AudioFile Reviews
Author and narrator Yangsze Choo presents Malaysia during its colonial era. Ji Lin and her stepbrother, Shin, both speak with a trace of a British colonial accent. Ji Lin's voice comes through softly and silkily, sounding subservient in tone, unlike Shin's huskier, stronger, more educated voice. The two are in love, and Ji Lin has another secret as well. It's a container with a finger in it, which intertwines with 11-year-old Ren's mission to find his master's missing finger. For Ren, Choo uses a high, childlike voice that has a touch of innocence. Both Ji Lin and Ren encounter mystery and magic, including men turning into tigers. This audiobook is not your usual historical novel. A.M.G. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
Booklist Reviews
After making her author and narrator debut with The Ghost Bride (2014), Choo reprises her double-duty with this equally intriguing sophomore title. With her crisp, British colonial inflections, Choo is her own ideal reader, knowing exactly how her characters should sound. Set in 1930s British Malaya (now Malaysia), the work begins by presenting two seemingly disparate narratives: 11-year-old houseboy Ren promises to fulfill his dying British master's final wish within 49 days to ensure his soul can make a peaceful departure; dressmaker apprentice Ji Lin must pay off her mother's gambling debts with a secret side-gig as a dancehall girl. A dead man's missing appendage initially brings Ren and Ji Lin together; a spiritual connection binds the pair. Mythic beasts, a dead twin, jealous suitors, and surprising lovers all come alive with Choo's addicting narration; the single quibble is a wish for slightly longer pauses between chapters. Return readers: get ready to grin at the delightful wink-wink-nod to The Ghost Bride, as well. Copyright 2019 Booklist Reviews.