I had quite a few blips while listening to this book and the Netgalley support were unable to help with the issues, which somewhat hampered my listening.
However, when I was able to listen to this book I found it totally engrossing. The storylines described an awful time in Malaya when the Japanese treated people with such terrible cruelty.
The ending was harrowing and left me gasping, with tears in my eyes.

This high quality audio is a tpigh listen. The story pulls no punches as its describes in great detail the events leading to up and including the war and Malaysia casualties.
It should have a trigger warning as the braveness of the author dealing with pow treatment of women rape etc. It may gave been a novel but was so true to life I had to take breaks from listening. It's harrowing and powerful. I felt for the characters and felt the narrator did a fab job considering the subject matter. The ending seemed to ve over too quickly but just as powerful. I look forward yo future novels.
I felt the pain and it's harrowing subhect natter without warning made it a 4 star listen for me . Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator.

Loved the description, the writing was quality. Enjoyed the plot and the character development kept me hooked throughout. Have recommended to friends

The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan
This is a novel about a Malaysian mother Cecily, who has a bit of a love affair with slash acts as a spy for a Japanese general during WW2.
This is one of these sprawling twisting novels that takes place over a number of years, things become linked up in weird and unexpected ways, and as far as the plot and storyline go, this is quite a satisfying novel.
The novel itself really explores the ideas of family, some of the darker realities of war, blame, guilt and secrets, as well as the concept of nation. I also think the concepts of family and nation intercept nicely.
I felt that while there were some really dark things here, things like paedophilia, murder, rape, torture camps. The emotional impact on the characters didn’t come through in the writing for me.
Whether or not you enjoy this book is going to depend on what kind of reader you are, what you’re willing to take from this novel and I liked what it gave me, I just would have preferred the alternative. I think if you’re a historical fiction lover, who enjoys the occasional thriller, then this is a good one to pick up.

I listened to this on audio (thank you to Netgalley and Holder & Staughton for the digital ARC).

This is a captivating story set against a backdrop of the final years of British colonisation in Malaya, and the turmoil that followed with the Japanese occupation. There are multiple narratives; Cecily and her three children take it in turns to piece together their own experiences and the way their family was torn apart during this time.

The narration by Samantha Tan really adds to the emotive experience of reading this novel. She manages to give each character their own distinct voice, bringing them to life, which only adds to the empathy wrought by their individual traumas.

A fantastic historical fiction novel that helps to educate on what for a lot of people could be a lesser known period of history. I've read a few books set against this era in Malaya so I had a good understanding of the events that unfolded, but this novel explores the way individuals were affected in such nuanced and devastating ways.

This was a surprise! A beautifully written historical novel. Very well narrated as well. Set in Malaya, wich I don't think I've read a book from before, so I learned some new things. Dual time line, one of my favourite things. Heartbreaking at sometimes. Highly reccomend this one.

Absolutely tragic account of war, the significant abuse of young children & families, by those in control.

Observing a fictional family, their friends & an exploitating lover, brought their horrific life experiences to life.

Difficult to say you 'enjoyed' such a book, but definitely appreciate how this brings historical experiences to life & helps you to reflect on the current world wars & individuals experiences that are happening today.

The audio book was fantastic, a 5* read & will be on my Top 10 for 2024. Definitely recommend to others.

Thanks to Netgalley for letting me to listen to the audio book & provide this review.

The Storm We Made is a WW2 novel with a difference. There are so many books out there on this topic, that this book is so refreshing. It centres on a country and a part of the war that I knew little about, and I was intrigued from the start.
I did struggle at times with the audio narration, so I am currently rereading on kindle. It is not a book to listen to with half-attention!
I didn't feel connected enough that I was blown away with it, and didn't think I truly understood the impact the characters had on the war.

I selected this audio arc from NetGalley almost by accident, while out on a run. I’m so glad that I did. This is a heartbreaking story of the trauma a Malayan family faces over a decade from the mid 1930s, when the British occupied Malaysia (or Malaya, as it was known at the time), through the Japanese occupation during WWll. It’s a touching and tragic reminder of the horrors of war, the ignorance, racism and inhumanity of the human race, and the innocence of children which can be stolen so quickly and so completely.
It’s a compelling and humbling listen.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton audio for a chance to listen to an ARC.

The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan and narrated by Samantha Tan was a beautifully written book and written from the heart. Once I started to listen to this audiobook I could not put it down and was a great audiobook to keep me calm when I was at the dentist!!! Which I so needed.

The Storm We Made was set in Malaya, Malaysia as it is called today, in WWII from the years 1935 to 1945 which was the last years of British rule and the Japanese occupation that followed the attack on Pearl Harbour.

Cecily Alcantara’s is the main character within this book and her family is in terrible danger: her fifteen-year-old son, Abel, has disappeared, and her youngest daughter, Jasmin, is confined in a basement to prevent being pressed into service at the comfort stations. Her eldest daughter Jujube, who works at a tea house frequented by drunk Japanese soldiers, becomes angrier by the day.

But, Cecily knows two things: that this is all her fault; and that her family must never learn the truth of what happened all those years ago.............Wow, Just beautiful from the start to finish....A story that would take your breath away.

Samantha Tan the narrator was excellent and just made this audiobook even more magical form start to finish,

Big thank you to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton Audio, and especially Vanessa Chan for my copy.

This is an unreserved 5* from me. I am a historical fiction fan and this period of Japanese occupation of British occupied territories has always fascinated me. I cannot describe how beautifully drawn the characters are, Cecily Abel, jujube and Jasmin and an eye into the world of a Japanese general who affected the lives of them all along with a king elderly Japanese ex patwho almost loses everything.

Like the similar struggles found in the dust child ( set in Vietnam) we really get to e per what it was like living though occupation. the tearing apart of families, the lack of food, the loss of hope: these are all so very real. It's not all dark, there are wonderful moments of female friendship and family love which are integral to the plot.

I couldn't believe this was a debut novel. Can't wait to read more by this author.

I have found that the summary of the book, nor the marketing for this book had sufficiently prepared me as a reader for the heavy themes and scenes in this book.
I have compiled the following to assist future readers of this book:
TW: Japanese occupied territories, disappeared children due to violence and murder, kidnapping, grief (missing child), labour camp, scenes set in institutions built for the abuse & sexual slavery of minors, torture, famine, forced labour, scene of rape of a minor, war criminals, on page death by childbirth, bombing, mention of recovering bombed bodies for burial, alcoholism, manslaughter, PTSD, adultery, on page death, descriptions of blood and wounds, arson.

I’ve enjoyed a few books about Malaya and the Second World War. It’s a part of history that’s often overlooked and usually overshadowed by emphasis on the actual war element as portrayed by men. Books such as this place an entirely different perspective on the era and give a very different insight into the conflicted Malaysian communities, colonialism and the invading Japanese forces.

This is a complex and multilayered take which moves between viewpoint and timeline. The narration throughout is in keeping with the lace of the plot and it’s well told. You need to concentrate as a cast of characters are introduced and I felt it lagged a little in the middle, but stick with it because it’s a thought provoking book, built on fact.

If you are after a devastating five star read, look no further - this story packs a serious emotional punch 🥹

I listened to the audiobook of this one, and it was exceptional. Each character has such a unique voice, and it was harrowing at times because you could almost feel their pain and suffering - of which there is a lot, so please do check TWs if necessary.

It was also fascinating, sharing the experience of yet another period in history which I knew very little about - the battle between the British and Japanese for control over what is now Malaysia. But it’s not at all fact heavy or dry, it really is all about the characters, their experiences and their emotions, and that’s what makes it so heartbreaking.

In this beautifully told story, we truly get an idea of what living through occupation and war looks like, from violence and abuse, to loss and perpetual fear. I will warn you that there’s not much let up on the tougher stuff - but unlike books like A Little Life which can be called trauma porn (yes I still love it 🙈), the trauma in this feels like a necessary education and is no doubt true to life at that time. There are moments of light, love, hope, family and friendship too though, and I honestly just couldn’t put it down. Another one where I can’t believe it’s a debut!

"The Storm We Made" is a debut novel by Vanessa Chan which is a riveting narrative set against the backdrop of war-torn Malaysia during World War II. The story depicts who made the storm and whether they have made it through. If you’re a fan of ‘The Mountains Sing’, you should definitely pick this up.

The story unfolds through the eyes of Cecily and her three children: Jujube, Abel and Jasmine. Her life became more exciting when she was chosen to be a part-time spy for General Fujiwara but known as Bingley Chan to Western col0niz3rs. She was very much proud of herself (as much as I was) for that because clearly, she loathed her monochrome life of being a housewife and her husband for being a white worshipper. But adultery is another thing, it’s hard for me to read about her infatuation with her spymaster.

However, things went south in her family when her son, Abel, was disappeared on his 15th birthday just like other boys in their neighborhood. Nobody really knew where they have been except the boys who were being slaved as labor workers and being tortured at Kanchanaburi Labor Camp on the Burma/Thailand border. POV of Abel reminds me of so many young souls whose futures were stolen to thrive because he was gradually becoming an alcoholic and started to battle this addiction as this young age.

Meanwhile, Jujube was fixing everything as much as she could as the eldest daughter in Asian household when the youngest one became a cute little people pleaser but always escaping from reality.

I love the fact that I always learn things from books I’ve read including this one. When horrific wars happen in the country, it’s just not about the s0ldi3rs but also on each family of the whole nation which means individuals cope and suffer differently on their accounts.

The title ‘The Storm We Made’ could have possibly referred to Cecily and Fujiwara—their stirring things up between British occupation and their plans. From my perspective, they were not the ones who have made this storm, but it was given to them to solve and defend. This story was set in 1945 and yet storms like these are still happening in this world including my country which shows that history is not the past.

This book is foolproof that history still exists in our daily lives.

And we will prevail.

i can see this appealing to hardcore fans of this type of family saga, the likes penned by authors like allende.

A beautifully narrated audiobook granted to me by NetGalley. Historical fiction lovers will be drawn into this story and the experiences of its characters. I enjoyed listening, though it covers some dark subjects, not entirely unexpected given the setting. I would recommend it.

Thank you so much for granting me access to this early copy. So, as far as historical fiction goes, this is a really good read. I enjoyed the flow and pace of the story, I enjoyed getting to know the mother through the multiple timelines and I appreciate the author sort of highlighting that in an area ravaged by war, it doesn't help to keep children in the dark, at least for their safety. It's a really good

I listened to this book on audio, the only downside of which was keeping up with all the characters, which I find more difficult on audio when the book is complex. Having said that I very much enjoyed the book, I learnt a lot about the history of this era and loved the characters.

4.5 stars

What a heartbreaking story. The Storm We Made looks at a piece of history about which I was unfamiliar - the Japanese occupation of Malaya.

We meet Cecily, a mother with a hidden past, and her children Abel, Jujube and Jasmine. Each of these characters has a story to tell, and all have secrets.

It’s beautifully written in a dual timeline as we learn how Cecily risked her family for love when she was younger, and how that time may just catch up with her.

Meanwhile, her son Abel has vanished, sent to a work camp where boys are exploited and abused by the Japanese.

Despite the horrific events within the story, Chan manages to weave a beautiful narrative with vivid characters and profound messages of hope and forgiveness. It is still bleak, and the ending does not provide much respite from the gloom.

Cecily is extremely naive and the risks she takes are incredulous, but this shows how an infatuation can grow. Jasmine’s story is perhaps the least believable, but Chan brilliantly portrays the mind of a young girl and how she would feel in these situations. Jujube has a less interesting arc until it approaches its end, while Abel’s is dark and perhaps the saddest of them all.

What is fantastic is how gripping it is on audio - although I planned to read and listen, the audio was so engaging that I couldn’t stop listening to it. I read this just after returning from Malaysia and immediately looked up more of this period of history.

For a debut, this is outstanding, well-written, perfectly crafted and featuring characters that will stay with you long after you finish reading.