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Dearest Intimate
A multi-layered tale that explores the myriad facets of love, intimidation and reconciliation
The famous cross-dressing Cantonese opera singer, Chan Kam Foong, passes away, leaving her secret journal to her granddaughter, Xiu Yin, an archival officer at the Singapore National Archives.
Xiu Yin reads through the journal that chronicles her grandmother’s relationship with Dearest Intimate in their village in China to their respective escapes to the Nanyang before WWII and her desperate search for Dearest Intimate in Singapore. Her grandmother’s reflections and letters to Dearest Intimate forces Xiu Yin to examine her marriage to an abusive husband and she plucks up the courage to leave him.
A surprise encounter with her first love, a rising Cantonese opera singer, brings a period of calm and joy. But when Meng proposes marriage, Xiu Yin backs off and he leaves for Hong Kong. It takes three years of loneliness and letter writing before they reunite again.
The famous cross-dressing Cantonese opera singer, Chan Kam Foong, passes away, leaving her secret journal to her granddaughter, Xiu Yin, an archival officer at the Singapore National Archives.
Xiu Yin reads through the journal that chronicles her grandmother’s relationship with Dearest Intimate in their village in China to their respective escapes to the Nanyang before WWII and her desperate search for Dearest Intimate in Singapore. Her grandmother’s reflections and letters to Dearest Intimate forces Xiu Yin to examine her marriage to an abusive husband and she plucks up the courage to leave him.
A surprise encounter with her first love, a rising Cantonese opera singer, brings a period of calm and joy. But when Meng proposes marriage, Xiu Yin backs off and he leaves for Hong Kong. It takes three years of loneliness and letter writing before they reunite again.
476 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2022
7 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Suchen Christine Lim
20 books32 followersBorn in Malaysia in 1948, grew up on both sides of the causeway that separates Malaysia from Singapore. Came to Singapore at age 14, studied in the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus schools, and the National University of Singapore. Taught in a junior college and worked as a curriculum specialist in the Ministry of Education. Resigned in 2003 to write full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 5, 2024
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
It’s quite an honour to be invited on any @tandemcollectiveglobal campaign. This time around I was selected to take part in a global readalong event that saw over two hundred readers from around the world collaborate together on the Dearest Intimate readalong, which also celebrates Singaporean literature.
A many-sided tale told directly from the heart, Dearest Intimate is an intergenerational saga that encompasses many ideas, themes, events and stories from a family set. These women battle love, coercion, duress, suppression and compromise as the tides of war, change, ambition, expectation and progress take them hostage. A fragile but also authoritative read, Dearest Intimate bares the souls of the female protagonists who inhabit the pages of Suchen Christine Lim’s masterpiece.
Be mindful of the triggers and content warnings in this one prior to starting your journey with Dearest Intimate. There are moments of spousal abuse, cruelty, death, loss and poverty among others. However, once you get past these possible triggers, a story unfolds that is steeped in culture, tradition, custom, history, language, politics and traditional dishes. I was even schooled in the art of the Cantonese Opera! I definitely appreciated the chance to glean more about a place, era and culture I did not have a great working knowledge of, so this book definitely opened my eyes to a diverse form of storytelling. The prose itself is poetic and prolific, making an impression on the reader. I especially appreciated the journal and letters forms of relaying a narrative perspective, which is told in conjunction with a present-day standpoint.
Dearest Intimate is a rich and vibrant tale of family bonds, links to our ancestors, the trauma of the past, ambition, heritage, finding your true calling in life, motherhood, sisterhood and above all else love in its many guises. This story pushed me to my limits reading wise and I felt empowered by the experience.
✅️AD PR PRODUCT
It’s quite an honour to be invited on any @tandemcollectiveglobal campaign. This time around I was selected to take part in a global readalong event that saw over two hundred readers from around the world collaborate together on the Dearest Intimate readalong, which also celebrates Singaporean literature.
A many-sided tale told directly from the heart, Dearest Intimate is an intergenerational saga that encompasses many ideas, themes, events and stories from a family set. These women battle love, coercion, duress, suppression and compromise as the tides of war, change, ambition, expectation and progress take them hostage. A fragile but also authoritative read, Dearest Intimate bares the souls of the female protagonists who inhabit the pages of Suchen Christine Lim’s masterpiece.
Be mindful of the triggers and content warnings in this one prior to starting your journey with Dearest Intimate. There are moments of spousal abuse, cruelty, death, loss and poverty among others. However, once you get past these possible triggers, a story unfolds that is steeped in culture, tradition, custom, history, language, politics and traditional dishes. I was even schooled in the art of the Cantonese Opera! I definitely appreciated the chance to glean more about a place, era and culture I did not have a great working knowledge of, so this book definitely opened my eyes to a diverse form of storytelling. The prose itself is poetic and prolific, making an impression on the reader. I especially appreciated the journal and letters forms of relaying a narrative perspective, which is told in conjunction with a present-day standpoint.
Dearest Intimate is a rich and vibrant tale of family bonds, links to our ancestors, the trauma of the past, ambition, heritage, finding your true calling in life, motherhood, sisterhood and above all else love in its many guises. This story pushed me to my limits reading wise and I felt empowered by the experience.
✅️AD PR PRODUCT
March 4, 2024
Thank you to The Tandem Collective for providing this book for the readalong.
I loved this book, it drew me in straight away, blending history and music/opera, LGBT+ themes, and at its heart a story of family and female relationships.
A tale of the strength of women living in a patriarchal society and finding the freedom to live on their own terms.
I loved this book, it drew me in straight away, blending history and music/opera, LGBT+ themes, and at its heart a story of family and female relationships.
A tale of the strength of women living in a patriarchal society and finding the freedom to live on their own terms.
March 4, 2024
I was gifted a copy of this book in partnership with Tandem Collective, Marshall Cavendish, and the National Arts Council of Singapore for a global readalong to highlight Singaporean lit. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“Sell ring. Buy passage. Come to Nan Yang.” — the eight words that served as a catalyst for the rest of Kam Foong’s life and the generations to follow.
From a small village in China to Singapore, Kam Foong joins an opera group and cross-dresses in the hopes that one day, she will find her Dearest Intimate and be reunited with them.
This multigenerational story partly told through letters/journal entries is taut with emotion. The female characters embody what it means to be strong. It’s full of love, loss, angst, forbidden romance, hardships, and survival.
What begins as a series of letters to her lost lover, transitions to this immortalization of memory and longing, as Kam Foong endures a time of poverty and grief tied to child loss during the war.
“... and, dearest, if we do speak on the phone, our words no matter how intimate will dissipate once they are spoken. Our memory of them will change over time, and their meanings in our memory will be coloured by our current mood and sentiments. But the written word is permanent. Forever on the page.”
In the present day, as a granddaughter reads through her late grandmother’s journal, she finds the courage and strength to leave an abusive marriage.
There are so many heavier themes in Dearest Intimate, but the way they were all handled is indicative of how skilled the author is as a writer. They exemplify that SA does not need to be overtly graphic in descriptors in order to convey the emotions tied to a distressing experience. Coupled with the depth of the writing throughout, this story proved to be emotionally impactful.
Dearest Intimate is a story that is reflective and healing, and will stay with me for a long time.
“Your grandparents, theirs was a deep love. Not sex. Not passion. But an intimacy of the heart. Beyond others’ gaze. Beyond words. Intimacy was what had kept them alive besides you.”
cw: child loss, stillbirth, domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse, alcoholism, disordered eating, rape, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts
“Sell ring. Buy passage. Come to Nan Yang.” — the eight words that served as a catalyst for the rest of Kam Foong’s life and the generations to follow.
From a small village in China to Singapore, Kam Foong joins an opera group and cross-dresses in the hopes that one day, she will find her Dearest Intimate and be reunited with them.
This multigenerational story partly told through letters/journal entries is taut with emotion. The female characters embody what it means to be strong. It’s full of love, loss, angst, forbidden romance, hardships, and survival.
What begins as a series of letters to her lost lover, transitions to this immortalization of memory and longing, as Kam Foong endures a time of poverty and grief tied to child loss during the war.
“... and, dearest, if we do speak on the phone, our words no matter how intimate will dissipate once they are spoken. Our memory of them will change over time, and their meanings in our memory will be coloured by our current mood and sentiments. But the written word is permanent. Forever on the page.”
In the present day, as a granddaughter reads through her late grandmother’s journal, she finds the courage and strength to leave an abusive marriage.
There are so many heavier themes in Dearest Intimate, but the way they were all handled is indicative of how skilled the author is as a writer. They exemplify that SA does not need to be overtly graphic in descriptors in order to convey the emotions tied to a distressing experience. Coupled with the depth of the writing throughout, this story proved to be emotionally impactful.
Dearest Intimate is a story that is reflective and healing, and will stay with me for a long time.
“Your grandparents, theirs was a deep love. Not sex. Not passion. But an intimacy of the heart. Beyond others’ gaze. Beyond words. Intimacy was what had kept them alive besides you.”
cw: child loss, stillbirth, domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse, alcoholism, disordered eating, rape, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts
February 29, 2024
Dearest Intimate by Suchen Christine Lim is a profound literary journey that has left a lasting imprint on my mind.
This multi-layered tale intricately weaves together themes of love, sisterhood, spousal abuse, and Cantonese opera across three generations of women. From the cross-dressing opera actress Chan Kam Foong to her granddaughter, Xiu Yin, trapped in an abusive marriage, the stories unfold against the backdrop of Singapore's transformation from low-rise slum housing to modern high-rise apartment blocks. The narrative seamlessly shifts between past and present, bridging rural pre-war China to contemporary Singapore and the tumultuous era of Japanese occupation.
The book employs dual points of view, narrated by Xiu Yin, ensnared in an abusive marriage, and Chan Kam Foong, her grandmother, who, through her diary, unfolds the tapestry of her life. The grandmother's tale becomes a source of unexpected strength for her granddaughter. Both perspectives resonated with me deeply – Xiu Yin's complex journey towards redemption after a life submissive to an abusive love, and Chan Kam Foong's perspective providing insights into the customs, traditions, and transformations of China before, during, and after World War II.
I cherished both viewpoints ,Xiu Yin's strength and determination moved me as she sought liberation from a love that was anything but, while Chan Kam Foong's narrative provided a fascinating exploration of a woman who defied societal norms, surpassing the roles of wife and mother.
The book, akin to pure poetry, immerses readers within its pages. Chan Kam Foong's story unfolds through a diary dedicated to her most intimate confidante, a person torn away from her, yet ever present in her imagination, offering the strength to endure and survive.
This multi-layered tale intricately weaves together themes of love, sisterhood, spousal abuse, and Cantonese opera across three generations of women. From the cross-dressing opera actress Chan Kam Foong to her granddaughter, Xiu Yin, trapped in an abusive marriage, the stories unfold against the backdrop of Singapore's transformation from low-rise slum housing to modern high-rise apartment blocks. The narrative seamlessly shifts between past and present, bridging rural pre-war China to contemporary Singapore and the tumultuous era of Japanese occupation.
The book employs dual points of view, narrated by Xiu Yin, ensnared in an abusive marriage, and Chan Kam Foong, her grandmother, who, through her diary, unfolds the tapestry of her life. The grandmother's tale becomes a source of unexpected strength for her granddaughter. Both perspectives resonated with me deeply – Xiu Yin's complex journey towards redemption after a life submissive to an abusive love, and Chan Kam Foong's perspective providing insights into the customs, traditions, and transformations of China before, during, and after World War II.
I cherished both viewpoints ,Xiu Yin's strength and determination moved me as she sought liberation from a love that was anything but, while Chan Kam Foong's narrative provided a fascinating exploration of a woman who defied societal norms, surpassing the roles of wife and mother.
The book, akin to pure poetry, immerses readers within its pages. Chan Kam Foong's story unfolds through a diary dedicated to her most intimate confidante, a person torn away from her, yet ever present in her imagination, offering the strength to endure and survive.
March 4, 2024
4🌟
📖S Y N O P S I S📖
Upon the passing of the renowned cross-dressing Cantonese opera singer, Cham Kam Foong, her granddaughter Xiu Yin, inherits her secret journal. In the journal, Xiu Yin discovers her grandmother’s poignant tale of love with “Dearest Intimate”, from their childhood village in China to their escape to Nanyang before WWII. As Xiu Yin reads through her grandmother’s reflections, she confronts the parallels within her own life.
Ah, this book is gorgeous. I can’t express how lovely it is. The writing at times is poetic, balanced perfectly in the realms of storytelling. Dearest Intimate SPOILS us with what it offers. Across generations and countries, tales of love, divorce and war are weaved intricately whilst also serving poignant lessons of history and traditions. Don’t get me wrong here, it is not hectic. Despite a lot going on, it’s delivered so gently 🥰.
The book is in dual POV, narrated by Xiu Yin who is trapped in an abusive marriage, and Cham Kam Foong, her grandmother who through her diary unfolds the multifaceted tapestry of her life. I went back and forth with which POV I enjoyed most, but ultimately, I loved them both in equal measure. I adored seeing Xiu’s grandmother’s past secrets come to light and how in a way that strength enabled Xiu to change her current situation.
From the hardships during the war and lost connections to the great success of the Cantonese opera, I was so invested. I also really enjoyed reading about different cultural traditions, down to sayings and the food! My absolute favourite thing about this book though is how gorgeously perfect it captured the nature of intimacy and love 💕. Love reciprocated, love lost, love in silence, ugh divine. There are so many lovely quotes that had me in a chokehold but these two are my favourite…
“Theirs was a deep love. Not sex. Not passion. But an intimacy of the heart. Beyond others’ gaze. Beyond words. Intimacy is what had kept them alive”
“The two of them hardly spoke to each other when I was growing up and I did not understand the language of loves silence then”
*thank you @tandemcollectiveuk @tandemcollectiveuk for my gifted copy!
📖S Y N O P S I S📖
Upon the passing of the renowned cross-dressing Cantonese opera singer, Cham Kam Foong, her granddaughter Xiu Yin, inherits her secret journal. In the journal, Xiu Yin discovers her grandmother’s poignant tale of love with “Dearest Intimate”, from their childhood village in China to their escape to Nanyang before WWII. As Xiu Yin reads through her grandmother’s reflections, she confronts the parallels within her own life.
Ah, this book is gorgeous. I can’t express how lovely it is. The writing at times is poetic, balanced perfectly in the realms of storytelling. Dearest Intimate SPOILS us with what it offers. Across generations and countries, tales of love, divorce and war are weaved intricately whilst also serving poignant lessons of history and traditions. Don’t get me wrong here, it is not hectic. Despite a lot going on, it’s delivered so gently 🥰.
The book is in dual POV, narrated by Xiu Yin who is trapped in an abusive marriage, and Cham Kam Foong, her grandmother who through her diary unfolds the multifaceted tapestry of her life. I went back and forth with which POV I enjoyed most, but ultimately, I loved them both in equal measure. I adored seeing Xiu’s grandmother’s past secrets come to light and how in a way that strength enabled Xiu to change her current situation.
From the hardships during the war and lost connections to the great success of the Cantonese opera, I was so invested. I also really enjoyed reading about different cultural traditions, down to sayings and the food! My absolute favourite thing about this book though is how gorgeously perfect it captured the nature of intimacy and love 💕. Love reciprocated, love lost, love in silence, ugh divine. There are so many lovely quotes that had me in a chokehold but these two are my favourite…
“Theirs was a deep love. Not sex. Not passion. But an intimacy of the heart. Beyond others’ gaze. Beyond words. Intimacy is what had kept them alive”
“The two of them hardly spoke to each other when I was growing up and I did not understand the language of loves silence then”
*thank you @tandemcollectiveuk @tandemcollectiveuk for my gifted copy!
March 6, 2024
«Speech would not change a thing. But words once written down will be remembered».
I love this book with my whole heart!
The author was able to crafting a captivating story with a powerful writing. Also a well developed characters. Mark my words!
Dearest Intimate is a gripping story about love, family, pain, sacrifice and struggle. But more than anything it is about how the human spirit can never in the end be crushed by the cruelty.
The author writing have a powerful meaning, and it's deeply bounded in my soul. The greatness of this tale! The deepest and purest love of all: two young girls, two friends, two lover that couldn't have been together in the way they want. This is the begging of this story.
I felt the commotion of twisted emotions about the Kam Foong's journey reaching the foreign land Nanyang, filed with so many strangers speakings strange tongues. And yet, the yearning of each step she took for searching her Dearest Intimate.
But then the war broke out through the pages. We'll see through the writing the ruthless of the japanese invasion, the unspeakable fear of darker times.
All the characters of the book are very complex and they develop throughout the story.
We feel the desire. Hatred. Love. Forgiveness. Loneliness. Every characters struck the reader with the intensity of life.
The writing of this book stabbed me right here in the core of my heart! This story overcome the fear and the abuse, for reaching something good in the life. Something like the love for each other, the empathy, the bound between people that is unbreakable.
These women had gone through a lot on theirs life. And yet, they stand.
My heart swelled with pride, love and pain for these strong women, that they go through to much without a sound. I see you and you make me so proud of.
This books is like a ray of sunshine. Warm, beautiful and very precious. And it's full of authenticity. Highly recommend.
I love this book with my whole heart!
The author was able to crafting a captivating story with a powerful writing. Also a well developed characters. Mark my words!
Dearest Intimate is a gripping story about love, family, pain, sacrifice and struggle. But more than anything it is about how the human spirit can never in the end be crushed by the cruelty.
The author writing have a powerful meaning, and it's deeply bounded in my soul. The greatness of this tale! The deepest and purest love of all: two young girls, two friends, two lover that couldn't have been together in the way they want. This is the begging of this story.
I felt the commotion of twisted emotions about the Kam Foong's journey reaching the foreign land Nanyang, filed with so many strangers speakings strange tongues. And yet, the yearning of each step she took for searching her Dearest Intimate.
But then the war broke out through the pages. We'll see through the writing the ruthless of the japanese invasion, the unspeakable fear of darker times.
All the characters of the book are very complex and they develop throughout the story.
We feel the desire. Hatred. Love. Forgiveness. Loneliness. Every characters struck the reader with the intensity of life.
The writing of this book stabbed me right here in the core of my heart! This story overcome the fear and the abuse, for reaching something good in the life. Something like the love for each other, the empathy, the bound between people that is unbreakable.
These women had gone through a lot on theirs life. And yet, they stand.
My heart swelled with pride, love and pain for these strong women, that they go through to much without a sound. I see you and you make me so proud of.
This books is like a ray of sunshine. Warm, beautiful and very precious. And it's full of authenticity. Highly recommend.
March 2, 2024
Dearest Intimate by Suchen Christine Lim is a book that left me stunned by the beautiful prose, broke my heart, but still left me with a sense of peace. It truly is: "Love. Intimidation. Reconciliation."
This is a stunning historical fiction in which the "narrative shifts between present and past, balancing accounts of rural pre-war China with present-day Singapore and the terror and chaos of the Japanese occupation."
To say that I have never read a book like this is an understatement; it is a work of art with passionately broad brushstrokes. It is the minutiae of life while surviving wartime and the muzzled confinement that is surviving an abusive relationship. Both women trapped in their own purgatory.
The two perspectives run alongside each other, switching back and forth as the horrors play out. The timing of the perspective shifts were eloquently done, and I became completely involved before each change, only to find myself once again overwhelmingly engrossed.
As heartbreaking as the story was many times, there is hope and love present as well. Love that surpasses hardship, overcoming obstacles and barriers. A love that is beyond real.
If you like historical fiction that surrounds you in culture, I can not recommend this one enough!
Thank you Tandem Collective Global and Marshall Cavendish for the complimentary copy to read and review.
AD-PR PRODUCT
This is a stunning historical fiction in which the "narrative shifts between present and past, balancing accounts of rural pre-war China with present-day Singapore and the terror and chaos of the Japanese occupation."
To say that I have never read a book like this is an understatement; it is a work of art with passionately broad brushstrokes. It is the minutiae of life while surviving wartime and the muzzled confinement that is surviving an abusive relationship. Both women trapped in their own purgatory.
The two perspectives run alongside each other, switching back and forth as the horrors play out. The timing of the perspective shifts were eloquently done, and I became completely involved before each change, only to find myself once again overwhelmingly engrossed.
As heartbreaking as the story was many times, there is hope and love present as well. Love that surpasses hardship, overcoming obstacles and barriers. A love that is beyond real.
If you like historical fiction that surrounds you in culture, I can not recommend this one enough!
Thank you Tandem Collective Global and Marshall Cavendish for the complimentary copy to read and review.
AD-PR PRODUCT
June 7, 2024
“Dearest Intimate” is a profound narrative, delving into themes of love, sisterhood, abuse, loss, and grief, primarily centered around a Cantonese opera singer. Spanning three generations, from Chan Kam Foong to her granddaughter Xiu Yin, the story unfolds across three distinct parts, weaving a poignant tapestry of their intertwined lives.
Life took unexpected turns for Kam Foong, from her humble origins in China to her eventual involvement in an opera troupe in Singapore, disguised as a young man. Amidst revelations of her true identity, she finds solace in her “Dearest Intimate,” who has already borne a son. Kam Foong’s sense of duty binds her to lead into a tumultuous journey of survival through war and hardship, eventually finding refuge and familial bonds within her opera troupe.
As Kam Foong approaches her final moments, her journal becomes a poignant legacy, passed on to Xiu Yin by a doctor. Through its pages, Xiu Yin embarks on a transformative journey, uncovering hidden truths and summoning the strength to break free from an abusive marriage. Time may weather her, but it also fosters resilience and growth, leading to a poignant conclusion that left me in tears.
I didn’t want to rush through the book; I savored each page, relishing the author’s exquisite prose. This marks my inaugural encounter with her work, and I’m already a devoted admirer. Her poetic style captivated me, leaving an indelible impression, unlike my failed attempt at another poetical work last year. This book, however, I will cherish.
A testament to the human spirit, “Dearest Intimate” is a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with readers. Its title aptly encapsulates the essence of the story, making it a must-read for all who seek literary enlightenment.
Thank you for the Readalong @tandemcollectiveglobal @tandemcollectiveuk @marshallcavendish @nacsingapore
Life took unexpected turns for Kam Foong, from her humble origins in China to her eventual involvement in an opera troupe in Singapore, disguised as a young man. Amidst revelations of her true identity, she finds solace in her “Dearest Intimate,” who has already borne a son. Kam Foong’s sense of duty binds her to lead into a tumultuous journey of survival through war and hardship, eventually finding refuge and familial bonds within her opera troupe.
As Kam Foong approaches her final moments, her journal becomes a poignant legacy, passed on to Xiu Yin by a doctor. Through its pages, Xiu Yin embarks on a transformative journey, uncovering hidden truths and summoning the strength to break free from an abusive marriage. Time may weather her, but it also fosters resilience and growth, leading to a poignant conclusion that left me in tears.
I didn’t want to rush through the book; I savored each page, relishing the author’s exquisite prose. This marks my inaugural encounter with her work, and I’m already a devoted admirer. Her poetic style captivated me, leaving an indelible impression, unlike my failed attempt at another poetical work last year. This book, however, I will cherish.
A testament to the human spirit, “Dearest Intimate” is a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with readers. Its title aptly encapsulates the essence of the story, making it a must-read for all who seek literary enlightenment.
Thank you for the Readalong @tandemcollectiveglobal @tandemcollectiveuk @marshallcavendish @nacsingapore
March 1, 2024
"Dearest Intimate" by Suchen Christine Lim is a profound journey into the lives of women who echo strength, resilience, and the undying hope of liberation. This literary masterpiece, wrapped in the richness of Singapore’s history and the poignant echoes of Cantonese opera, has etched itself deeply into my heart and mind.
At its core, this multi-generational saga unfolds the intricate lives of Chan Kam Foong, a daring cross-dressing opera singer, and her granddaughter, Xiu Yin, a woman captured in the throes of an abusive marriage. Their stories, set against the transformative backdrop of Singapore, from rustic villages to modern metropolises, are a testament to the enduring spirit of women facing societal and personal upheavals.
The narrative is a beautifully woven tapestry of past and present, where the echoes of old-world China blend seamlessly with the contemporary struggles and triumphs of women. The dual narrative is captivating—Xiu Yin's journey toward self-realization and Chan Kam Foong’s resilient spirit through her secret journals, offer profound insights into the complexities of love, sacrifice, and identity.
The book's eloquence is like a melody, with notes of history, tradition, and the unspoken words of love, creating a symphony that resonates with the soul. The exploration of themes such as spousal abuse, sisterhood, and the liberating power of self-awareness are portrayed with such depth and sensitivity, making each page a window into the characters' souls.
While the narrative carries the weight of heavy themes—loss, abuse, and societal confines—it also lights up with the brilliance of hope, the beauty of opera, and the unbreakable family bond. It’s a celebration of finding one’s voice amidst the cacophony of past legacies and present challenges.
"Dearest Intimate" is an experience, a reflection of the past that mirrors the present, urging one to ponder, feel, and embrace the journey of self-discovery. It's a poignant reminder of the power within us to rewrite our destinies, much like the characters who, with every page turned, become a part of us.
This book is a treasure, a beautifully complex narrative that speaks of the horrors and beauties of life in equal measure. Its storytelling is nothing short of masterful, with every character, and every timeline intricately crafted to form a mosaic of human experience and historical depth.
For anyone looking to lose themselves in a story that bridges continents and eras, that sings the songs of tradition while echoing the cries for freedom and recognition, "Dearest Intimate" is that rare find that promises to linger long after the last page is turned.
Have you ever read a book that felt like a journey through time, touching the depths of your soul?
Thanks to Tandem Collective and Marshall Cavendish for sending me a copy of this book and having me as a part of the readalong.
At its core, this multi-generational saga unfolds the intricate lives of Chan Kam Foong, a daring cross-dressing opera singer, and her granddaughter, Xiu Yin, a woman captured in the throes of an abusive marriage. Their stories, set against the transformative backdrop of Singapore, from rustic villages to modern metropolises, are a testament to the enduring spirit of women facing societal and personal upheavals.
The narrative is a beautifully woven tapestry of past and present, where the echoes of old-world China blend seamlessly with the contemporary struggles and triumphs of women. The dual narrative is captivating—Xiu Yin's journey toward self-realization and Chan Kam Foong’s resilient spirit through her secret journals, offer profound insights into the complexities of love, sacrifice, and identity.
The book's eloquence is like a melody, with notes of history, tradition, and the unspoken words of love, creating a symphony that resonates with the soul. The exploration of themes such as spousal abuse, sisterhood, and the liberating power of self-awareness are portrayed with such depth and sensitivity, making each page a window into the characters' souls.
While the narrative carries the weight of heavy themes—loss, abuse, and societal confines—it also lights up with the brilliance of hope, the beauty of opera, and the unbreakable family bond. It’s a celebration of finding one’s voice amidst the cacophony of past legacies and present challenges.
"Dearest Intimate" is an experience, a reflection of the past that mirrors the present, urging one to ponder, feel, and embrace the journey of self-discovery. It's a poignant reminder of the power within us to rewrite our destinies, much like the characters who, with every page turned, become a part of us.
This book is a treasure, a beautifully complex narrative that speaks of the horrors and beauties of life in equal measure. Its storytelling is nothing short of masterful, with every character, and every timeline intricately crafted to form a mosaic of human experience and historical depth.
For anyone looking to lose themselves in a story that bridges continents and eras, that sings the songs of tradition while echoing the cries for freedom and recognition, "Dearest Intimate" is that rare find that promises to linger long after the last page is turned.
Have you ever read a book that felt like a journey through time, touching the depths of your soul?
Thanks to Tandem Collective and Marshall Cavendish for sending me a copy of this book and having me as a part of the readalong.
March 11, 2024
"... I had thought the human heart was small. But I was wrong. The size of a first, our heart holds an ocean of love."
Firstly, I would encourage you to check out the CW and if you need more details, please feel free to DM me.
The book description noted "lives of three generations of women" but the 'second generation' did not live as such for me throughout the read. The whole novel is primarily told from Xiu Yin's perspective (third generation) as she struggled to find freedom and healing. While we follow in her footsteps, we also get to hear her por por's voice (grandmother / first generation) as she read through her por por's journals and traced her lives from her childhood in a small Chinese village to her Cantonese opera stardom. Where is Xiu Yin's mother (second generation)? It is a mystery that was uncovered quite later on in the story but her little tragic chapter (or two) means that she just did not form as a character for me. So in one way, this book did not quite meet my expectations.
Por por's voice was quite dramatic with her love and heartbreak and everything in between. I don't know whether that's a reflection as her passion for acting/singing or maybe it is also the language. She would have been writing in Chinese which, if translated to English, would be quite flowery / poetic and be read as rather dramatic in tone. Or it could just be her character. It was amusing to start with as she started writing as a juvenile and got to be heart rending as she struggled through poverty and war and even, sexuality as per society expectations. She really was the heart of this novel.
Xiu Yin's voice, while timid to start with, gradually became stronger as she found her feet and healing. Her story is not as appealing but just as revealing as to what society demands and expects to see and what is behind closed doors. Overall, Dearest Intimate wasn't the easiest book to read but prove to have been very compelling.
"No point in arguing over little things like where one should sit, was there? ... A petty hurt as inconsequential as a mosquito bite that had grown larger and more intense over the years till here, I was pressed by this huge resentment that had been sitting on me hard as a rock."
Thank you, Tandem Collective Global, Marshall Cavendish & NAC Singapore for hosting readalong & gifting me with a copy of this book. All thoughts are mine own.
Firstly, I would encourage you to check out the CW and if you need more details, please feel free to DM me.
The book description noted "lives of three generations of women" but the 'second generation' did not live as such for me throughout the read. The whole novel is primarily told from Xiu Yin's perspective (third generation) as she struggled to find freedom and healing. While we follow in her footsteps, we also get to hear her por por's voice (grandmother / first generation) as she read through her por por's journals and traced her lives from her childhood in a small Chinese village to her Cantonese opera stardom. Where is Xiu Yin's mother (second generation)? It is a mystery that was uncovered quite later on in the story but her little tragic chapter (or two) means that she just did not form as a character for me. So in one way, this book did not quite meet my expectations.
Por por's voice was quite dramatic with her love and heartbreak and everything in between. I don't know whether that's a reflection as her passion for acting/singing or maybe it is also the language. She would have been writing in Chinese which, if translated to English, would be quite flowery / poetic and be read as rather dramatic in tone. Or it could just be her character. It was amusing to start with as she started writing as a juvenile and got to be heart rending as she struggled through poverty and war and even, sexuality as per society expectations. She really was the heart of this novel.
Xiu Yin's voice, while timid to start with, gradually became stronger as she found her feet and healing. Her story is not as appealing but just as revealing as to what society demands and expects to see and what is behind closed doors. Overall, Dearest Intimate wasn't the easiest book to read but prove to have been very compelling.
"No point in arguing over little things like where one should sit, was there? ... A petty hurt as inconsequential as a mosquito bite that had grown larger and more intense over the years till here, I was pressed by this huge resentment that had been sitting on me hard as a rock."
Thank you, Tandem Collective Global, Marshall Cavendish & NAC Singapore for hosting readalong & gifting me with a copy of this book. All thoughts are mine own.
March 7, 2024
I'm so glad I received this book from tandem collective to join their global readalong, because if I didn't, I'd have missed out on reading such a good book!
Summary: Set against the beautiful and culturally rich backdrop of Cantonese opera in Singapore, Dearest Intimate is a multidimensional story about multiple generations of women going through difficult phases of life especially related to love, marriage, divorce, self-confidence and more. The narrative shifts between one of a grandmother and her granddaughter going through life and their share of hardships, drawing inspiration from each other at different points in time. The story particularly follows Xiu Yin who has found her grandma's journal addressed to a "Dearest Intimate" and delves deep into it, finding the courage within those pages to get out of a toxic marriage, discover herself again, and maybe even give new love another chance.
Review: First off, this book has the most beautiful writing, it's so poetic and satisfying to read. Secondly, I loved everything about this book, the characters, the full circle plot, unexpected twists, the depth of feelings explored, the dual narrative, and even the ending. It honestly made me feel so many complex emotions, and I might have even shed a tear or two at some parts that really hit home, and there's quite a few of those. One of the other things that I really liked about the story was how well different types and facets of love was showcased, from the seemingly innocent love between two young girls with lesbian undertones and love between a married couple that was never fully expressed but strongly present, to love between two adults in their autumn years looking for companionship rather than touch. Although it was a long read for me, I thought that the story was well paced and engaging. The book was also super enlightening, and I learned so many things from Kam Foong's experiences about rural China and the Japanese occupation, and not to forget about the Cantonese opera. It was like reading about a whole other world, truly fascinating.
Recommendation: for anyone in the mood for a serious book full of depth and meaning, written with a thoroughly enjoyable dramatic flair. Although covering hard-hitting topics like divorce, domestic violence, and the like, the story completes a full circle and leaves you with a perfectly satisfying happy ending.
Summary: Set against the beautiful and culturally rich backdrop of Cantonese opera in Singapore, Dearest Intimate is a multidimensional story about multiple generations of women going through difficult phases of life especially related to love, marriage, divorce, self-confidence and more. The narrative shifts between one of a grandmother and her granddaughter going through life and their share of hardships, drawing inspiration from each other at different points in time. The story particularly follows Xiu Yin who has found her grandma's journal addressed to a "Dearest Intimate" and delves deep into it, finding the courage within those pages to get out of a toxic marriage, discover herself again, and maybe even give new love another chance.
Review: First off, this book has the most beautiful writing, it's so poetic and satisfying to read. Secondly, I loved everything about this book, the characters, the full circle plot, unexpected twists, the depth of feelings explored, the dual narrative, and even the ending. It honestly made me feel so many complex emotions, and I might have even shed a tear or two at some parts that really hit home, and there's quite a few of those. One of the other things that I really liked about the story was how well different types and facets of love was showcased, from the seemingly innocent love between two young girls with lesbian undertones and love between a married couple that was never fully expressed but strongly present, to love between two adults in their autumn years looking for companionship rather than touch. Although it was a long read for me, I thought that the story was well paced and engaging. The book was also super enlightening, and I learned so many things from Kam Foong's experiences about rural China and the Japanese occupation, and not to forget about the Cantonese opera. It was like reading about a whole other world, truly fascinating.
Recommendation: for anyone in the mood for a serious book full of depth and meaning, written with a thoroughly enjoyable dramatic flair. Although covering hard-hitting topics like divorce, domestic violence, and the like, the story completes a full circle and leaves you with a perfectly satisfying happy ending.
March 3, 2024
𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑅𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
These are the key words around which this book is developed. A volume that aims to represent history through the lives of three generations of women and, although it is set in the past, it contains themes and topics that are more current than ever.
The narration takes place through two different points of view. The first is that of Xiu Yin, a woman who must live through the chains of an abus1ve marriage, while the second is that of Chan Kam Foong, her grandmother, who through the pages of her diary we retrace the story of her life.
"𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒖𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒃𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆."
Xiu Yin becomes the symbol of inner strength, a woman tired of living a life that doesn't belong to her and that hurts her. Beneath her lies a person who is capable of fighting for what she believes in and of self-liberation, rebuilding her life brick by brick.
Chan, on the other hand, is the one who perhaps moved me the most, probably thanks to that way of knowing her through her thoughts. As a sinologist, in reality, I particularly loved learning about the traditions and history of China around the period of the Second World War through her eyes.
Together, they are the human representation of those who decide to fight against the wrong social norms that want to cage them in narrow and, in their opinion, wrong roles; but also, the personification of sacrifice, hope, family, character and… of Cantonese Opera.
Talking about this book was very difficult for me. There would be so many things to say but, at the same time, it is impossible to find the right words to do it. One thing is certain: with writing that is as delicate as it is touching, with themes as important for the time as they are now, with emotions as profound as they are heartbreaking... Dearest Intimate is a book that everyone should read. Especially for those who want to get to know a culture far from ours and to clear the wrong and/or distorted beliefs of these cultures that we carry with us.
These are the key words around which this book is developed. A volume that aims to represent history through the lives of three generations of women and, although it is set in the past, it contains themes and topics that are more current than ever.
The narration takes place through two different points of view. The first is that of Xiu Yin, a woman who must live through the chains of an abus1ve marriage, while the second is that of Chan Kam Foong, her grandmother, who through the pages of her diary we retrace the story of her life.
"𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒖𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒃𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆."
Xiu Yin becomes the symbol of inner strength, a woman tired of living a life that doesn't belong to her and that hurts her. Beneath her lies a person who is capable of fighting for what she believes in and of self-liberation, rebuilding her life brick by brick.
Chan, on the other hand, is the one who perhaps moved me the most, probably thanks to that way of knowing her through her thoughts. As a sinologist, in reality, I particularly loved learning about the traditions and history of China around the period of the Second World War through her eyes.
Together, they are the human representation of those who decide to fight against the wrong social norms that want to cage them in narrow and, in their opinion, wrong roles; but also, the personification of sacrifice, hope, family, character and… of Cantonese Opera.
Talking about this book was very difficult for me. There would be so many things to say but, at the same time, it is impossible to find the right words to do it. One thing is certain: with writing that is as delicate as it is touching, with themes as important for the time as they are now, with emotions as profound as they are heartbreaking... Dearest Intimate is a book that everyone should read. Especially for those who want to get to know a culture far from ours and to clear the wrong and/or distorted beliefs of these cultures that we carry with us.
March 28, 2024
Dearest Intimate by Suchen Christine Lim
Rating - 4.7/5
No wonder why Suchen Christine Lim is an award winning author, the way she portrayed and convincing Woman as an embodiment of love, encouragement, motivation, bravery, inspiring other women and men from generation to generation, how true and how effortlessly author proved it with this novel. Read this if you want to know.
The novel wounded me, it soothed me, it made me cry, it calmed me, it makes me feel vulnerable and yet makes feel strong.
Suchen Christine Lim is winner of the Singapore Literature Prize in 1992. She was awarded Singapore's pinnacle arts award, the Cultural Medallion, in 2023. Suchen Malaysian-born Singaporean writer and in this book she unearthed the gorgeous, history of Cantonese Opera, the struggle of grassroots people's lives in war torn Singapore, WW 2 affected Nanyang, Japanese invasion in Singapore, and many more things, the musings of life waved seamlessly in verses that written in a diary.
Had I not read it, I never knew how Opera artists struggled in war days, Cantonese Opera is now recognized by UNESCO, do you know how much blood and sweat was poured in this way?
The famous cross-dressing Cantonese opera singer, Chan Kam Foong, passed away and left a diary for her granddaughter Xiu Yin, little did Xiu Yin know that this diary will help her to get away from her abusing husband, the dignity she has lost from her own daughter will be restored soon.
It's not that always encouraging words motivate our soul,
sometimes a beautiful struggling story, story of love and friendship, makes impact and unknowingly install power in our soul to move on our path.
It's a story inside story. Layers need to peel off.
Story narrated with love, with full of heart, and poetic verses did justice to convey the innermost emotions.
One can experience the warmth in voice.
Her utmost uncomplicated words, very intimate language vividly described the story of three generations that unveiled slowly as Xin Yin read the diary. Chan Kam Foon never knew how strong she was and how her diary is lamented with the indomitable power of spirit that would help her granddaughter to become strong and powerful.
Rating - 4.7/5
No wonder why Suchen Christine Lim is an award winning author, the way she portrayed and convincing Woman as an embodiment of love, encouragement, motivation, bravery, inspiring other women and men from generation to generation, how true and how effortlessly author proved it with this novel. Read this if you want to know.
The novel wounded me, it soothed me, it made me cry, it calmed me, it makes me feel vulnerable and yet makes feel strong.
Suchen Christine Lim is winner of the Singapore Literature Prize in 1992. She was awarded Singapore's pinnacle arts award, the Cultural Medallion, in 2023. Suchen Malaysian-born Singaporean writer and in this book she unearthed the gorgeous, history of Cantonese Opera, the struggle of grassroots people's lives in war torn Singapore, WW 2 affected Nanyang, Japanese invasion in Singapore, and many more things, the musings of life waved seamlessly in verses that written in a diary.
Had I not read it, I never knew how Opera artists struggled in war days, Cantonese Opera is now recognized by UNESCO, do you know how much blood and sweat was poured in this way?
The famous cross-dressing Cantonese opera singer, Chan Kam Foong, passed away and left a diary for her granddaughter Xiu Yin, little did Xiu Yin know that this diary will help her to get away from her abusing husband, the dignity she has lost from her own daughter will be restored soon.
It's not that always encouraging words motivate our soul,
sometimes a beautiful struggling story, story of love and friendship, makes impact and unknowingly install power in our soul to move on our path.
It's a story inside story. Layers need to peel off.
Story narrated with love, with full of heart, and poetic verses did justice to convey the innermost emotions.
One can experience the warmth in voice.
Her utmost uncomplicated words, very intimate language vividly described the story of three generations that unveiled slowly as Xin Yin read the diary. Chan Kam Foon never knew how strong she was and how her diary is lamented with the indomitable power of spirit that would help her granddaughter to become strong and powerful.
March 14, 2024
I felt fully immersed in this novel, which through journals, letters and memory tells the story of the traveling Cantonese opera actress Kam Foong, who lives through World War II and the Japanese occupation of Singapore. In present day we follow her adult granddaughter Xiu Yin who struggles to break free from an abusive husband. Both harrowing situations, in very different times.
The novel has great balance and pacing to keep the readers' interest in the stories of both women. The alternating points of view, shifting from past to present, are nicely weaved together. They made me as a reader reflect on generational trauma and how the next generations can find closure for the wounds of older family members - even when they are no longer with us. ❤️
Through Xiu Yin’s eyes, in reading her grandmother’s journal, we also learn of a country changing into the modern city-state it is today. This book is a great read for Westerners such as myself wanting to learn about the history and culture of Singapore. 😊
Overall I liked this better than similar works like Pachinko or The Mountains Sing, so I would highly recommend it if you’re looking to read something like that!
I only had a few small issues with parts of the story, like the grandmother's motivation to hold on to her "Dearest Intimate" from such a young age. I also didn’t think the language flowed quite as well as it could have, though there were a lot of passages that were beautifully worded!
Story 4.5, prose 3.5 = 4⭐
(Trigger warnings for . But I was impressed with how these subjects were handled. The story doesn’t stay in those scenes and there’s a non-exploitative female gaze and voice in the storytelling.)
Thank you to the publisher and Tandem Group for providing me with a copy of this novel for a readalong and for review consideration! All opinions are my own.
The novel has great balance and pacing to keep the readers' interest in the stories of both women. The alternating points of view, shifting from past to present, are nicely weaved together. They made me as a reader reflect on generational trauma and how the next generations can find closure for the wounds of older family members - even when they are no longer with us. ❤️
Through Xiu Yin’s eyes, in reading her grandmother’s journal, we also learn of a country changing into the modern city-state it is today. This book is a great read for Westerners such as myself wanting to learn about the history and culture of Singapore. 😊
Overall I liked this better than similar works like Pachinko or The Mountains Sing, so I would highly recommend it if you’re looking to read something like that!
I only had a few small issues with parts of the story, like the grandmother's motivation to hold on to her "Dearest Intimate" from such a young age. I also didn’t think the language flowed quite as well as it could have, though there were a lot of passages that were beautifully worded!
Story 4.5, prose 3.5 = 4⭐
(Trigger warnings for . But I was impressed with how these subjects were handled. The story doesn’t stay in those scenes and there’s a non-exploitative female gaze and voice in the storytelling.)
Thank you to the publisher and Tandem Group for providing me with a copy of this novel for a readalong and for review consideration! All opinions are my own.
March 11, 2024
If I could sing more praises of this book, I would.
With the stories of the grandmother and granddaughter told in dual POVs, we saw two different sets of feminine struggles, yet both were centered around the theme of survival. I loved that each offered a different set of representation, one of which is LGBTQ+ in WWII times and another of second chance middle-aged romance. Many issues were touched on during those two separate stories, yet I loved that we were able to see both drawing strength from each other through time and space.
But what I love most was how all the cultural aspects were woven and became a key player in the story, as opposed to merely being a setting. The food and the language became healers for the characters. The famous singers and the songs became inspiration and strength for them to carry on. Yet in the introduction of all these different things, it never felt jarring nor that it stopped the flow of the story.
And it's exactly why this book has a special place in my heart and became personal to me. The way the dialogue was told in English, I could hear the original phrases uttered previously by relatives. The opera scenes, the songs and the singers, I can recall watching them on TV. The food that I still eat to this day, the poems that I studied as a child, and the mannerisms when I converse with my elders. All and much more were told in such affection that, despite them already part of my upbringing, made me fall in love with my culture all over again.
So yes. I am biased. Yet even then, this is a poignant and moving story of survival, female strength, blood- and chosen-family love, told with beautiful prose and presented so beautifully in a rich cultural setting, that I highly recommend you to give this a try.
Instagram
With the stories of the grandmother and granddaughter told in dual POVs, we saw two different sets of feminine struggles, yet both were centered around the theme of survival. I loved that each offered a different set of representation, one of which is LGBTQ+ in WWII times and another of second chance middle-aged romance. Many issues were touched on during those two separate stories, yet I loved that we were able to see both drawing strength from each other through time and space.
But what I love most was how all the cultural aspects were woven and became a key player in the story, as opposed to merely being a setting. The food and the language became healers for the characters. The famous singers and the songs became inspiration and strength for them to carry on. Yet in the introduction of all these different things, it never felt jarring nor that it stopped the flow of the story.
And it's exactly why this book has a special place in my heart and became personal to me. The way the dialogue was told in English, I could hear the original phrases uttered previously by relatives. The opera scenes, the songs and the singers, I can recall watching them on TV. The food that I still eat to this day, the poems that I studied as a child, and the mannerisms when I converse with my elders. All and much more were told in such affection that, despite them already part of my upbringing, made me fall in love with my culture all over again.
So yes. I am biased. Yet even then, this is a poignant and moving story of survival, female strength, blood- and chosen-family love, told with beautiful prose and presented so beautifully in a rich cultural setting, that I highly recommend you to give this a try.
March 11, 2024
I absolutely adored everything about this book. I was completely drawn in by the tale that the blurb had to offer us. Something about it and the way the two tales intertwined really had me wanting to invest in this book. I also loved how the cover had a twirled together image of a person, linking to the blurb and what was to come.
From the start, we are given the life of a woman who is desperately in love, but not with the person she is supposed to marry, we fall down the rabbit hole, as she shows us her life and the darkness within the soulless marriage she has been promised into. This is all shown to us in a very descriptive manor, via some beautiful and somber letters. As time goes on, the lettera becomes more desperate and the lives more sad. This is not the only life of sadness, as our present day character shares with us the darkness that consumes her life.
I found myself starting to resent the character, in yh past, but it is as a very odd connection. I felt very sorry for her and her situation, but I felt even worse for her husband. The person I am as left fearing for and sad for was the present day character. She is searching her life and her soul, trying to find something she wants, and there isn't much she is happy with, and rightfully so.
The journey you take, throughout this read, is a very deep one. You connect with them and I,personally, found a deep connection, due to my own life. It makes you think, and take stock, and I really liked that. It is a very emotional rollercoaster of a read, and for good reason. Be prepared to enjoy and to feel absolutely everything.
From the start, we are given the life of a woman who is desperately in love, but not with the person she is supposed to marry, we fall down the rabbit hole, as she shows us her life and the darkness within the soulless marriage she has been promised into. This is all shown to us in a very descriptive manor, via some beautiful and somber letters. As time goes on, the lettera becomes more desperate and the lives more sad. This is not the only life of sadness, as our present day character shares with us the darkness that consumes her life.
I found myself starting to resent the character, in yh past, but it is as a very odd connection. I felt very sorry for her and her situation, but I felt even worse for her husband. The person I am as left fearing for and sad for was the present day character. She is searching her life and her soul, trying to find something she wants, and there isn't much she is happy with, and rightfully so.
The journey you take, throughout this read, is a very deep one. You connect with them and I,personally, found a deep connection, due to my own life. It makes you think, and take stock, and I really liked that. It is a very emotional rollercoaster of a read, and for good reason. Be prepared to enjoy and to feel absolutely everything.
March 15, 2024
3/5 Stars
This book takes a few chapters for you to get into the flow of the narrative, however, once I was in the flow I was convinced this would be a 5 star read for me... until it wasn't.
Dearest Intimate is told from the perspectives of Chan Kam Foong, a cross-dressing Cantonese opera star, and her granddaughter, Xiu Yin. Set over two distinct time periods, Foong survives the Japanese's invasion of China, World War 2, poverty, etc. and lives to tell the tale in a series of intimate letters. Foong is this incredibly inspiring character - despite being in love with another woman, she does her duty to her family and marries the local butcher's son. She lives a dual life whilst trying to make the most of having many of her dreams crushed and destroyed.
Yin was NOT a strong character. Married to an abusive alcoholic, Yin spends a lot of her air time debating whether or not to leave him. Just as this story builds to its climax, we skip a year and it's all done and dusted. At that stage, due to how invested I had become in this woman's dithering whether to stay or go, I felt robbed of the resolution of how she extracated herself from Robert and the outcome of such. After this, her story somewhat dwindled and, even though there were no more real chapters from Foong to break up the monotony, there were many more chapters to come to conclude Yin's tale.
Sadly it ended on a whimper rather than a roar, which was disappointing as I felt this had so much more promise. By the end, the story of Yin and Meng dragged and, I felt, took too long to conclude what was quite obvious (by that point).
This book takes a few chapters for you to get into the flow of the narrative, however, once I was in the flow I was convinced this would be a 5 star read for me... until it wasn't.
Dearest Intimate is told from the perspectives of Chan Kam Foong, a cross-dressing Cantonese opera star, and her granddaughter, Xiu Yin. Set over two distinct time periods, Foong survives the Japanese's invasion of China, World War 2, poverty, etc. and lives to tell the tale in a series of intimate letters. Foong is this incredibly inspiring character - despite being in love with another woman, she does her duty to her family and marries the local butcher's son. She lives a dual life whilst trying to make the most of having many of her dreams crushed and destroyed.
Yin was NOT a strong character. Married to an abusive alcoholic, Yin spends a lot of her air time debating whether or not to leave him. Just as this story builds to its climax, we skip a year and it's all done and dusted. At that stage, due to how invested I had become in this woman's dithering whether to stay or go, I felt robbed of the resolution of how she extracated herself from Robert and the outcome of such. After this, her story somewhat dwindled and, even though there were no more real chapters from Foong to break up the monotony, there were many more chapters to come to conclude Yin's tale.
Sadly it ended on a whimper rather than a roar, which was disappointing as I felt this had so much more promise. By the end, the story of Yin and Meng dragged and, I felt, took too long to conclude what was quite obvious (by that point).
March 1, 2024
This book combines the horrific with the beautiful. The writing is poetic and wonderfully descriptive in parts, yet portraying scenes of grave violence and neglect while doing so.
Dearest Intimate is a complex and intricate story. Each character and perspective are artfully crafted and connected. No storyline is left with a non-conclusion. It’s masterful storytelling. With multiple POVs and timelines, Lim vividly portrays Singaporean history and Cantonese culture. One of the POVs is an epistolary narrative too, which is an interesting way to introduce another POV and change timelines.
This book was not on my radar at all. I am so grateful to have discovered it; it is astounding! I have not read much about Asian history or culture. I love Japanese translated fiction because it seems to spotlight books about cats (which I love) and its execution of magical realism feels ethereal, but beyond that, my reading habits are incredibly westernised. This book landed on my lap through Tandem Collective and it may be one of my favourite books of all time.
Set against the backdrop of Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry, the narrative weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and the search for identity. Through the lives of her characters, she explores the complexities of family relationships, societal expectations, and the challenges of navigating one’s place in a rapidly changing world.
Brilliant, 5⭐️
|AD-PR product; thank you Tandem Collective for having me on this readalong 💫
TW: Child loss, Stillbirth, Rape (on page), Sexual assault, Ableist language, Suicide (mentioned)
Dearest Intimate is a complex and intricate story. Each character and perspective are artfully crafted and connected. No storyline is left with a non-conclusion. It’s masterful storytelling. With multiple POVs and timelines, Lim vividly portrays Singaporean history and Cantonese culture. One of the POVs is an epistolary narrative too, which is an interesting way to introduce another POV and change timelines.
This book was not on my radar at all. I am so grateful to have discovered it; it is astounding! I have not read much about Asian history or culture. I love Japanese translated fiction because it seems to spotlight books about cats (which I love) and its execution of magical realism feels ethereal, but beyond that, my reading habits are incredibly westernised. This book landed on my lap through Tandem Collective and it may be one of my favourite books of all time.
Set against the backdrop of Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry, the narrative weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and the search for identity. Through the lives of her characters, she explores the complexities of family relationships, societal expectations, and the challenges of navigating one’s place in a rapidly changing world.
Brilliant, 5⭐️
|AD-PR product; thank you Tandem Collective for having me on this readalong 💫
TW: Child loss, Stillbirth, Rape (on page), Sexual assault, Ableist language, Suicide (mentioned)
March 4, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Tandem Collective, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
In Dearest Intimate we follow the lives of Chan Kam Foong and her granddaughter, Xiu Yin. Kam Foong’s life is torn apart during the Japanese occupation of Singapore and Xiu Yin’s marriage breaks down 60 years later, Xiu Yin discovers she is more similar to her grandmother than she thought.
I adored this book so much! Told as a dual POV, we learn of the history and culture of Singapore during the Japanese occupation which I’ll admit, I previously hadn’t thought much of. As a huge history fan, I loved seeing the side of the past that I didn’t know about - whilst at times it made me angry that I was so ignorant. The writing style is incredibly poetic, told through a series of letters and excerpts from operas. My heart broke for both Kam Foong as she endured trials and tribulations that no one should ever have to face, such as being a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and Xiu Yin’s heartbreaking life as the victim of domestic violence. The story shed light on the awful realities and raised awareness of parts of life that we don’t talk about nearly enough. I did however feel like something was missing in the last 25% of the book, and would have liked to have seen more letters from Kam Foong.
At 391 pages long, this took me just under seven and a half hours to read. The book touched on several dark themes, such as infertility, domestic abuse, arranged marriage, loss of a child, war and death. Please bear these in mind before reading.
8/10
In Dearest Intimate we follow the lives of Chan Kam Foong and her granddaughter, Xiu Yin. Kam Foong’s life is torn apart during the Japanese occupation of Singapore and Xiu Yin’s marriage breaks down 60 years later, Xiu Yin discovers she is more similar to her grandmother than she thought.
I adored this book so much! Told as a dual POV, we learn of the history and culture of Singapore during the Japanese occupation which I’ll admit, I previously hadn’t thought much of. As a huge history fan, I loved seeing the side of the past that I didn’t know about - whilst at times it made me angry that I was so ignorant. The writing style is incredibly poetic, told through a series of letters and excerpts from operas. My heart broke for both Kam Foong as she endured trials and tribulations that no one should ever have to face, such as being a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and Xiu Yin’s heartbreaking life as the victim of domestic violence. The story shed light on the awful realities and raised awareness of parts of life that we don’t talk about nearly enough. I did however feel like something was missing in the last 25% of the book, and would have liked to have seen more letters from Kam Foong.
At 391 pages long, this took me just under seven and a half hours to read. The book touched on several dark themes, such as infertility, domestic abuse, arranged marriage, loss of a child, war and death. Please bear these in mind before reading.
8/10
March 14, 2024
I have been participating in a global Tandem readalong with readers from over 10 countries around the world. Together, we were reading and discussing Dearest Intimate by Suchen Christine Lim.
I am very much behind schedule for this readalong, but for me this is a book that was best savored in little bits over a period of time. This book is so rich with detail. You can imagine vividly the stories of your main characters lives.
This story is told in multiple points of view between Xiu Yin, and her por por, the famous Cantonese opera star, Chan Kam Foong, through her journals.
Xiu Yin is in an abusive marriage, her daughter is grown and a continent away, and her por por has recently passed away. Xiu Yin is given her grandmother’s journals and as she reads through them she contemplates her life and finds so much strength from them. Chan Kam Foong's journals span from when she was a young women of 14 recently married until her last letters to Xiu Yin.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. But, there were sections in this story that were so much more fascinating for me. Chan Kam Foong's stories during the war, and what they endured were gut-wrenching, but still hopeful. And Xiu Yin finding the strength to leave her husband, repair her relationship with her daughter, and just get back to be the strong person she once was, was so hopeful and uplifting.
Thank you so much to @marshallcavendish for my gifted copy of this beautiful book. If you enjoy literary and historical fiction this is a must read.
I am very much behind schedule for this readalong, but for me this is a book that was best savored in little bits over a period of time. This book is so rich with detail. You can imagine vividly the stories of your main characters lives.
This story is told in multiple points of view between Xiu Yin, and her por por, the famous Cantonese opera star, Chan Kam Foong, through her journals.
Xiu Yin is in an abusive marriage, her daughter is grown and a continent away, and her por por has recently passed away. Xiu Yin is given her grandmother’s journals and as she reads through them she contemplates her life and finds so much strength from them. Chan Kam Foong's journals span from when she was a young women of 14 recently married until her last letters to Xiu Yin.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. But, there were sections in this story that were so much more fascinating for me. Chan Kam Foong's stories during the war, and what they endured were gut-wrenching, but still hopeful. And Xiu Yin finding the strength to leave her husband, repair her relationship with her daughter, and just get back to be the strong person she once was, was so hopeful and uplifting.
Thank you so much to @marshallcavendish for my gifted copy of this beautiful book. If you enjoy literary and historical fiction this is a must read.
February 29, 2024
I’m so glad I had the chance to read this beautiful, heartbreaking novel. I really enjoyed learning more about Singapore in both the modern day and past, including its war history and occupation by Japan. I loved the Chinese Opera aspects and seeing how much was involved in putting on a show and how it’s linked with history and mythology.
Told in a dual timeline we get the story of both Xiu Yin and her grandmother. Both are amazingly strong women, who have endured a lot in their times. The story alternates between Xiu Yin’s story and letters from her grandmother to the unknown Dearist Intimate’. I enjoyed getting to know both the women, seeing their stories unfold and the connection. I like how they both had quite different writing styles - a more modern one and a lyrical old fashioned one. This helped with identifying whose point of view it was as apart from the chapters starting with Dearest Intimate there was no other day to distinguish the two. This is usually a big bookish peeve but I was able to forgive it in this case! The novel delicately covered issues around domestic violence/ emotional abuse and LGBTQ in Singaporean culture. A beautiful story.
A big thank you to
@tandemcollectiveuk @marshallcavendish @tandemcollectiveglobal @nacsingapore for a copy of the book and organizing the Readalong.
Told in a dual timeline we get the story of both Xiu Yin and her grandmother. Both are amazingly strong women, who have endured a lot in their times. The story alternates between Xiu Yin’s story and letters from her grandmother to the unknown Dearist Intimate’. I enjoyed getting to know both the women, seeing their stories unfold and the connection. I like how they both had quite different writing styles - a more modern one and a lyrical old fashioned one. This helped with identifying whose point of view it was as apart from the chapters starting with Dearest Intimate there was no other day to distinguish the two. This is usually a big bookish peeve but I was able to forgive it in this case! The novel delicately covered issues around domestic violence/ emotional abuse and LGBTQ in Singaporean culture. A beautiful story.
A big thank you to
@tandemcollectiveuk @marshallcavendish @tandemcollectiveglobal @nacsingapore for a copy of the book and organizing the Readalong.
March 13, 2024
Trapped in an abusive marriage, Xiu Yin finds comfort in discovering her grandmother’s letters—suddenly transformed into a world of cross-dressing Cantonese Opera set in historical Singapore. With dual POV, Dearest Intimate explores the complexities of love, families and relationships in two different generations, and how pieces of the past often finds its way to us much later than intended.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. While it’s a novel I normally wouldn’t pick up, the rawness in the characters’ voice is undeniable—completely sucking me in. I won’t get into too much detail, as I feel like my responses to the discussion cards highlight most of the important points I often put in my reviews, but I will say that the writing in this is absolutely phenomenal. I especially enjoyed the ‘mundane-ness’ of the ending—not knowing exactly where the characters’ will go. I think it’s a lovely exploration of how our past ultimately finds us decades later.
Despite this, I was still a bit confused at the end on the plot twist. I also wondered on where some of the characters’ are (for instance, Yin’s daughter—would have loved more mentions of her and Yin’s relationship). Hence, my rating.
Thank you to the team at Tandem Collective for allowing me to participate in this readalong and for my #gifted copy of the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. While it’s a novel I normally wouldn’t pick up, the rawness in the characters’ voice is undeniable—completely sucking me in. I won’t get into too much detail, as I feel like my responses to the discussion cards highlight most of the important points I often put in my reviews, but I will say that the writing in this is absolutely phenomenal. I especially enjoyed the ‘mundane-ness’ of the ending—not knowing exactly where the characters’ will go. I think it’s a lovely exploration of how our past ultimately finds us decades later.
Despite this, I was still a bit confused at the end on the plot twist. I also wondered on where some of the characters’ are (for instance, Yin’s daughter—would have loved more mentions of her and Yin’s relationship). Hence, my rating.
Thank you to the team at Tandem Collective for allowing me to participate in this readalong and for my #gifted copy of the book.
March 1, 2024
My heart is broken. My soul has fled. The whole village knows you are betrothed to the goldsmith's son and I to the pig farmer's son. How are we to live from now on? My tears are blinding me. I can't hold up my brush....
🧧DEAREST INTIMATE🧧
by: Suchen Christine Lim
Pub:@marshallcavendish
Oh, this book is a beautiful example of poetic writing and how such writing can live in your heart.
The way the words can stab at your heart with their intensity and longing is so richly woven throughout.
✨️If you were a damselfly, I would be a dragonfly. If you were a waterlily, I would be the willow, bending down to caress your petals.✨️
There are so many heartbreaking moments of a love unanswered, of a marriage that is not necessarily built on love, but love is a connection that grows through turmoil, heartbreak, happiness, war, abuse and poverty.
An extremely rich, powerful, and poignant account of one woman's journey through poverty, marriage, and lost love, and the story of her granddaughter who has endured an abusive marriage, and now has not only found her beloved Por Por's letters to her Dearest Intimate, but in doing so, finds herself.
I adored the writing of the Cantonese Operas, the history of these opera troupes, and the Chinese and Singaporean culture.
🧧DEAREST INTIMATE🧧
by: Suchen Christine Lim
Pub:@marshallcavendish
Oh, this book is a beautiful example of poetic writing and how such writing can live in your heart.
The way the words can stab at your heart with their intensity and longing is so richly woven throughout.
✨️If you were a damselfly, I would be a dragonfly. If you were a waterlily, I would be the willow, bending down to caress your petals.✨️
There are so many heartbreaking moments of a love unanswered, of a marriage that is not necessarily built on love, but love is a connection that grows through turmoil, heartbreak, happiness, war, abuse and poverty.
An extremely rich, powerful, and poignant account of one woman's journey through poverty, marriage, and lost love, and the story of her granddaughter who has endured an abusive marriage, and now has not only found her beloved Por Por's letters to her Dearest Intimate, but in doing so, finds herself.
I adored the writing of the Cantonese Operas, the history of these opera troupes, and the Chinese and Singaporean culture.
March 9, 2024
Thank you @tandemcollectiveglobal @marshallcavenish for this opportunity to read and review with some awesome bookstafriends.
This multi-layered rich and stunning book tells a story of love, joy, disappointment, sisterhood, arrangements, frustration and despair. It is the stories of Xiu Yin and Chan Kam Fong from two different times yet simultaneously touching and interweaving. Chan Kam Fong is almost every Chinese-Southeast-Asian grandmothers’ tale of suffering, forced-marriage, migration and loneliness. The book brought back many childhood memories and stories heard from my own grandma about her trauma, livelihood and anxiety during Japanese invasion in the southeast Asia. Same-difference. Also, the author has resurrected and shared many fascinating tidbits of how the old and the new world of Singapore. Sunchen Christine Lim has impressively made Chan Kam Fong’s story heard and be known to readers who might know very few things about the Cantonese opera singers and performers during those harsh times. Her work gave the readers opportunity to glimpse into the Southeast Asian history and the lives of the Cantonese Opera musicians’ world. An emotional and fascinating Southeast Asian historical fiction with depth and intensity.
This multi-layered rich and stunning book tells a story of love, joy, disappointment, sisterhood, arrangements, frustration and despair. It is the stories of Xiu Yin and Chan Kam Fong from two different times yet simultaneously touching and interweaving. Chan Kam Fong is almost every Chinese-Southeast-Asian grandmothers’ tale of suffering, forced-marriage, migration and loneliness. The book brought back many childhood memories and stories heard from my own grandma about her trauma, livelihood and anxiety during Japanese invasion in the southeast Asia. Same-difference. Also, the author has resurrected and shared many fascinating tidbits of how the old and the new world of Singapore. Sunchen Christine Lim has impressively made Chan Kam Fong’s story heard and be known to readers who might know very few things about the Cantonese opera singers and performers during those harsh times. Her work gave the readers opportunity to glimpse into the Southeast Asian history and the lives of the Cantonese Opera musicians’ world. An emotional and fascinating Southeast Asian historical fiction with depth and intensity.
March 18, 2024
I have the perfect recommendation for you if you love women-centric multi-generational family sagas, enriched with history, that is sure to make your heart ache. Dearest Intimate by Suchen Christine Lim is one such book. Based in China and Singapore, spanning over 4 generations, Dearest Intimate is a book about love, loss, separation and of course family.
Trigger warnings for: domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse, death.
Xiu Yin discovers some letters that her famous Cantonese opera performer grandmother Kam Foong left behind. Those letters are filled with yearnings and languishing for her grandmother's "dearest intimate"— a girl she never got to wed. Those letters also hold the history of how she became a cross-dressing opera performer in a China occupied by the Japanese. The letters are a proof of her grandparents' struggles in a land where they were not free.
Years later when Xiu Yin reads these letters, it gives her courage to leave her abusive marriage and pursue her own calling. Her grandmother's tenacity helps her to reconcile with her daughter and know the mystery of her mother's death.
This book has my heart. Such beautiful prose and melancholic writing. Not only is it an enriching read about history, but also about the culture of Cantonese opera.
Trigger warnings for: domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse, death.
Xiu Yin discovers some letters that her famous Cantonese opera performer grandmother Kam Foong left behind. Those letters are filled with yearnings and languishing for her grandmother's "dearest intimate"— a girl she never got to wed. Those letters also hold the history of how she became a cross-dressing opera performer in a China occupied by the Japanese. The letters are a proof of her grandparents' struggles in a land where they were not free.
Years later when Xiu Yin reads these letters, it gives her courage to leave her abusive marriage and pursue her own calling. Her grandmother's tenacity helps her to reconcile with her daughter and know the mystery of her mother's death.
This book has my heart. Such beautiful prose and melancholic writing. Not only is it an enriching read about history, but also about the culture of Cantonese opera.
March 2, 2024
I enjoyed this book so much, I didn’t expect to find myself crying with this heartbreaking novel. I literally loved the Asian settings, the portraits of chinese culture and the descriptions, they helped me so much to immerse myself in the story. This a women story, a story of conflicts and search for freedom. If you know me, you know that stories about women and empowerment are my cup of tea and that’s why I really loved the novel and the main chatacters: two strong women who fight for freedom.
Xiu Yin is in a toxic relationship, and she will have to figure it out and leave before it’s too late. At the same time she will read her grandma’s journal and live through the pages the events she had to face during the war period. This woman addressed her diary to “an intimate friend”. So in this story we have toxic and abusive relationships, empowerment and war. If you are sensitive to these topics you shouldn’t read this book.
I also enjoyed the writing, I’m not an english native speaker but I experienced the reading in a smooth and intuitive way.
I’d really like to see more asian authors and their stories published around the world, they deserve it so much!
In conclusion I wanna thank Tandem Collective for giving me this amazing opportunity, and the readalong guys I’ve read the book with. ♡
Xiu Yin is in a toxic relationship, and she will have to figure it out and leave before it’s too late. At the same time she will read her grandma’s journal and live through the pages the events she had to face during the war period. This woman addressed her diary to “an intimate friend”. So in this story we have toxic and abusive relationships, empowerment and war. If you are sensitive to these topics you shouldn’t read this book.
I also enjoyed the writing, I’m not an english native speaker but I experienced the reading in a smooth and intuitive way.
I’d really like to see more asian authors and their stories published around the world, they deserve it so much!
In conclusion I wanna thank Tandem Collective for giving me this amazing opportunity, and the readalong guys I’ve read the book with. ♡
March 4, 2024
Dearest Intimate was such a lovely book to read! It’s not one that I would’ve picked up on my own, but I do like to step outside of my comfort zone every now and then, especially when I find something that really intrigues me like what happened this time!
I really like how the story was told through a dual pov. I think it really adds to the idea that we are learning more about the characters as they are revealed to each other (at least in the case of the grandmother slowly being revealed to the granddaughter). We get to understand how to women from to very different times navigated their place in the world as women and how they faced their struggles.
This book is extremely well written. It has a beautifully poetic writing style that works wonderfully to tell this story. Also, if you love reading books with a strong cultural component to them you really have to give this one a chance!
Once again I want to thank @marshallcavendish @tandemcollectiveuk @tandemcollectiveglobal and @nacsingapore for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful book and be part of this lovely experience!
I really like how the story was told through a dual pov. I think it really adds to the idea that we are learning more about the characters as they are revealed to each other (at least in the case of the grandmother slowly being revealed to the granddaughter). We get to understand how to women from to very different times navigated their place in the world as women and how they faced their struggles.
This book is extremely well written. It has a beautifully poetic writing style that works wonderfully to tell this story. Also, if you love reading books with a strong cultural component to them you really have to give this one a chance!
Once again I want to thank @marshallcavendish @tandemcollectiveuk @tandemcollectiveglobal and @nacsingapore for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful book and be part of this lovely experience!
February 28, 2024
Thanks to Tandem Collective and Marshall Cavendish for providing me with an arc copy. The book offers a unique perspective with dual points of view from different time periods. Each chapter is structured with bold, succinct paragraphs, allowing us to delve into the lives of Xin Yin and Por Por. Through their stories, we witness profound themes and struggles, especially as Xin Yin discovers the intimate letters of her Por Por. This emotional journey evokes tears and tugs at the heartstrings, showcasing the deep connections across generations. Despite its weighty themes, this book is a compelling read that immerses readers fully. #bookreview #emotionalread #familyconnections #historicalfiction #mustread #heartwrenching #dualPOV #literaryjourney #powerfulnarrative #bookrecommendation
##dearestinimate #dearestintimatereadalong #TandemReadalong
##dearestinimate #dearestintimatereadalong #TandemReadalong
##dearestinimate #dearestintimatereadalong #TandemReadalong
##dearestinimate #dearestintimatereadalong #TandemReadalong
March 4, 2024
This story has so many different layers to it - love, death, spousal abuse, war, poverty, sisterhood, motherhood, finding oneself and freedom, reconnecting, history of china, cantonese opera, friendships and fate and the way this was all woven together made for a very moving story.
Mostly though - it was a tale of Strength.
Por Por’s letters were what kept me most intrigued - living during a time of war and facing such difficult times at such a young age is something I will never be able to fully comprehend and Yin’s story was heavy on the heart, living in an abusive relationship and losing a lot in life, due to this.
I will say that once the letters ended, the remaining story of Yin did drag on a little bit and I do wish we were told of how her and Janice’s relationship turned out (mother/daughter).
A very poetically told story, that at times you forget is actually a work of fiction.
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