Writer
Doubleday Books
Earlier than Arin, Genevieve Yang was an solely baby. Dwelling along with her mother and father and grandmother in a single-room flat in working-class Bedok, Genevieve is saddled with an sudden sibling when Arin seems, the shameful legacy of a grandfather lengthy believed to be lifeless. As the 2 ladies develop nearer, they need to navigate the depth of life in a spot the place the pressing insistence on achievement calls for fixed sacrifice. Figuring out that failure isn’t an choice, the sisters be taught to rely solely on each other as they spurn exterior friendships, leisure, and any semblance of a social life in pursuit of educational perfection and passage to a greater future. When a stinging betrayal violently estranges Genevieve and Arin, Genevieve should weigh the worth of ambition versus familial love, house versus the surface world, and allegiance to herself versus allegiance to the individuals who made her who she is.
What The Reviewers Say
Wei delivers an expertly paced and shifting debut, a tragedy with out over-the-top drama. Her exact descriptions—a personality ‘pickles in shame’—retains the give attention to the taut motion. Better of all, she paints holistic individuals who could also be petty and egocentric and but show grace and kindness.
Resonant … With meticulous element, Wei unfurls the aching provenance of the household’s irreparable fracture … Though Gen’s relentless, self-admitted ‘hubris’ sometimes threatens to crush the narrative, Wei’s superb phrasing and revelatory observations present buoying antidotes … Wei reveals a tragic, haunting train within the limitations of not-quite unconditional love
Wei’s multilayered writing sweeps readers as much as carry them alongside Gen by way of her emotional and monetary struggles and lifelong battle with Arin as they each vie for his or her mom’s love and a spotlight. Some characters may need been extra fleshed out, and the ending may very well be seen as a tad too neat, however Wei’s debut is a promising one … This novel ought to enchantment to readers who admire relationship-based tales inside households; additionally a great candidate for guide golf equipment.
