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Ghost Girl, Banana: A Novel
Set between the last years of the “Chinese Windrush” in 1966 and Hong Kong’s Handover to China in 1997, a mysterious inheritance sees a young woman from London uncovering buried secrets in her late mother’s homeland in this captivating, wry debut about family, identity, and the price of belonging.
Hong Kong, 1966. Sook-Yin is exiled from Kowloon to London with orders to restore honor to her family. But as she trains to become a nurse in cold and wet England, Sook-Yin realizes that, like so many transplants, she must carve out a destiny of her own to survive.
Thirty years later in London, having lost her mother as a small child, biracial misfit Lily can only remember what Maya, her preternaturally perfect older sister, has told her about Sook-Yin. Unexpectedly named in the will of a powerful Chinese stranger, Lily embarks on a secret pilgrimage across the world to discover the lost side of her identity and claim the reward. But just as change is coming to Hong Kong, so Lily learns Maya’s secrecy about their past has deep roots, and that good fortune comes at a price.
Heartfelt, wry and achingly real, Ghost Girl, Banana marks the stunning debut of a writer-to-watch.
Hong Kong, 1966. Sook-Yin is exiled from Kowloon to London with orders to restore honor to her family. But as she trains to become a nurse in cold and wet England, Sook-Yin realizes that, like so many transplants, she must carve out a destiny of her own to survive.
Thirty years later in London, having lost her mother as a small child, biracial misfit Lily can only remember what Maya, her preternaturally perfect older sister, has told her about Sook-Yin. Unexpectedly named in the will of a powerful Chinese stranger, Lily embarks on a secret pilgrimage across the world to discover the lost side of her identity and claim the reward. But just as change is coming to Hong Kong, so Lily learns Maya’s secrecy about their past has deep roots, and that good fortune comes at a price.
Heartfelt, wry and achingly real, Ghost Girl, Banana marks the stunning debut of a writer-to-watch.
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First published April 23, 2023
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May 23, 2023
Knowledge changes your perception of things...Past conversations took on new meaning
An engrossing story of the lengths we take to uncover the truth. If you discover everything you thought, everything you know--a fabrication of your fragile mental health, what do you do? You go to search for the truth, realizing all the unexplained anxious moments had a reason.
The story is split between Lily, living in London, in 1997, and her mother Sook-Yin, from the years 1966-1977 (give or take). Lily was a toddler when her mother died. Her father recently died from cancer and she receives a huge inheritance. This gives Lily the chance to discover who her mother was in Hong Kong. Without telling her overprotective sister, she takes a journey full of secrets and lies.
Lily has hazy memories of the past, these memories creep up bringing her anxiety. She can't place them, but there is something from the past she can't grasp. Everything she thought was true suddenly seems like a lie.
Initially, it was hard to grasp the changing of times and characters, but once the book picked up, I was waiting, exhilarated to read the next part.
Wiz Wharton’s debut novel has a gift for prose and leaves each chapter suspenseful, wanting more.
This is a wonderful read for those interested in family, historical, and cultural stories. The writing is vivid, crisp, and clean, with sharp attention to detail.
Overall a great read 4/5 stars
An engrossing story of the lengths we take to uncover the truth. If you discover everything you thought, everything you know--a fabrication of your fragile mental health, what do you do? You go to search for the truth, realizing all the unexplained anxious moments had a reason.
The story is split between Lily, living in London, in 1997, and her mother Sook-Yin, from the years 1966-1977 (give or take). Lily was a toddler when her mother died. Her father recently died from cancer and she receives a huge inheritance. This gives Lily the chance to discover who her mother was in Hong Kong. Without telling her overprotective sister, she takes a journey full of secrets and lies.
Lily has hazy memories of the past, these memories creep up bringing her anxiety. She can't place them, but there is something from the past she can't grasp. Everything she thought was true suddenly seems like a lie.
Initially, it was hard to grasp the changing of times and characters, but once the book picked up, I was waiting, exhilarated to read the next part.
Wiz Wharton’s debut novel has a gift for prose and leaves each chapter suspenseful, wanting more.
This is a wonderful read for those interested in family, historical, and cultural stories. The writing is vivid, crisp, and clean, with sharp attention to detail.
Overall a great read 4/5 stars
March 4, 2023
3 ¼ stars
Uneven execution aside, Ghost Girl, Banana makes for a compelling and immersive spanning decades and continents, exploring identity, belonging, and the tribulations of two women, mother and daughter, as they attempt to survive family expectations and deceptions. Some minor reservations aside, this debut certainly succeeds in establishing Wiz Wharton as an author to watch as her writing is confident and her story is thematically rich. The chapters alternate between Sook-Yin’s one, which takes place in the mid-60s and early 70s, as she leaves Hong Kong behind to work as a nurse in England, and her youngest daughter, Lily, during Hong Kong's Handover to China in 1997.
We know that Sook-Yin dies while Lily is still young and that after her death her presence was in many ways erased from their household. Lily, who has always been made to feel like the messy ‘problem’ child, suffers greatly because of this but her sister, whose ‘adulting’ is far more successful, avoids talking about her. Their father has also recently passed away which leaves Lily and Maya completely alone…or so Lily thinks until she receives a letter informing her of an unexpected inheritance. Fulfilling the inheritance’s requirements Lily, unbeknownst to Maya, travels to Hong Kong, where she begins to uncover her family’s secrets and her mother’s connection to the bequeather of her mysterious inheritance. In Hong Kong Lily is overwhelmed, both by her mother’s history and struggles to feel like she belongs when time and again she is reminded of being an outsider, that is a ‘ghost girl’.
In Sook-Yin’s chapters, we follow her as she journeys from Hong Kong to England where despite her best efforts she finds herself having to make the best of unforeseen circumstances that lead to taking a nannying position at a childhood acquaintance's household. Through her ‘employers’ she meets a white British man who promises her a working opportunity that however never comes to fruition. Rather, he pursues her and pressures her into going out with him. Even at a long distance Sook-Yin’s brother continues to berate her and sways their mother’s opinion of her (that she is a failure, a disappointment, good-for-nothing, etc.). Sook-Yin’s reputation and well-being are threatened by an unexpected pregnancy, which leaves her with little choice but to marry Julian. Julian is manipulative, often playing the part of a loving, or inoffensive at least, husband who makes one disastrous financial mistake after the other. They eventually move to Hong Kong where Sook-Yin is reunited with a boy she harbored feelings for, now a wealthy married man, who also happens to be friends with her brother. Sook-Yin’s brother seems determined to make her life hell as he continues to behave appalling towards her, berating her for having married a ‘colonizer’ and for having had children with a white man. His hatred for her is so strong that he seems intent on sowing discord in her marriage.
The story’s setting and sense of time are strikingly rendered, both in Sook-Yin and Lily’s chapters. That we get to follow their respective experiences in England and Hong Kong gives the novel a comparative dimension and it makes us more aware of the similarities and discrepancies in their circumstances and in the kind of opportunities that were available to them. Both are made to feel unwelcome wherever they go: from the racism Sook-Yin experiences once in England to the hostility aimed at her back in Hong Kong for having married a British man (and is derogatorily called a ‘banana’); whereas Lily is biracial, and unlike Maya, who ‘passes’ or at least has attributes that fit in more with Western beauty standards, is often made to feel as if she was an ‘exotic’ attraction.
The storyline did become repetitive towards the middle and the latter half of the novel, as by then we already know the lengths Sook-Yin’s brother will go to in order to make her life hell. Sook-Yin’s husband is awful and I think the story lets him get away with a lot, painting him as injudicious and naive as opposed to a gaslighting exploitative liar. He was gross. Curiously enough Lily, who doesn’t know her parents' marriage or the many ways in which her father manipulated and betrayed her mother, and should therefore in theory have remembered her father fondly or with some level of warmth, affection even barely thinks of him…which is weird given that he died recently. But his existence and death barely make a dent in her narration…which is odd. Her dynamic with Maya and her rich awful husband brought to mind Fleabag, and I wish more could have been done to make these characters more rounded. We are told Lily is a messy disaster but she just doesn’t come across that way. She also sounded strangely old-fashioned and I had to keep reminding myself that she was 25. I just wish she’d had more of a personality but the novel ends up utilizing her as a vehicle through which we can uncover Sook-Yin’s past. This made the novel rather reminiscent of those dual narratives type of books where a daughter or granddaughter comes across a diary, some letters, a photo, or inherits a house that shines a light on some family secrets.
I wish that Sook-Yin’s fate and the whole drama involving her brother, her husband, and her childhood friend hadn’t been so drawn out and that maybe we had been given more of Lily and Maya together. In general, I was more interested in the this mother-daughters trio than the male characters, all of whom come across as bland. I think that having Maya's perspective would have benefitted the novel, a triptych structure, a la Francesca Ekwuyasi's Butter Honey Pig Bread, would have allowed for a more nuance exploration of the sisters' relationship. At the end of the day Maya's voice, her whole character, is pushed off page only in favor of an unnecessary 'twist/reveal'.
Still, Wharton's portrayal of Hong Kong and her depiction of Sook-Yin's experiences in England were striking. I also found Wharton's exploration of migration, belonging, self-sacrifice, and survival to be compelling. Other themes receive a more superficial treatment, and this may due in part to simplistic characterisation (especially when it came to 'bad' characters...).
Despite my criticism, I would still recommend this novel, especially for those who are keen on stories where a character embarks on a 'life-changing' journey. I, for one, really look forward to whatever Wharton will publish next.
“And there it was—that wall. Her experiences versus mine, as if she owned that part of history and I could only receive it second hand. Sometimes. Rarely. Never.”
Uneven execution aside, Ghost Girl, Banana makes for a compelling and immersive spanning decades and continents, exploring identity, belonging, and the tribulations of two women, mother and daughter, as they attempt to survive family expectations and deceptions. Some minor reservations aside, this debut certainly succeeds in establishing Wiz Wharton as an author to watch as her writing is confident and her story is thematically rich. The chapters alternate between Sook-Yin’s one, which takes place in the mid-60s and early 70s, as she leaves Hong Kong behind to work as a nurse in England, and her youngest daughter, Lily, during Hong Kong's Handover to China in 1997.
We know that Sook-Yin dies while Lily is still young and that after her death her presence was in many ways erased from their household. Lily, who has always been made to feel like the messy ‘problem’ child, suffers greatly because of this but her sister, whose ‘adulting’ is far more successful, avoids talking about her. Their father has also recently passed away which leaves Lily and Maya completely alone…or so Lily thinks until she receives a letter informing her of an unexpected inheritance. Fulfilling the inheritance’s requirements Lily, unbeknownst to Maya, travels to Hong Kong, where she begins to uncover her family’s secrets and her mother’s connection to the bequeather of her mysterious inheritance. In Hong Kong Lily is overwhelmed, both by her mother’s history and struggles to feel like she belongs when time and again she is reminded of being an outsider, that is a ‘ghost girl’.
“My mother is from Kowloon.” Over the years I'd evolved into the present tense and used it now by default. I found it more accessible for strangers; people were more amenable to what they expected rather than the thing that might have been true.
In Sook-Yin’s chapters, we follow her as she journeys from Hong Kong to England where despite her best efforts she finds herself having to make the best of unforeseen circumstances that lead to taking a nannying position at a childhood acquaintance's household. Through her ‘employers’ she meets a white British man who promises her a working opportunity that however never comes to fruition. Rather, he pursues her and pressures her into going out with him. Even at a long distance Sook-Yin’s brother continues to berate her and sways their mother’s opinion of her (that she is a failure, a disappointment, good-for-nothing, etc.). Sook-Yin’s reputation and well-being are threatened by an unexpected pregnancy, which leaves her with little choice but to marry Julian. Julian is manipulative, often playing the part of a loving, or inoffensive at least, husband who makes one disastrous financial mistake after the other. They eventually move to Hong Kong where Sook-Yin is reunited with a boy she harbored feelings for, now a wealthy married man, who also happens to be friends with her brother. Sook-Yin’s brother seems determined to make her life hell as he continues to behave appalling towards her, berating her for having married a ‘colonizer’ and for having had children with a white man. His hatred for her is so strong that he seems intent on sowing discord in her marriage.
The story’s setting and sense of time are strikingly rendered, both in Sook-Yin and Lily’s chapters. That we get to follow their respective experiences in England and Hong Kong gives the novel a comparative dimension and it makes us more aware of the similarities and discrepancies in their circumstances and in the kind of opportunities that were available to them. Both are made to feel unwelcome wherever they go: from the racism Sook-Yin experiences once in England to the hostility aimed at her back in Hong Kong for having married a British man (and is derogatorily called a ‘banana’); whereas Lily is biracial, and unlike Maya, who ‘passes’ or at least has attributes that fit in more with Western beauty standards, is often made to feel as if she was an ‘exotic’ attraction.
The storyline did become repetitive towards the middle and the latter half of the novel, as by then we already know the lengths Sook-Yin’s brother will go to in order to make her life hell. Sook-Yin’s husband is awful and I think the story lets him get away with a lot, painting him as injudicious and naive as opposed to a gaslighting exploitative liar. He was gross. Curiously enough Lily, who doesn’t know her parents' marriage or the many ways in which her father manipulated and betrayed her mother, and should therefore in theory have remembered her father fondly or with some level of warmth, affection even barely thinks of him…which is weird given that he died recently. But his existence and death barely make a dent in her narration…which is odd. Her dynamic with Maya and her rich awful husband brought to mind Fleabag, and I wish more could have been done to make these characters more rounded. We are told Lily is a messy disaster but she just doesn’t come across that way. She also sounded strangely old-fashioned and I had to keep reminding myself that she was 25. I just wish she’d had more of a personality but the novel ends up utilizing her as a vehicle through which we can uncover Sook-Yin’s past. This made the novel rather reminiscent of those dual narratives type of books where a daughter or granddaughter comes across a diary, some letters, a photo, or inherits a house that shines a light on some family secrets.
“The first rule of life is pretending. It was all a charade. A big bluff. The most surprising thing, however, was that as much as these people had deceived her, they seemed to have deceived themselves too. Was this the secret to belonging? Her cynicism turned to curiosity.”
I wish that Sook-Yin’s fate and the whole drama involving her brother, her husband, and her childhood friend hadn’t been so drawn out and that maybe we had been given more of Lily and Maya together. In general, I was more interested in the this mother-daughters trio than the male characters, all of whom come across as bland. I think that having Maya's perspective would have benefitted the novel, a triptych structure, a la Francesca Ekwuyasi's Butter Honey Pig Bread, would have allowed for a more nuance exploration of the sisters' relationship. At the end of the day Maya's voice, her whole character, is pushed off page only in favor of an unnecessary 'twist/reveal'.
Still, Wharton's portrayal of Hong Kong and her depiction of Sook-Yin's experiences in England were striking. I also found Wharton's exploration of migration, belonging, self-sacrifice, and survival to be compelling. Other themes receive a more superficial treatment, and this may due in part to simplistic characterisation (especially when it came to 'bad' characters...).
Despite my criticism, I would still recommend this novel, especially for those who are keen on stories where a character embarks on a 'life-changing' journey. I, for one, really look forward to whatever Wharton will publish next.
April 16, 2023
A page turner, with a cast of characters you want to hear more from
Wiz Wharton Ghost Girl Banana goes from the 1966 during the “Chinese Windrush” and 1997. During the 1966 we meet Sook-Yin who leaves Kowloon to go to London for a better life. Her family sends her off to restore their honor, make more money and help them at home. Sook-Yin must make a life in gloomy London, while being exposed to racism and trying to find community. She started her training as a nurse but things go south very fast.
Fast forward to 1997 we meet Lily who never got over the death of her mother. She goes through a rough patch during university and her bigger sister is constantly trying to protect her from everything. One day she receives a letter saying she has an inheritance but she must return Hong Kong to collect it. Of course she thinks it is a scam because nothing like this ever happens to her. With some digging Lily decides to go to Hong Kong to find out more about her past. What she finds, out shakes her reality.
I really enjoyed the storytelling in this book. I do have thing for alternating POV, especially when it is during different time periods. I loved how the author handled mother-daughter relationships and the theme of grief, loss and regret. I thought the ending was very rushed but overall, I did enjoy being in the pages of this book.
Wiz Wharton Ghost Girl Banana goes from the 1966 during the “Chinese Windrush” and 1997. During the 1966 we meet Sook-Yin who leaves Kowloon to go to London for a better life. Her family sends her off to restore their honor, make more money and help them at home. Sook-Yin must make a life in gloomy London, while being exposed to racism and trying to find community. She started her training as a nurse but things go south very fast.
Fast forward to 1997 we meet Lily who never got over the death of her mother. She goes through a rough patch during university and her bigger sister is constantly trying to protect her from everything. One day she receives a letter saying she has an inheritance but she must return Hong Kong to collect it. Of course she thinks it is a scam because nothing like this ever happens to her. With some digging Lily decides to go to Hong Kong to find out more about her past. What she finds, out shakes her reality.
I really enjoyed the storytelling in this book. I do have thing for alternating POV, especially when it is during different time periods. I loved how the author handled mother-daughter relationships and the theme of grief, loss and regret. I thought the ending was very rushed but overall, I did enjoy being in the pages of this book.
February 24, 2023
4.5 stars
A great book. Thoroughly absorbing, different, harrowing at times but enjoyable.
I only knocked off half a star because the moves from one timeline to another came too fast at the beginning; I was just getting into one story when we jumped. Towards the middle of the book I became grateful for those quick changes.
Anyway the story is split between Lily in 1997 and her mother, Sook-Yin, from 1966 to 1977. It's a story about discovering who you are, where you fit in your world, love and betrayal. Lily was too young to remember her mother who died when she was four but a mysterious letter offering a huge inheritance gives Lily a chance to escape her fractured life to find out what really happened to her mother in Hong Kong.
This book started slow for me but it builds momentum throughout until I was racing through it, unable to pit it down until I polished off the second half in one sitting.
This may be Wiz Wharton's debut novel but I certainly hope it won't be her last. She has an undoubted talent for story telling and even though this was based on her own ancestry it became a novel through an obviously vivid imagination.
Highly recommended.
A great book. Thoroughly absorbing, different, harrowing at times but enjoyable.
I only knocked off half a star because the moves from one timeline to another came too fast at the beginning; I was just getting into one story when we jumped. Towards the middle of the book I became grateful for those quick changes.
Anyway the story is split between Lily in 1997 and her mother, Sook-Yin, from 1966 to 1977. It's a story about discovering who you are, where you fit in your world, love and betrayal. Lily was too young to remember her mother who died when she was four but a mysterious letter offering a huge inheritance gives Lily a chance to escape her fractured life to find out what really happened to her mother in Hong Kong.
This book started slow for me but it builds momentum throughout until I was racing through it, unable to pit it down until I polished off the second half in one sitting.
This may be Wiz Wharton's debut novel but I certainly hope it won't be her last. She has an undoubted talent for story telling and even though this was based on her own ancestry it became a novel through an obviously vivid imagination.
Highly recommended.
June 12, 2023
This was a very enjoyable story told in way that left me with a sense of completion.
The story opens with Lily a young woman with obvious mental health issues and a relationship with a much more successful older sister that is both dependant, resentful and loving. She is conflicted by the fact that while her blond sister 'passes' as English she has always been noticeably Chinese even though she is almost totally disconnected from her Chinese heritage. Her mother, Sook-Yin, died when she was very young and her father and sister refuse to engage on the subject, denying even her vaguest childhood memories.
Suddenly she receives a letter informing her that she and her sister have been left a significant inheritance by someone in Hong Kong. Despite her sister's efforts to dissuade her a series of unfortunate events led Lily to decide that she must travel to Hong Kong and uncover the mystery that surrounds her early childhood.
At first I was worried the story was going to be all about a 20-something ‘finding herself’, a 20-something who did not seem to be coping with life, making wrong choices at every turn and hurting those around her.
However, once she decides to travel to Hong Kong she develops more agency and gradually becomes less naïve, more insightful and more able to control the trajectory of her own life. (I may have murmured 'Go girl!' on a couple of occasions)
The women in this story are flawed but strong. The men are less admirable: one character is particularly unkind and heartless but all the men in this story are weak and selfish with the women left to cope with the consequences and sort out the mess.
The story is told in two alternating timelines. Lily's 'modern' timeline is set in July 1997 at the time of the Hong Kong handover and the historical timeline telling the story of Sook-Yin, Lily's mother, takes place in the late 1970s.
This element was particularly well done with each timeline providing the reader with information pertinent to the other timeline, while keeping me emotionally connected to the characters in both.
Even as we approached the 'denouement' I felt I knew what was going to happen not because the author had failed to conceal a surprise twist but because the events made sense according to the storyline and the evidence presented in the narrative.
Highly recommended for an excellent storyline, wonderful characters and the way the author includes insight in to the racism and culture clashes experienced in both timelines.
I received this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with Lily a young woman with obvious mental health issues and a relationship with a much more successful older sister that is both dependant, resentful and loving. She is conflicted by the fact that while her blond sister 'passes' as English she has always been noticeably Chinese even though she is almost totally disconnected from her Chinese heritage. Her mother, Sook-Yin, died when she was very young and her father and sister refuse to engage on the subject, denying even her vaguest childhood memories.
Suddenly she receives a letter informing her that she and her sister have been left a significant inheritance by someone in Hong Kong. Despite her sister's efforts to dissuade her a series of unfortunate events led Lily to decide that she must travel to Hong Kong and uncover the mystery that surrounds her early childhood.
At first I was worried the story was going to be all about a 20-something ‘finding herself’, a 20-something who did not seem to be coping with life, making wrong choices at every turn and hurting those around her.
However, once she decides to travel to Hong Kong she develops more agency and gradually becomes less naïve, more insightful and more able to control the trajectory of her own life. (I may have murmured 'Go girl!' on a couple of occasions)
The women in this story are flawed but strong. The men are less admirable: one character is particularly unkind and heartless but all the men in this story are weak and selfish with the women left to cope with the consequences and sort out the mess.
The story is told in two alternating timelines. Lily's 'modern' timeline is set in July 1997 at the time of the Hong Kong handover and the historical timeline telling the story of Sook-Yin, Lily's mother, takes place in the late 1970s.
This element was particularly well done with each timeline providing the reader with information pertinent to the other timeline, while keeping me emotionally connected to the characters in both.
Even as we approached the 'denouement' I felt I knew what was going to happen not because the author had failed to conceal a surprise twist but because the events made sense according to the storyline and the evidence presented in the narrative.
Highly recommended for an excellent storyline, wonderful characters and the way the author includes insight in to the racism and culture clashes experienced in both timelines.
I received this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2022
Wiz Wharton tells the story of Lily (Ghost Girl, one who is bi-racial but not belonging to either race) and her mother, Sook-Yin (Banana because she's only yellow on the outside). Sook-Yin mostly tells the story in the first and second narratives before, and after she died, then we have Lily's description in the present. Soon-Yin was studying in the UK to become a nurse when two things happened to her; Sook-Yin married a "Westerner," and she came into a good fortune that would cause a rift in her family dynamics, leading to jealousy and hatred lasting long after Sook-Yins death. Years later, inheritance to Lily would come about, and she would search for answers to the mystery surrounding her mother in Hong Kong.
Wharton tells a perplexing tale of a mother and daughter searching for a place to "fit in" but unable to.
A tale of family dynamics spun out of one's control, yet no one could correct them.
Wharton is definitely an author to watch.
Ghost Girl Banana was excellent!
Kudos!
Thank you, NetGalley/Wiz Wharton/Harper Via/ For this amazing eARC for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.
Wharton tells a perplexing tale of a mother and daughter searching for a place to "fit in" but unable to.
A tale of family dynamics spun out of one's control, yet no one could correct them.
Wharton is definitely an author to watch.
Ghost Girl Banana was excellent!
Kudos!
Thank you, NetGalley/Wiz Wharton/Harper Via/ For this amazing eARC for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.
August 10, 2023
Ghost Girl, Banana might seem like an odd name for Wiz Wharton's debut novel, but it's actually quite appropriate as it combines two terms with very similar (if not the same, in some contexts) meanings. Not one thing or the other. When both terms are applied to the two main protagonists - Lily Miller and her mother Sook-Yin Chen - you can imagine the family history is going to get pretty interesting. For me that's an understatement because I found this novel to be what I would describe as a gentle pageturner. Yes, there are secrets (more than you even might expect!) and a bit of criminal danger, but by far the most compelling aspect of the story was Lily's search for truth and understanding about the death of her mother when Lily was just 5 years old. Two countries, two timelines and two unforgettable characters.
November 4, 2023
I had a galley of this book for a while and put off reading it, not knowing what it was about but mistakenly thinking it was sad-girl Brit lit. How wrong was I!
Ghost Girl, Banana is a mother-daughter story set in London and Hong Kong, in a dual timeline from 1966-1977 and in 1997, at the time of the handover of Hong Kong by Britain to China.
It’s a story of identity, belonging, family secrets and sibling rivalry written in clean, crisp prose and in shifting chapters that at the beginning of the story are a little jarring, but give the story pace and power as it reaches its conclusion.
Lily Miller (or Li-Li) grew up in London, the misfit daughter of a Hong Kong mother (Sook-Yin, who died when Lily was young) and white English father. When Lily is unexpectedly named as a beneficiary in a will of a wealthy businessman from Hong Kong, Lily sets out on a pilgrimage to Kowloon to discover her mother’s past, what caused Sook-Yin to be exiled to London and ultimately her tragic passing.
With a deft and elegant style, the book addresses biracial identity and racism, and the difficulties women face carving out an existence and a future for their children when the men in their life are worse than useless.
I loved Sook-Yin’s story and her dogged perseverance when everything that could go wrong for her did go wrong. I also loved Lily’s first person narrative, and the way in which she found herself and listened to her inner voice, which others in her life had muted for too long.
At the end of the book, the author has a lovely note explaining how the book was inspired by her own mother’s diaries which she found only after her mother’s unexpected death.
The title of the book is derived from two racial slurs: In Hong Kong, Lily is called “gwei mui” or ghost girl, because she doesn't fit the mould of Chinese. Her mother is called “banana” by her family because while she's ethnically Chinese, she is perceived to have become westernised on the inside.
A moving, funny, fresh and intriguing story that many readers will warm to and find relatable. 4/5⭐️
Ghost Girl, Banana was published by @hodderbooks in May and is widely available. Many thanks to the author, publisher and @netgalley for the arc. As always, this is an honest review.
Ghost Girl, Banana is a mother-daughter story set in London and Hong Kong, in a dual timeline from 1966-1977 and in 1997, at the time of the handover of Hong Kong by Britain to China.
It’s a story of identity, belonging, family secrets and sibling rivalry written in clean, crisp prose and in shifting chapters that at the beginning of the story are a little jarring, but give the story pace and power as it reaches its conclusion.
Lily Miller (or Li-Li) grew up in London, the misfit daughter of a Hong Kong mother (Sook-Yin, who died when Lily was young) and white English father. When Lily is unexpectedly named as a beneficiary in a will of a wealthy businessman from Hong Kong, Lily sets out on a pilgrimage to Kowloon to discover her mother’s past, what caused Sook-Yin to be exiled to London and ultimately her tragic passing.
With a deft and elegant style, the book addresses biracial identity and racism, and the difficulties women face carving out an existence and a future for their children when the men in their life are worse than useless.
I loved Sook-Yin’s story and her dogged perseverance when everything that could go wrong for her did go wrong. I also loved Lily’s first person narrative, and the way in which she found herself and listened to her inner voice, which others in her life had muted for too long.
At the end of the book, the author has a lovely note explaining how the book was inspired by her own mother’s diaries which she found only after her mother’s unexpected death.
The title of the book is derived from two racial slurs: In Hong Kong, Lily is called “gwei mui” or ghost girl, because she doesn't fit the mould of Chinese. Her mother is called “banana” by her family because while she's ethnically Chinese, she is perceived to have become westernised on the inside.
A moving, funny, fresh and intriguing story that many readers will warm to and find relatable. 4/5⭐️
Ghost Girl, Banana was published by @hodderbooks in May and is widely available. Many thanks to the author, publisher and @netgalley for the arc. As always, this is an honest review.
August 16, 2022
I was excited to receive an ARC of this novel as I was interested in the historical and mystery elements! This was told from two perspectives: Sook-Yin, who we follow throughout her tumultuous life and death, and Lily, who we follow through her journey through Hong Kong after she receives a mysterious inheritance.
Overall, I did enjoy this story and was interested in finding out more details about the inheritance and the circumstances of Sook-Yin's death, however, this did not stand out to me over other family dramas! I found myself getting bored at some parts and felt that some parts were not wrapped up well or were confusing (ex: uncle chor being evil)
Overall, I did enjoy this story and was interested in finding out more details about the inheritance and the circumstances of Sook-Yin's death, however, this did not stand out to me over other family dramas! I found myself getting bored at some parts and felt that some parts were not wrapped up well or were confusing (ex: uncle chor being evil)
July 23, 2023
A very interesting story of belonging and identity told from alternating viewpoints of a mother and daughter in different decades in both Hong Kong and London. Neither locale is very familiar to me, even as a reader, so I found the settings as fascinating as the family dynamics that propel the story. The author does a particularly good job of bringing Hong Kong to life in the years and days leading up to the handover from Great Britain to China. But all of that is background to two women who are fighting their own way to independence and self awareness. I was captivated.
August 25, 2023
"My life does not belong to you or this family. It is mine and mine alone."
Ghost Girl, Banana follows a mother and her daughter over two timelines. Sook-Yin was sent to London by her family in the 1960s to regain her family's honour. Her daughter Lily, who is in her late 20s in 1997, has experienced hardship all her life due to losing her mother when she was only four. She does not know her mother well until she comes across a large inheritance and sets out to Hong Kong to learn more about it and her mother's past.
Discovering family history or secrets is always interesting, and I specifically like this kind of story. This book has a clear premise with the combined stories over decades and countries that explore multiple themes like immigration, belonging, identity, love, and family dynamics.
I was interested to learn more about the inheritance and Sook Yin's past; however, the whole story did not particularly stand out to me over other family dramas. While I liked the short chapters and found Sook-Yin's story more captivating, I sometimes got bored with the plot. And I also thought there wasn't enough depth or detail about the characters to make me truly care.
But I enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Lily and her sister, Maya. Initially, it was pretty tense, and I did not understand some of Maya's actions, but as secrets came to light and Lily knew what she wanted her life to take her, I liked seeing their interaction and closeness during this time. When Maya came to Hong Kong when she was heavily pregnant, it showed her unconditional love for her young sister; I loved seeing that.
Although I was not fond of this book, I liked the premise. I still think that this book is a promising debut. If you're into stories about family with historical settings, you can include Ghost Girl, Banana in your reading list.
Many thanks, Times Reads, for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻
Rating: 3.5 🌟
Ghost Girl, Banana follows a mother and her daughter over two timelines. Sook-Yin was sent to London by her family in the 1960s to regain her family's honour. Her daughter Lily, who is in her late 20s in 1997, has experienced hardship all her life due to losing her mother when she was only four. She does not know her mother well until she comes across a large inheritance and sets out to Hong Kong to learn more about it and her mother's past.
Discovering family history or secrets is always interesting, and I specifically like this kind of story. This book has a clear premise with the combined stories over decades and countries that explore multiple themes like immigration, belonging, identity, love, and family dynamics.
I was interested to learn more about the inheritance and Sook Yin's past; however, the whole story did not particularly stand out to me over other family dramas. While I liked the short chapters and found Sook-Yin's story more captivating, I sometimes got bored with the plot. And I also thought there wasn't enough depth or detail about the characters to make me truly care.
But I enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Lily and her sister, Maya. Initially, it was pretty tense, and I did not understand some of Maya's actions, but as secrets came to light and Lily knew what she wanted her life to take her, I liked seeing their interaction and closeness during this time. When Maya came to Hong Kong when she was heavily pregnant, it showed her unconditional love for her young sister; I loved seeing that.
Although I was not fond of this book, I liked the premise. I still think that this book is a promising debut. If you're into stories about family with historical settings, you can include Ghost Girl, Banana in your reading list.
Many thanks, Times Reads, for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻
Rating: 3.5 🌟
March 1, 2023
“ghost girl, banana” is a fantastic novel about two generations of a chinese family; a mother and daughter tell their stories simultaneously. sook-yin moves to britain to have an adventure and is ruthlessly pursued by a white man. in the present, lily is left a large sum of money by a wealthy chinese banker and must go to hong kong to accept, with no clue who he is or how he is related to her family.
daring, moving, and heartbreaking, the anti-asian sentiment in london is explored as well as the sexism that exists against chinese women. both mother and daughter have compelling stories that carry your attention throughout the entire novel. i did. prefer sook-yin’s story compared to lily’s, and it was a bit odd for sook-yin’s half of the novel to be in third person and for lily’s to be in first person.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
daring, moving, and heartbreaking, the anti-asian sentiment in london is explored as well as the sexism that exists against chinese women. both mother and daughter have compelling stories that carry your attention throughout the entire novel. i did. prefer sook-yin’s story compared to lily’s, and it was a bit odd for sook-yin’s half of the novel to be in third person and for lily’s to be in first person.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
June 13, 2023
4.5 stars.
Stunning debut on generational trauma of a Chinese immigrant family as we look between the alternate narrative and timelime of 2 characters. In 1966, Chen Sook Yin moved from Hong Kong to London to train as a nurse forced by her older brother but end up failing the exam which in spur of the moment, worked as a nanny for a Chinese friend who married into a rich man. In the present day, Lily Chen, the daughter received a letter from Hong Kong that stated she will inherit a good sum of money from the dead man Hei Fong Lee. Lily decided to return to Hong Kong to retrace her forgotten memory of her mother and the life she had back then.
The term ghost girl and banana are actually a racial slurs/insult, derogatory terms purposely used by the author to highlight that beyond the harmful notion, the women in this book aimed to reclaim their power and rise above those terms indicated their strength and will in the patriarchy society. The term "banana" here was directed at Lily as she is a half Chinese, half white (meant she was only yellow skinned on the outside but she is white in the inside, sorry for this). Ghost girl strikes almost the same notion as the latter term. The book explored on the self identity crisis, the feeling of left out from your own cultures just because you came from two different cultures but was separated from either without being accepted by both.
With alternating timeline from Sook Yin's tumultous life from the moment she step on the land in London from 1966 to 1977 with Lily or Li Li in the present time as she discovered her long lost ties with her mother and trying her hardest to become independent, this story brought clarity on the difficulties of immigrants life, the racism they experienced, the trauma that doesnt get diminished even after years and the cultural impact it have on someone's life. My heart goes to Sook Yin as she was the one with the hardest life, she was strong willed but bear the brunt of an impossibly obtuse, self centred husband Julian whom I found despicable. The men in this story are pretty much useless especially the older brother, Ah Chor, I could strangle this man alive for how irrational, controlling and manipulative he was to Sook Yin. Its insane how horrible he treated her till the end of her life.
Lily suffered the worst among the two daughter of Sook Yin. Maya, her elder sister was the successful one and Lily feeling like she fall short of expectations lives in gloom and depression, severely shutting herself and her hardship was hard to read sometimes. I applaud her courage for standing up to find the truth, to understand her life better, to seek for the lost connection, to actually wanting to live. This story also highlights on the independence of Hong Kong for being its own country from China.
Its one of the best historical fiction I read this year and also the most enjoyable despite how heavy the themes are. The writing was so easy to follow and I actually like how the author kept the conversation or dialogue suited to the person who are speaking so it makes you more invested in the story.
Thank you to Times reads for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Stunning debut on generational trauma of a Chinese immigrant family as we look between the alternate narrative and timelime of 2 characters. In 1966, Chen Sook Yin moved from Hong Kong to London to train as a nurse forced by her older brother but end up failing the exam which in spur of the moment, worked as a nanny for a Chinese friend who married into a rich man. In the present day, Lily Chen, the daughter received a letter from Hong Kong that stated she will inherit a good sum of money from the dead man Hei Fong Lee. Lily decided to return to Hong Kong to retrace her forgotten memory of her mother and the life she had back then.
The term ghost girl and banana are actually a racial slurs/insult, derogatory terms purposely used by the author to highlight that beyond the harmful notion, the women in this book aimed to reclaim their power and rise above those terms indicated their strength and will in the patriarchy society. The term "banana" here was directed at Lily as she is a half Chinese, half white (meant she was only yellow skinned on the outside but she is white in the inside, sorry for this). Ghost girl strikes almost the same notion as the latter term. The book explored on the self identity crisis, the feeling of left out from your own cultures just because you came from two different cultures but was separated from either without being accepted by both.
With alternating timeline from Sook Yin's tumultous life from the moment she step on the land in London from 1966 to 1977 with Lily or Li Li in the present time as she discovered her long lost ties with her mother and trying her hardest to become independent, this story brought clarity on the difficulties of immigrants life, the racism they experienced, the trauma that doesnt get diminished even after years and the cultural impact it have on someone's life. My heart goes to Sook Yin as she was the one with the hardest life, she was strong willed but bear the brunt of an impossibly obtuse, self centred husband Julian whom I found despicable. The men in this story are pretty much useless especially the older brother, Ah Chor, I could strangle this man alive for how irrational, controlling and manipulative he was to Sook Yin. Its insane how horrible he treated her till the end of her life.
Lily suffered the worst among the two daughter of Sook Yin. Maya, her elder sister was the successful one and Lily feeling like she fall short of expectations lives in gloom and depression, severely shutting herself and her hardship was hard to read sometimes. I applaud her courage for standing up to find the truth, to understand her life better, to seek for the lost connection, to actually wanting to live. This story also highlights on the independence of Hong Kong for being its own country from China.
Its one of the best historical fiction I read this year and also the most enjoyable despite how heavy the themes are. The writing was so easy to follow and I actually like how the author kept the conversation or dialogue suited to the person who are speaking so it makes you more invested in the story.
Thank you to Times reads for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2023
THE GOOD:
Ultimately a story about belonging. And how it's often ourselves who do the ostracizing. It is heartwarming to see our leading lady Lily find her way to happiness.
A fun mash-up of historical fiction, mystery, and suspense, with multiple surprises built in the race-to-the finish ending.
THE BAD:
It's disappointing how often racism is cited. There is an almost reflexive response to struggles wherein Caucasians in England are blamed for Lily's and Sook-Yin's struggles. Yet the only truly sinister racism displayed occurs during the portions of the tale set in Hong Kong, and is perpetrated by Asians against others of Asian descent.
Also, some of the plot-build could be shored up. Foreshadowing was often lacking or too slight, resulting in some head-scratching moments.
CONCLUSION:
An interesting read, regardless of its flaws. Cultural differences, going both directions ate highlighted, and add a lot of texture. A great read for book clubs. Recommend.
Ultimately a story about belonging. And how it's often ourselves who do the ostracizing. It is heartwarming to see our leading lady Lily find her way to happiness.
A fun mash-up of historical fiction, mystery, and suspense, with multiple surprises built in the race-to-the finish ending.
THE BAD:
It's disappointing how often racism is cited. There is an almost reflexive response to struggles wherein Caucasians in England are blamed for Lily's and Sook-Yin's struggles. Yet the only truly sinister racism displayed occurs during the portions of the tale set in Hong Kong, and is perpetrated by Asians against others of Asian descent.
Also, some of the plot-build could be shored up. Foreshadowing was often lacking or too slight, resulting in some head-scratching moments.
CONCLUSION:
An interesting read, regardless of its flaws. Cultural differences, going both directions ate highlighted, and add a lot of texture. A great read for book clubs. Recommend.
May 21, 2023
This lovely book is an emotional story about family and identity, and I flew through it quite quickly in a few hours because I just needed to finish it. It’s rich in culture that sucked me in and kept me reading as I was desperate to read more about Lily and Sook-Yin.
I couldn’t quite believe this was a debut as it certainly didn’t read like this. This is definitely an author to watch.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for sending me a copy of this and having me on the blog tour.
I couldn’t quite believe this was a debut as it certainly didn’t read like this. This is definitely an author to watch.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for sending me a copy of this and having me on the blog tour.
May 19, 2023
A wonderful debut novel which is rich in culture and identity.
In 1966 Sook-Yin leaves her home behind in Hong Kong and travels to London to start her new life. She’s not quite sure what to expect, but she’s determined she’s going to make it work.
In 1997, Sook-Yin’s daughter Lily is about to embark on her own journey - but in the opposite direction. As she travels to Hong Kong to try and find out more about a will she’s been made a beneficiary of, she starts to unpick tightly woven secrets regarding her family. Secrets which were buried a long time ago and have no business being unearthed now. But just like her mother, Lily is determined too.
What a gorgeously exhilarating depiction of Chinese culture and family. It’s hugely evocative, especially the chapters set in Hong Kong and it made me laugh and cry. I loved Sook-Yin from the second I met her. This funny, fearless and frank woman warmed my soul, and broke my heart, with her determination and resilience to keep her family together, no matter the cost. An inspiration to women the world over, we could all learn something from Sook-Yin.
Ghost Girl, Banana is such a powerful exploration of family ties and history that you’ll be thinking about these characters long after you’ve finished the book.
February 6, 2024
This is such a cute book. I loved the dual POVs. When one got slow, the other picked up, creating such a perfect pace that led to the immaculate collision of the two at the end. The twist was a little cliche, but it was still good, so it didn’t matter. The book focuses on family, belonging, racism, guilt, and much more. I love that it’s slightly historical and I learned a little about Hong Kong. I wanted to feel Lily a little deeper, but I completely fell in love with Sook-Yin.
March 26, 2024
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve read a book that was as sweepingly -and sensitively, written like this (and it’s a debut too no less!) since Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai’s, “The Mountains Sing”.
Equally epic in scope -and subject, “Ghost Girl, Banana” is a fascinating familial saga, fuelled by (earth wind and fire? Kidding -sorry, couldn’t help myself) secrets, longing, history and identity.
Though I’m not quite so sure that my very brief aforementioned summary, is conveying just how powerfully emotive, and impactful a story lies within these pages.
To me, this book feels very much like a reclamation (or tale of redemption perhaps?) in every sense of the word. From the clever choice of it’s title -with “Ghost Girl” and “Banana” being two (sadly often used) racial Asian slurs, to the thought process behind the final cover design (mine is the US edition) and how the multilayered framing and dragon motif, represents Lily’s (Li Li) uncovering and subsequent exploration of herself, and her cultural identity -STUNNING STUFF!
Then (not least of all) we have the actual story itself.
Primarily influenced by Whartons posthumous discovery of her mothers old diaries (of which, documented her early life and experiences as a Chinese immigrant living in the London during the 60s) a thematically tantalising, and deeply enriching tale is woven!
Through Whartons choice of opting for a alternating dual narrative, we (the reader) are not only able to draw parallels between mother and daughter -with Sook-Yin’s 1960s experience, told from a third person (some may say, “omniscient” style) perspective, framed against Lily’s late 90s, “cultural revolution rising”, first person -almost soul (or almost voice) searching perspective, both of which clearly portrays two young women struggling to find not only their “place” within a (politically and racially) tumultuous world at large, but desperately grappling with inner, more personal feelings of identity and familial displacement too, but effectively (and affectively too I might add) admits all that is seemingly (almost always) against them (especially as women of colour), they are able to rise up to said challenges, and forge new paths and ways to create a space (or place) for themselves.
A poignantly powerful debut -I can’t wait to read what Wharton writes next!
4.5 (maybe 5?) stars
PS -only really knocking off 1/2 star because (rather selfishly I admit) I would’ve loved to have had a third perspective from one of the older ladies (Sook-yins mother/Lilys grandmother for example), and heard more about her experiences living as a young girl/woman during the rise of communist china, as well as her life as a young wife/ex wife and mother at that time.
But again, that’s just me (greedily) wanting more !
Equally epic in scope -and subject, “Ghost Girl, Banana” is a fascinating familial saga, fuelled by (earth wind and fire? Kidding -sorry, couldn’t help myself) secrets, longing, history and identity.
Though I’m not quite so sure that my very brief aforementioned summary, is conveying just how powerfully emotive, and impactful a story lies within these pages.
To me, this book feels very much like a reclamation (or tale of redemption perhaps?) in every sense of the word. From the clever choice of it’s title -with “Ghost Girl” and “Banana” being two (sadly often used) racial Asian slurs, to the thought process behind the final cover design (mine is the US edition) and how the multilayered framing and dragon motif, represents Lily’s (Li Li) uncovering and subsequent exploration of herself, and her cultural identity -STUNNING STUFF!
Then (not least of all) we have the actual story itself.
Primarily influenced by Whartons posthumous discovery of her mothers old diaries (of which, documented her early life and experiences as a Chinese immigrant living in the London during the 60s) a thematically tantalising, and deeply enriching tale is woven!
Through Whartons choice of opting for a alternating dual narrative, we (the reader) are not only able to draw parallels between mother and daughter -with Sook-Yin’s 1960s experience, told from a third person (some may say, “omniscient” style) perspective, framed against Lily’s late 90s, “cultural revolution rising”, first person -almost soul (or almost voice) searching perspective, both of which clearly portrays two young women struggling to find not only their “place” within a (politically and racially) tumultuous world at large, but desperately grappling with inner, more personal feelings of identity and familial displacement too, but effectively (and affectively too I might add) admits all that is seemingly (almost always) against them (especially as women of colour), they are able to rise up to said challenges, and forge new paths and ways to create a space (or place) for themselves.
A poignantly powerful debut -I can’t wait to read what Wharton writes next!
4.5 (maybe 5?) stars
PS -only really knocking off 1/2 star because (rather selfishly I admit) I would’ve loved to have had a third perspective from one of the older ladies (Sook-yins mother/Lilys grandmother for example), and heard more about her experiences living as a young girl/woman during the rise of communist china, as well as her life as a young wife/ex wife and mother at that time.
But again, that’s just me (greedily) wanting more !
April 30, 2023
after reading a book like bellies, i could only find this one disappointing! i liked the duel narration + characters (although the sisters were giving fleabag and claire a bit too much in a way that felt a little derivative). and i guess the stakes just did not feel as high as i think they were meant to come across. the reveals at the end were just very OK and i think more could have been done with tying in the personal and political (which was attempted but not executed that well in my opinion). i think if you like more 'cozy' mysteries then this may be more up your street? my reading experience was just very lacklustre + i didn't really feel that i gained much from reading this one. maybe its the timing of reading it after such an earth shattering book, but i just felt so disappointed by it! but there was a lot i did like, just in a way that i felt was maybe narratively incohesive. the style was very simplistic in a way that just did not stand out to me. generally disappointing :(
May 21, 2023
This book had promise - an immigration story that featured a woman from Hong Kong, of which I knew little, family secrets, historical fiction - all the right ingredients for me. However, sadly I just wasn't gripped enough. I found the contemporary storyline boring, with hints into the less than perfect lives of the sisters, but not enough depth and detail for me to care. I did find Sook-Yin's story more engaging, but again found the characterisation lacked depth and I couldn't connect very strongly with her journey. I'm afraid I just wasn't enjoying the reading experience and DNFd after 25%.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
May 22, 2025
Hit very close to home
November 8, 2023
I had a galley of this book for a while and put off reading it, not knowing what it was about but mistakenly thinking it was sad-girl Brit lit. How wrong was I!
Ghost Girl, Banana is a mother-daughter story set in London and Hong Kong, in a dual timeline from 1966-1977 and in 1997, at the time of the handover of Hong Kong by Britain to China.
It’s a story of identity, belonging, family secrets and sibling rivalry written in clean, crisp prose and in shifting chapters that at the beginning of the story are a little jarring, but give the story pace and power as it reaches its conclusion.
Lily Miller (or Li-Li) grew up in London, the misfit daughter of a Hong Kong mother (Sook-Yin, who died when Lily was young) and white English father. When Lily is unexpectedly named as a beneficiary in a will of a wealthy businessman from Hong Kong, Lily sets out on a pilgrimage to Kowloon to discover her mother’s past, what caused Sook-Yin to be exiled to London and ultimately her tragic passing.
With a deft and elegant style, the book addresses biracial identity and racism, and the difficulties women face carving out an existence and a future for their children when the men in their life are worse than useless.
I loved Sook-Yin’s story and her dogged perseverance, when everything that could go wrong for her did go wrong. I also loved Lily’s first person narrative, and the way in which she found herself and listened to her inner voice, which others in her life had muted for too long.
At the end of the book, the author has a lovely note explaining how the book was inspired by her own mother’s diaries which the author found only after her mother’s unexpected death. The title of the book is derived from two racial slurs: In Hong Kong, Lily is called “gwei mui” or ghost girl, because she doesn't fit the mould of Chinese. Her mother is called “banana” by her family because while she's ethnically Chinese, she is perceived to have become westernised on the inside.
A moving, funny, fresh and intriguing story that many readers will warm to and find relatable. 4/5⭐️
Ghost Girl, Banana was published by @hodderbooks in May and is widely available. Many thanks to the author, publisher and @netgalley for the arc. As always, this is an honest review.
Ghost Girl, Banana is a mother-daughter story set in London and Hong Kong, in a dual timeline from 1966-1977 and in 1997, at the time of the handover of Hong Kong by Britain to China.
It’s a story of identity, belonging, family secrets and sibling rivalry written in clean, crisp prose and in shifting chapters that at the beginning of the story are a little jarring, but give the story pace and power as it reaches its conclusion.
Lily Miller (or Li-Li) grew up in London, the misfit daughter of a Hong Kong mother (Sook-Yin, who died when Lily was young) and white English father. When Lily is unexpectedly named as a beneficiary in a will of a wealthy businessman from Hong Kong, Lily sets out on a pilgrimage to Kowloon to discover her mother’s past, what caused Sook-Yin to be exiled to London and ultimately her tragic passing.
With a deft and elegant style, the book addresses biracial identity and racism, and the difficulties women face carving out an existence and a future for their children when the men in their life are worse than useless.
I loved Sook-Yin’s story and her dogged perseverance, when everything that could go wrong for her did go wrong. I also loved Lily’s first person narrative, and the way in which she found herself and listened to her inner voice, which others in her life had muted for too long.
At the end of the book, the author has a lovely note explaining how the book was inspired by her own mother’s diaries which the author found only after her mother’s unexpected death. The title of the book is derived from two racial slurs: In Hong Kong, Lily is called “gwei mui” or ghost girl, because she doesn't fit the mould of Chinese. Her mother is called “banana” by her family because while she's ethnically Chinese, she is perceived to have become westernised on the inside.
A moving, funny, fresh and intriguing story that many readers will warm to and find relatable. 4/5⭐️
Ghost Girl, Banana was published by @hodderbooks in May and is widely available. Many thanks to the author, publisher and @netgalley for the arc. As always, this is an honest review.
May 1, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Ghost Girl, Banana follows two women, a mother and her daughter, over two separate timelines. Sook-Yin was sent to London in 1966 to try and regain honour in her family. Her daughter, Lily, has suffered throughout her life as a result of losing her mother at 4 years old. Their combined stories weave throughout decades and continents, exploring identity, belonging, mental health, immigration, and the tribulations of family expectations and deceptions.
This book was a slow burn for me. The execution felt a little flat for most of the book, and the characters lacked the depth to fully express the themes being highlighted throughout the plot.
However, the format really kept you intrigued as you joined Lily on a discovery of her mother's past, helping her to come to an understanding of not only what lead to her mother's death, but also her own ghosts within her past.
I really enjoyed the evolution of the relationship between Lily and her sister, Maya. It was very strained in the beginning, but as secrets are revealed and Lily came to terms with who she is and where she wants her life to lead her, I loved watching the effects this had on the dynamics between this next generation.
I also came to appreciate the dual element of the title, as revealed through the plot, really emphasising and expressing the theme of identity and prejudice both women dealt with.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this eARC in exchange for a review.
Ghost Girl, Banana follows two women, a mother and her daughter, over two separate timelines. Sook-Yin was sent to London in 1966 to try and regain honour in her family. Her daughter, Lily, has suffered throughout her life as a result of losing her mother at 4 years old. Their combined stories weave throughout decades and continents, exploring identity, belonging, mental health, immigration, and the tribulations of family expectations and deceptions.
This book was a slow burn for me. The execution felt a little flat for most of the book, and the characters lacked the depth to fully express the themes being highlighted throughout the plot.
However, the format really kept you intrigued as you joined Lily on a discovery of her mother's past, helping her to come to an understanding of not only what lead to her mother's death, but also her own ghosts within her past.
I really enjoyed the evolution of the relationship between Lily and her sister, Maya. It was very strained in the beginning, but as secrets are revealed and Lily came to terms with who she is and where she wants her life to lead her, I loved watching the effects this had on the dynamics between this next generation.
I also came to appreciate the dual element of the title, as revealed through the plot, really emphasising and expressing the theme of identity and prejudice both women dealt with.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this eARC in exchange for a review.
March 5, 2023
This is a powerful tale of what people will do for the people they love and how they can be let down by members of their family.
It follows two women - a mother and her daughter - through two separate timelines. The daughter, Lily, lost her mother when she was just 4 and has suffered for it the rest of her life.
When Lily is invited to go to Hong Kong to collect a sizeable inheritance from the estate of a man she's never heard of, it's an opportunity for her to uncover her mother's past and learn more about who she is and where she has come from.
I found the first quarter of the book hard to get my head around. I had a couple of characters completely mixed up in my mind, but it all resolved later.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I wanted to tell the mother to kick her waistrel husband to the kerb multiple times, but the book made me care, and for that I commend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this enjoyable read.
It follows two women - a mother and her daughter - through two separate timelines. The daughter, Lily, lost her mother when she was just 4 and has suffered for it the rest of her life.
When Lily is invited to go to Hong Kong to collect a sizeable inheritance from the estate of a man she's never heard of, it's an opportunity for her to uncover her mother's past and learn more about who she is and where she has come from.
I found the first quarter of the book hard to get my head around. I had a couple of characters completely mixed up in my mind, but it all resolved later.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I wanted to tell the mother to kick her waistrel husband to the kerb multiple times, but the book made me care, and for that I commend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this enjoyable read.
November 19, 2023
a true page turner, the characters MAKE this book with a diverse cast that while being distinct all coalesce into the connection family creates. following this story was like peeling off the bandage of an open wound to let it breath, both necessary yet cruel too. the perspective it gave on being an immigrant into the uk as well as being a native poc was eye opening in a way i didn’t expect from this novel and i’m so glad for it! i loved every minute of reading this book and would recommend to anyone and everyone.
April 21, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Pub Day: 4-25-2023
This story starts slowly with introductions to our two POV’s. The mother, Sook-Yin, and her experiences from 1966 through 1977 and then her youngest daughter Lily, in 1997.
The chapters are fairly short and jump back and forth in time and perspective, which actually made the story fly by. And what a story it was! There’s a mystery at the center of this story that kept my curiosity peaked and I thoroughly enjoyed reading along as Lily investigated each new clue.
I’m not sure I’ve read a book that made me feel so deeply for someone moving to a foreign country and trying to fit in. The writing was powerful and the characters were complex and flawed in the most magnetic ways.
I did struggle a little with some of the nicknames at the beginning, having to reread a few lines to understand who was being referenced. Overall though, it was an incredible story that I found terribly hard to put down! This is one I think my historical fiction loving friends will enjoy!
Thank you @harperviabooks for the alc on @netgalley !
Pub Day: 4-25-2023
This story starts slowly with introductions to our two POV’s. The mother, Sook-Yin, and her experiences from 1966 through 1977 and then her youngest daughter Lily, in 1997.
The chapters are fairly short and jump back and forth in time and perspective, which actually made the story fly by. And what a story it was! There’s a mystery at the center of this story that kept my curiosity peaked and I thoroughly enjoyed reading along as Lily investigated each new clue.
I’m not sure I’ve read a book that made me feel so deeply for someone moving to a foreign country and trying to fit in. The writing was powerful and the characters were complex and flawed in the most magnetic ways.
I did struggle a little with some of the nicknames at the beginning, having to reread a few lines to understand who was being referenced. Overall though, it was an incredible story that I found terribly hard to put down! This is one I think my historical fiction loving friends will enjoy!
Thank you @harperviabooks for the alc on @netgalley !
September 6, 2024
Written in a brilliant way and with short chapters, this book was fast paced with great character development and excellent plot.
It has themes of identity, family secrets, sisterhood, inter racial relationships, love and loss, marriage and belonging.
It has themes of identity, family secrets, sisterhood, inter racial relationships, love and loss, marriage and belonging.
January 10, 2025
An impressive debut! I’m a sucker for novels structured with alternating perspectives that cross generations. Beyond that, Wharton exploration of immigrant identities via Sook-Yin’s story felt fresh and unpredictable. I also enjoyed how Lily and Maya’s relationship was explored and wished Sook-Yin’s relationship with her brother offered the same (still left with so many questions there).
November 20, 2023
4/5 - historical fiction spanning 3 decades and 3 generations
There are also some really infuriating characters in here
There are also some really infuriating characters in here
May 1, 2023
First, a thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.
I just… I couldn’t get into this one. I was perfectly primed for reading, sitting on the beach with no plans, but I found myself taking absurdly long breaks between every sentence to just stare into the abyss.
Maybe this is a case of right book/wrong time, but since I’m embracing a Marie Kondu attitude toward DNF’ing this year, it’s time to move on. I only made it 5% in.
I just… I couldn’t get into this one. I was perfectly primed for reading, sitting on the beach with no plans, but I found myself taking absurdly long breaks between every sentence to just stare into the abyss.
Maybe this is a case of right book/wrong time, but since I’m embracing a Marie Kondu attitude toward DNF’ing this year, it’s time to move on. I only made it 5% in.
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