get more interesting and the characters start to stir. The prose is average, with only a few sections which stand out.
Despite the attempts to keep the story politically neutral, replacing names with local slang, there was a pervasive mistrust of colonial and government actions.
Perhaps there was too much effort to incorporate history into the plot. It might have been better to just focus on the islands and the reclamation itself. So overall it is readable but not memorable.
The rest of the review contains spoilers.
May 16, 2025
one of the best books i’ve read EVER!!!! i’ll always have a special love for singapore’s politics, and this being a historical fiction set in the 40s-60s, hit the sweet spot. the blend of post-ww2, colonialism, independence, and nation-building hit the spot, and while the political themes ran all throughout the book, it was deeply personal too and i grew very attached to the characters along the way. it was the perfect post-election read and definitely prompted loads of thoughts on singapore’s way of governing and how we want it to look like in the future. i couldn’t stop reading this, and it was a special indulgence to myself that i had a lovely friday afternoon devouring this book.
“The Gah Men were an enormous enterprise, and Ah Boon belonged to the realm of organization, efficiency, and optimization; daylight, public activities.
This midnight purging, this creeping secrecy, this was something else altogether.
But is it? a small voice inside him said. Was it not two sides of the same coin? What made the flats possible, the land possible -was it not the same seamless, efficient machinery that plucked political opponents from their beds in the middle of the night and conveyed them to prison?”
“The Gah Men were an enormous enterprise, and Ah Boon belonged to the realm of organization, efficiency, and optimization; daylight, public activities.
This midnight purging, this creeping secrecy, this was something else altogether.
But is it? a small voice inside him said. Was it not two sides of the same coin? What made the flats possible, the land possible -was it not the same seamless, efficient machinery that plucked political opponents from their beds in the middle of the night and conveyed them to prison?”
Read
November 22, 2025No
A book I borrowed from the library to try before I buy (tired buying hundreds books and hating half)
I do not rate these “tested”
books. This is really for me. I will not be buying, reading borrowing this book.
I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend’s reviews. This is what I did and didn’t like:
Pretty cover
This story isn’t for me. I was just really interested in a story about Singapore but it’s MR and it’s written really dry and weird. I don’t like it. Boo
My one friend who read it disliked it as well due to it being slow dry
A book I borrowed from the library to try before I buy (tired buying hundreds books and hating half)
I do not rate these “tested”
books. This is really for me. I will not be buying, reading borrowing this book.
I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend’s reviews. This is what I did and didn’t like:
Pretty cover
This story isn’t for me. I was just really interested in a story about Singapore but it’s MR and it’s written really dry and weird. I don’t like it. Boo
My one friend who read it disliked it as well due to it being slow dry
June 27, 2023
4.33 I was late to the party with this one. But thanks to my goodreads friends I came aboard. Learned a lot! Also broke my heart.
January 6, 2024
An epic story about Singapore's chaotic struggles for self governance. Initially a British colony for 144 years, Singapore is invaded by the Japanese beginning in 1941, but eventually ruled again by the British until finally in 1963, Singapore becomes part of the Federation of Malaya. Within those years, the people suffer from a country dealing with war and political upheaval.
Heng tells the tale of a fishing settlement called the Kampong, and the Lee family, who have been part of this village of fishermen for many years. Ah Boon is the name of the young boy in the family, and his life and that of his family, is interweaved with the political upheaval and growth toward modernity of the island.
I felt empathy for the Lee family, who truly loved and took care of each other, as they experienced the devastating suffering and sacrifice that came with the painful birth of their country towards growth and independence. As Ah Boon grows to adulthood, he becomes part of the political changes on the island, and he chooses to be part of the 'new world' of modernity and prosperity.
What drew me into this story was learning about Singapore and the Great Reclamation Project. The characters played their parts, but I was greatly disappointed and surprised with Ah Boon's actions toward the end of the book. I felt much sadness for Uncle, and marveled at the strength and love Ma had for her family, and I felt such despair at how Pa died.
For me, the main character of this amazingly told story is Singapore, an island that suffered greatly along with its many generations of people, as it painfully worked its way toward independence. I was glad to have read this book, and to acquaint myself with Heng, who is a brilliant writer.
Heng tells the tale of a fishing settlement called the Kampong, and the Lee family, who have been part of this village of fishermen for many years. Ah Boon is the name of the young boy in the family, and his life and that of his family, is interweaved with the political upheaval and growth toward modernity of the island.
I felt empathy for the Lee family, who truly loved and took care of each other, as they experienced the devastating suffering and sacrifice that came with the painful birth of their country towards growth and independence. As Ah Boon grows to adulthood, he becomes part of the political changes on the island, and he chooses to be part of the 'new world' of modernity and prosperity.
What drew me into this story was learning about Singapore and the Great Reclamation Project. The characters played their parts, but I was greatly disappointed and surprised with Ah Boon's actions toward the end of the book. I felt much sadness for Uncle, and marveled at the strength and love Ma had for her family, and I felt such despair at how Pa died.
For me, the main character of this amazingly told story is Singapore, an island that suffered greatly along with its many generations of people, as it painfully worked its way toward independence. I was glad to have read this book, and to acquaint myself with Heng, who is a brilliant writer.
March 20, 2023
Have you ever read a book that reminds you of your childhood memories?
Set against the tides of changing Singapore, @rachelhengqp tells us the story of a young boy, Ah Boon and his family who stay in a fishing village and witness the sweeping historical events including the lesser known invasion of Japanese during the WW2, and the quest of nation building in the aftermath of modern Singapore as we know it today.
As a child, I learned about both ancient and modern Singaporean history vis-a-vis my trips to now evolved wax museum in Sentosa that reconstructed the various riots that enveloped Singapore in the 1800s to the Japanese invasion in the 1940s. As the dawn of the war becomes imminent in the novel, I was reminded of the sounds and images from my walk in the museum. Moreover, I also remember watching a Chinese soap opera which depicted the atrocities of the Japanese soldiers who raped and pillaged women who were forced to sleep outside in the streets at this time.
Seeing the story told through Ah boon’s eyes brought back these memories and also made me realize how much of my own scholarship has been influenced from such stories. This compelling coming-of-age story reckons with the inevitable consequences of British colonialism, WW2 Japanese occupation, the Nadra riots and the pursuit of modernity vis-a-vis the great reclamation project - an ambitious project which began in the 1880s.
As we follow Ah boon’s story, Heng beautifully weaves a tapestry of nation building, trauma, and the social, psychological, and emotional consequences of colonialism and its influence on our present as the nation heads towards a rebirth. Growing up, I knew of the land reclamation, which had played a crucial role in Singapore’s urbanity and modernization of the country as it has transformed to today. By calling attention to the reclamation, Heng reminds us that we cannot forget our choices to exploit nature and transform it in the name of modernity. There will be consequences which we cannot escape.
Thank you @riverheadbooks, @rachelhengqp, and @penguinrandomhouse for the gifted copy of the novel, which releases March 28th!
#Riverheadbooks #Penguinrandomhouse #Riverheadbookinfluencers #RachelHeng #TheGreatReclamation
Set against the tides of changing Singapore, @rachelhengqp tells us the story of a young boy, Ah Boon and his family who stay in a fishing village and witness the sweeping historical events including the lesser known invasion of Japanese during the WW2, and the quest of nation building in the aftermath of modern Singapore as we know it today.
As a child, I learned about both ancient and modern Singaporean history vis-a-vis my trips to now evolved wax museum in Sentosa that reconstructed the various riots that enveloped Singapore in the 1800s to the Japanese invasion in the 1940s. As the dawn of the war becomes imminent in the novel, I was reminded of the sounds and images from my walk in the museum. Moreover, I also remember watching a Chinese soap opera which depicted the atrocities of the Japanese soldiers who raped and pillaged women who were forced to sleep outside in the streets at this time.
Seeing the story told through Ah boon’s eyes brought back these memories and also made me realize how much of my own scholarship has been influenced from such stories. This compelling coming-of-age story reckons with the inevitable consequences of British colonialism, WW2 Japanese occupation, the Nadra riots and the pursuit of modernity vis-a-vis the great reclamation project - an ambitious project which began in the 1880s.
As we follow Ah boon’s story, Heng beautifully weaves a tapestry of nation building, trauma, and the social, psychological, and emotional consequences of colonialism and its influence on our present as the nation heads towards a rebirth. Growing up, I knew of the land reclamation, which had played a crucial role in Singapore’s urbanity and modernization of the country as it has transformed to today. By calling attention to the reclamation, Heng reminds us that we cannot forget our choices to exploit nature and transform it in the name of modernity. There will be consequences which we cannot escape.
Thank you @riverheadbooks, @rachelhengqp, and @penguinrandomhouse for the gifted copy of the novel, which releases March 28th!
#Riverheadbooks #Penguinrandomhouse #Riverheadbookinfluencers #RachelHeng #TheGreatReclamation
April 30, 2023
3.5! Ough... A good book. Couldn't stop thinking of tragedies while reading this, about how "a tragedy is the story of a human growing into his death mask. What has been done is too total to be undone, or even regretted; it defines the doer once and for all and renders the future impossible." You know from the first page what is going to happen, you see the people's actions and decisions throughout the story and can guess how the story will end and that made it so much devastating to read. Rachel Heng did a good job of setting out the end in the very beginning but still keeping me hooked for another 500 pages. There was much i liked about characterisation and the plot and also some parts i did not about pacing and the use of magic realism but ultimately very pleased with this.
March 11, 2024
4.5 stars. The historical aspect of this book is impeccable, shining light on how the beautification of Singapore and the cleanliness it is known for was not achieved seamlessly due to the costs of rapid modernization. The author provides a nuanced portrayal of how modernity transforms communities and how the downsides are justified. For all the wonders of Singapore it can, occasionally, feel a little sterile or a little “too good to be true,” and Heng explains that feeling well.
January 24, 2025
[3.5/5] Liked it, readable and compelling. Author threaded a delicate balance animating an exchange between modernity & tradition for most of the book, but showed her hand a little heavily at the end. Characters occasionally make me go GAHHH.
June 21, 2023
I was so bored by this book, and it was also so bad and so long🫨
August 31, 2023
(3.5) This was our coming-of-age book club read, and it made for great discussion. The story follows Lee Ah Boon, a young boy who lives in a fishing village in Singapore during a changing political climate.
It was a long, very detailed journey, but toward the end (last 20%) I felt like the intensity was palpable. I was literally on the edge of my seat as I finished reading, invested in the main characters, in their kampong, in their islands. There is real heartache watching the characters wrestle with identity, duty, purpose, and the power of choice. There is the reality of leaving one life behind to pursue another, and the inability to “have it all.”
I would not have gravitated to this had it not been chosen for book club as it isn’t my usual “cup of tea.” I got lost in some of the historical details. But, I’m glad I read it. The author, Rachel Heng, did a great job of drawing you in early on and depicting what life would have felt like at that time from different points of view.
It was a long, very detailed journey, but toward the end (last 20%) I felt like the intensity was palpable. I was literally on the edge of my seat as I finished reading, invested in the main characters, in their kampong, in their islands. There is real heartache watching the characters wrestle with identity, duty, purpose, and the power of choice. There is the reality of leaving one life behind to pursue another, and the inability to “have it all.”
I would not have gravitated to this had it not been chosen for book club as it isn’t my usual “cup of tea.” I got lost in some of the historical details. But, I’m glad I read it. The author, Rachel Heng, did a great job of drawing you in early on and depicting what life would have felt like at that time from different points of view.
April 13, 2023
4.5 -Well written and researched book about the history of Singapore told through the main character who had one foot in the “old” world, and one foot in the “new” one. I was intrigued by everything about this book from the start, but got somewhat bogged down in the middle with a little too much descriptive and repetitive storytelling. There’s a lot covered; coming of age, unrequited love, family, tradition, colonialism, revolution, and war. Whew! There’s much too like about this book - somewhat a tad long for me.
March 2, 2025
not as much of a love story or magical realism as marketed. but i didn't know much about the history of singapore before this!
April 12, 2023
I have written and lost this review four times so I quit. This novel is 4.5 an incredible historical novel about the transformation of Singapore from Third World status to that of the first world. If you can find my lengthy review them, please forward it to me. Too frustrated.
JUST READ IT
JUST READ IT
June 14, 2023
NOT a love story. Liked until the end, which pretty much ruined book for me
Read
February 23, 2024The prose of this novel is readable and crafted well, which helps disguise that the narrative momentum of a good slice of the middle of the book devolves into a sort of poetic summary of historical events, with bare emotional shading. I was surprised to find the Japanese occupation of Singapore after the Sook Ching Massacre mostly squashed into one chapter, and flabbergasted that the Malayan Emergency was not addressed at all except in two offhand mentions -- once to acknowledge that there was some chaos (not elaborated upon) in the post-WWII administration of Singapore, and a second time in reference to the laws that allowed for an assumed legitimacy of Operation Coldstore, which results in the pivotal arrests of Eng Soon and eventually Siok Mei.
There are some genuinely good moments in this book -- the scene of Ah Boon's childhood on the beach with his mother tickling his belly reminded me of the exuberance and nostalgic air of cartoonist Lat's Kampung Boy books, and the scene of Natalie and Ah Boon on the bus with Natalie describing a childhood episode of getting lost on her family's rubber plantation as the bus takes the two of them through a cacophonous part of the bus route that disorients Ah Boon is really well done. It's clear to me that the question of land reclamation is the foremost issue of this novel, and the kampong past of Ah Boon's childhood juxtaposed against the relentless drive for progress is where the narrative really resonates. However, in the middle part of the war years and political turbulence, most of the characters from the kampong disappear into faceless villagers, reappearing as individuals only much later when the reclamation developments begin. For me, the narrative never recovers from distancing a large chunk of its characters in such a way, and a lot of the emotional set up does not fully pay off because of it.
Contrary to some reviews I've seen, I do not think that Ah Boon's choices are contradictory to his characterisation. I do not think he is meant to be a sympathetic protagonist and his drive to better his community is intended to play out next to a grasping for recognition and a yearning for childhood, so that his choices reflect some selfish thought processes. However, I do not think he is strongly drawn as a character, and I do not think most of the other characters are very distinctly drawn either.
The elements of the fantastic in this novel are barely explored, serving largely as a device to encapsulate Ah Boon's final moral dilemma and as a metaphor for the sacrifice of natural resources and sites of wonder in the modern quest for progress. As such, the islands also largely disappear in the middle of the book, except as a refuge for Teacher Chia in foreshadowing of Siok Mei's later sojourn on the island in her attempt to evade capture. This paragraph could have stood to be a full chapter on its own, showing rather than telling of the effect of the occupation on the kampong in the aftermath of Sook Ching, elaborating on the mystery of the islands, and giving some insight to Ah Boon's and Siok Mei's inner thoughts and perhaps even their burgeoning awareness of one another to build up the epic burning love we are told they hold for one another.
The romance was also never convincing to me, in any direction.
Overall, I believe this would be a much stronger book if it were shorter.
There are some genuinely good moments in this book -- the scene of Ah Boon's childhood on the beach with his mother tickling his belly reminded me of the exuberance and nostalgic air of cartoonist Lat's Kampung Boy books, and the scene of Natalie and Ah Boon on the bus with Natalie describing a childhood episode of getting lost on her family's rubber plantation as the bus takes the two of them through a cacophonous part of the bus route that disorients Ah Boon is really well done. It's clear to me that the question of land reclamation is the foremost issue of this novel, and the kampong past of Ah Boon's childhood juxtaposed against the relentless drive for progress is where the narrative really resonates. However, in the middle part of the war years and political turbulence, most of the characters from the kampong disappear into faceless villagers, reappearing as individuals only much later when the reclamation developments begin. For me, the narrative never recovers from distancing a large chunk of its characters in such a way, and a lot of the emotional set up does not fully pay off because of it.
Contrary to some reviews I've seen, I do not think that Ah Boon's choices are contradictory to his characterisation. I do not think he is meant to be a sympathetic protagonist and his drive to better his community is intended to play out next to a grasping for recognition and a yearning for childhood, so that his choices reflect some selfish thought processes. However, I do not think he is strongly drawn as a character, and I do not think most of the other characters are very distinctly drawn either.
The elements of the fantastic in this novel are barely explored, serving largely as a device to encapsulate Ah Boon's final moral dilemma and as a metaphor for the sacrifice of natural resources and sites of wonder in the modern quest for progress. As such, the islands also largely disappear in the middle of the book, except as a refuge for Teacher Chia in foreshadowing of Siok Mei's later sojourn on the island in her attempt to evade capture. This paragraph could have stood to be a full chapter on its own, showing rather than telling of the effect of the occupation on the kampong in the aftermath of Sook Ching, elaborating on the mystery of the islands, and giving some insight to Ah Boon's and Siok Mei's inner thoughts and perhaps even their burgeoning awareness of one another to build up the epic burning love we are told they hold for one another.
The romance was also never convincing to me, in any direction.
Overall, I believe this would be a much stronger book if it were shorter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2023
There is a mediative quality to this book. The tone is restrained, calm but also very tense.
I think Part I was probably the best section. Once Ah Boon has grown up, the events and his emotional life take on a different meaning. He, like the nation-state of Singapore, grows up and reality takes on a new meaning.
Heng often uses subtle, poetic but precise descriptions to impart symbolic meaning or additional significance. Note how Pa and Uncle are similar in appearance. And Mei, Ah Boon's childhood friend and love interest, and Natalie resemble each other from the back.
The book covers a period before WWII till 1964 when Singapore leaves the Malaysian federation. I found it peculiar that Jipunland and the Ang Mohs aren't referred to as Japan and the British, respectively. And "Pa" should have been "Ba." Several minor characters also have "Ah" as part of their names here (something I would not have done so frequently and certainly not for the main character). The "Ah" is a common prefix to the actual Chinese name and signifies familiarity or affection. This occurred in the funniest way in River of Smoke.
There are themes are colonialism, nationalism, gentrification, and classism.
I'll add that the concluding section is a mixed bag. The events here wrap things up but I continue to question Boon's change of heart... one that occurred abruptly and so out of character.
Several years ago, I noted many authors with ties to Nigeria and Vietnam being published. Now it's a bubble of titles connected to Singapore, eg State of Emergency and How We Disappeared.
I'd keep an eye on this author's future work and I certainly enjoyed reading this title.
Only an author who grew up in Asia in a colonized setting, could use the words "chink" and "inscrutable" and not be concerned and aware enough to not use those words.
Couple of quotes:
...When he fell he seemed to feel his heart fall too, dropping from where it had sat for most of his life, safely, in a cage of bones, through some trapdoor that led to an altogether more dangerous place. He felt it beating a fierce rhythm in his ears, throbbing in his fingertips...
All around them pulsed the ocean. And up above, blank and starless was the unending sky. A cloud scraped the moon; the darkness deepened.
I think Part I was probably the best section. Once Ah Boon has grown up, the events and his emotional life take on a different meaning. He, like the nation-state of Singapore, grows up and reality takes on a new meaning.
Heng often uses subtle, poetic but precise descriptions to impart symbolic meaning or additional significance. Note how Pa and Uncle are similar in appearance. And Mei, Ah Boon's childhood friend and love interest, and Natalie resemble each other from the back.
The book covers a period before WWII till 1964 when Singapore leaves the Malaysian federation. I found it peculiar that Jipunland and the Ang Mohs aren't referred to as Japan and the British, respectively. And "Pa" should have been "Ba." Several minor characters also have "Ah" as part of their names here (something I would not have done so frequently and certainly not for the main character). The "Ah" is a common prefix to the actual Chinese name and signifies familiarity or affection. This occurred in the funniest way in River of Smoke.
There are themes are colonialism, nationalism, gentrification, and classism.
I'll add that the concluding section is a mixed bag. The events here wrap things up but I continue to question Boon's change of heart... one that occurred abruptly and so out of character.
Several years ago, I noted many authors with ties to Nigeria and Vietnam being published. Now it's a bubble of titles connected to Singapore, eg State of Emergency and How We Disappeared.
I'd keep an eye on this author's future work and I certainly enjoyed reading this title.
Only an author who grew up in Asia in a colonized setting, could use the words "chink" and "inscrutable" and not be concerned and aware enough to not use those words.
Couple of quotes:
...When he fell he seemed to feel his heart fall too, dropping from where it had sat for most of his life, safely, in a cage of bones, through some trapdoor that led to an altogether more dangerous place. He felt it beating a fierce rhythm in his ears, throbbing in his fingertips...
All around them pulsed the ocean. And up above, blank and starless was the unending sky. A cloud scraped the moon; the darkness deepened.
May 8, 2023
Born into a fishing village in Singapore in the 20th century, Ah Boon is a gentle boy not much interested in fishing and drawn to his outspoken classmate Siok Mei. But with the invasion of the Japanese army, the rise of leftist resistance, and the pursuit of modernization, Ah Boon must decide what he wants to do, where he wants to go, and most importantly, who he's taking with him vs. leaving behind.
GREAT RECLAMATION is a beautiful story that delves into westernization, modernization, and the complexities of change. Heng's expansive yet immersive writing style effortlessly transports me into the historical setting and leaves me with a profound sense of introspection. Heng's writing shines through the pages, painting vivid images and immersive scenes in the rich cultural tapestry of the story. The descriptive power of her words creates a sensory experience that enhances the reading journey.
Through the lens of the characters, GREAT RECLAMATION examines the complexities of societal transformation, shedding light on what is gained and lost in the pursuit of progress. Heng invites readers to ponder the significance of heritage, culture, and history, and provides introspections on the profound impact of modernization on individual and collective identities.
I particularly love the open ending. Heng leaves room for interpretation, allowing me to contemplate Ah Boon & Siok Mei's futures & the broader implications of their choices.
GREAT RECLAMATION is a beautifully written novel that prompts the readers to reflect on the challenges and rewards of embracing change and its impact on identity and heritage.
GREAT RECLAMATION is a beautiful story that delves into westernization, modernization, and the complexities of change. Heng's expansive yet immersive writing style effortlessly transports me into the historical setting and leaves me with a profound sense of introspection. Heng's writing shines through the pages, painting vivid images and immersive scenes in the rich cultural tapestry of the story. The descriptive power of her words creates a sensory experience that enhances the reading journey.
Through the lens of the characters, GREAT RECLAMATION examines the complexities of societal transformation, shedding light on what is gained and lost in the pursuit of progress. Heng invites readers to ponder the significance of heritage, culture, and history, and provides introspections on the profound impact of modernization on individual and collective identities.
I particularly love the open ending. Heng leaves room for interpretation, allowing me to contemplate Ah Boon & Siok Mei's futures & the broader implications of their choices.
GREAT RECLAMATION is a beautifully written novel that prompts the readers to reflect on the challenges and rewards of embracing change and its impact on identity and heritage.
January 16, 2025
i ate this shit up. a lot of singlit books, imo, tend towards either unnuanced (and therefore unearned) sentimentality/nostalgia or thinly-veiled criticisms on sg bureaucracy which make them annoying to read after a while (too preachy). great reclamation dodged these mostly even tho it does talk about operation coldstore-era PAP (which is termed "Gah men" and "Gah women", terms i blinked at, groaned internally, but delighted in anyway). i had a FANTASTIC time in the first two thirds (well-paced + engaging) but on brand had gripes w final third, which had a lot crammed into it, tho i suppose that IS the #singaporeanstory and a theme of this novel (progress at an obscene and ungodly rate, at what cost, etc etc). as a singaporean i loved it but will be curious to see what others think.
i sat on this review for a while before i made rash pronouncements such as: this is my fav singlit novel (leagfrogging Let's Give It Up for Gimme Lao!) but unfortunately, such grandiose pronouncements have withstood the test of time (4 days of half-assed contemplation). this is my fav singlit novel. 4.5 stars, thank u rachel heng.
i sat on this review for a while before i made rash pronouncements such as: this is my fav singlit novel (leagfrogging Let's Give It Up for Gimme Lao!) but unfortunately, such grandiose pronouncements have withstood the test of time (4 days of half-assed contemplation). this is my fav singlit novel. 4.5 stars, thank u rachel heng.
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