Superb writing from this author, a very eye catching cover, this book will go far, 5 stars. Blindingly excellent ... This book should come with a disclaimer as once you start reading you aren’t going to want to walk away.

Thank You, NetGalley for the review copy.
The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan is a historical fiction set in British-colonized Malaya during the Second World War.

It is the story of a Malayan mother who ends up spying for the invading Japanese forces during WWII without imagining what could be the consequence. When the Japanese take over, things don't take a turn for the better. It's just one colonizer replaced by another. This is the story of her and her family's trials and tribulations. I enjoyed listening to this. And I'm sure you will too. A book I would recommend.

Beautifully devastating debut novel that is unflinching in its depiction of the horrors of war…

I’m not a voracious reader of historical fiction, but when a surprise proof copy of THE STORM WE MADE landed on my doormat, I was immediately drawn to it. Whilst this is a story set in the lead up to and during WWII in Malaya, it’s ultimately a heartbreakingly human story that transcends all sense of time and place to ingrain itself inside your heart. Told from multiple perspectives and across different timelines, this book delves deeply into both the Malaya of British colonialism and the Malaya of Japanese oppression. The reality and the magnitude of the trauma, devastation and impact is relayed through the stories of everyday human beings, which really means it packs a powerful punch. Focused on a single family, the narrative explores the atrocities of colonialism and war in a variety of ways. It unflinching in its depictions, which are frank and on many occasions really hard to read. However, despite this, Chan imbues this story with unfailing humanity, tenderness and love. I was entirely gripped by Abel’s story, who suffers horrifically at the hands of the Japanese army. However, his bond with his friend Freddie is so pure and full of heart. This is a deeply emotional read and one that will stay with me forever. It shone a light on a period of history I knew nothing about and has sparked a desire to learn more.

I was also lucky enough to be granted access to an early copy of the audiobook, which is narrated by Samantha Tan. I both read and listened to this book, but found that I gravitated more towards the audio, as Tan brought the story to life in such a powerful way. The narration really emphasises the whole plethora of emotions that this novel generates. Tan perfectly captures the personalities of the lead characters and breathed a life into them that had me not wanting to pause my listening. I felt transported into the world of the characters and I felt every pain, every moment of elation, every spark of love. It’s a brilliantly produced audiobook and I throughly enjoyed consuming this book in this way. Chan’s writing is beautiful and poetic and her words resonate when spoken aloud. If you enjoy audio and love to lose yourself in a heartfelt, brutal and emotional story, I highly recommend THE STORM WE MADE.

THE STORM WE MADE is released on 04/01/24 from @panmacmillan. Thank you so much to the publisher for my advance copies.

This book is set in British colonised Malaya in the 1930s and under Japanese occupation in the 1940s and tells the story of one family during this turbulent time.

This is the second book I’ve read set during this time period this year. Tan Twan Eng’s The House of Doors being the other so it was interesting to read more of this country during this time and from the perspective and of its citizens. I’ve learned a lot about how many countries across Asia suffered during WW2 from fiction in recent years and this adds another level of understanding. It was that that interested me most in this book, the sections based in the 40s.

It’s quite a grim read, granted it was a grim time period but there was little light to balance the darkness and it was a relentless catalogue of horror. I felt the characters were not developed strongly enough for the reader to become invested in rather they were there for horrific things to happen to them so it keeps the reader at arms length a little.

I think this one had potential but fell short. The writing was a little weak at times especially with the children, they did not read authentically. This was possibly more noticeable on audio.

Overall only an ok listen for me, I wouldn’t be rushing to recommend unfortunately.

2-2,5 stars

This is a fascinating story, based on the events of WWII in Malaya (now Malaysia) from 1935-1945 and I was hooked from the authors note at the start, having not read much about the impact of the war in Asia before.

A housewife turn spy, Cecile, is a very complex character. The story is initially told from her POV and then later, from the POVs of her children. I felt for Cecile, despite not necessarily liking her, as she had some difficult decisions to make, however it was her daughters, Jujube and Jasmin who really captured my heart.

Vanessa Chan’s writing is sublime.

4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Vanessa Chan and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC in return for an honest review.

A hard review to write. Whilst the writing and narration is beyond excellent. The stories of each of the protagonists are soul destroying, compelling and my heart shattered a thousand times over, it was so very hard to listen to. Important though, as I had no real knowledge of Malaya (now Malaysia) during WWII. I love when you learn through a novel.

Told over 2 timelines and from 4 POV at first I felt a little confused but it didn’t take me long to get right into the story and get to know each of the characters. No wonder the authors grandparents rarely talk of the period in their history. A stunning debut, I look forward to seeing what comes next. I think this will be huge on release!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.

The Storm We Made is a story told from 4 perspectives; Cecily, and her 3 children Jujube, Abel & Jasmin across 2 decades of World War II in British and Japanese controlled Malaya (modern day Malaysia).

This story interested me as being British I obviously have learnt much about British involvement and experiences during WWII, but not Asian experience, although I am new to historical fiction.

I listened to the audiobook production of The Storm We Made, and found Samantha Tan was a very good narrator. She had a pleasant voice and captured each of the characters with her performance.

The story was hard for me to get into initially - perhaps because it was focused more on Cecily at the start, who I found harder to connect or empathise with.

Hearing the vast differences in each child's experiences throughout the book was interesting and, given the subject matter, heartwrenching at times. I found Abel and Jasmin's stories hit me hardest and they were the characters I most connected with.

Vanessa Chan's writing, possibly in part with Samantha Tam's performance, really drives home the harsh realities of war, and made you feel fear, anxiety and anguish with the characters.

Overall, a well-written story, which has piqued my interest into delving further into historical fiction, as well as learning more about the experiences of other nations through WWII.

This is a sweeping and emotional historical saga that shines a light on a period that I’ve heard little about. As the author explains in her introduction, Malaysians don’t really talk about those days. I’m British-born Malaysian myself and my family have never talked about this period of history, even though my grandfather was imprisoned by both the Japanese and then the British.
The story is told from the points of view of Cecily, a frustrated housewife, and each of her three children, who in turn have their own experience of the occupation. Beautifully written, the prose is unflinching and at times makes for difficult listening - especially the accounts of the labour camp, what could happen to women and girls, and the exploration of why people collaborated with their invaders. But I couldn’t stop. The characters show all facets of what it is to be human, trying to survive a war. There’s intense cruelty and despair as well as connection and beauty. In the middle of a comfort station two little girls play. Despite the torture some of the invaders inflict, others are kind to children.
It’s chilling to think that in days of war, the horrors become almost mundane. And amidst the slow suffering of a nation under siege, Cecily is consumed with a toxic longing for a Japanese agent, even though her own child has disappeared and we see him in a prison camp. All the characters are trapped, just trying to survive. The details feel so authentic I could imagine myself there, in those hot, humid claustrophobic, and awful times.
The authenticity of the writing is enhanced by the narration. Samantha Tan is just brilliant, and inhabits the different points of view expertly, making you really believe in the characters, from the young child to the frustrated housewife. I’ve also been reading the physical proof, but the audio narration conjures up the world in all it's beauty and tragedy even more.

SO sorry but i DNF'ed this , just was not for me, but I am sure some of you out there will like it if you are a historical fiction person

This was absolutely wonderful. The narrator Samantha Tan brings all the characters to life, making the dialogue wonderful to listen to. Thank you to the publisher!

"The Storm We Made" was an amazing read.
The different plot lines all kept my interest, I loved how complex the characters were, and I especially loved that there was no easy resolution by the end.

Wow, what an audiobook.
From the moment I pressed play to the last word, I was absolutely captivated by The Storm We Made.
It’s a part of history than I knew absolutely nothing about and by listening to this book, I felt a learnt a lot. I really enjoyed the multiple narratives of Cecily and her three children, as each voice added fresh detail, nuance and context to the events of the novel. The plot is filled with such cruelty and sadness that I was on the edge my seat and gasping throughout. However, it’s so beautifully written that I could not stop listening and I really appreciated the glimmers of light in all the darkness. The kindness and camaraderie that got the characters through was uplifting and inspiring.

The narration by Samantha Tan is immaculate. She totally blew me away and drew me deeper and deeper into the plot. I loved the range of voices she performed for the different characters.

All in all, this book is absolutely everything I want from a reading experience and it’s a very strong candidate for my favourite book of the year.

Perfect for fans of historical novels and family dramas. I can’t recommend this audiobook enough.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The older I get, the more I find myself taking an interest in history. In 'The Storm We Made', Vanessa Chan provides valuable insight into a time and place I knew little about. And she doesn't pull any punches. I listened to the audiobook, which was brilliantly narrated by Samantha Tan. It's a tough listen in places but extremely worthwhile. I look forward to hearing more from this author in future.

Cecily is a Eurasian, married to Gordon, she has three children and actively wants to be more than just Gordon’s wife and the children’s mother. This is a novel that is set against the backdrop of waning British colonialism and the gathering hope that the Japanese, who have occupied the country, will reinstate traditional Asian values.

A few years ago Cecily happened to meet General Fujiwara and she shares any information she can glean from Gordon’s work and any overheard gossip. She is – at base – a spy for the overlords and going forward her fear of discovery is palpable.

However, as the Japanese entrench and WW2 gets into full swing, the hopes for the more golden future diminish. Life under Japanese occupation is harsh, and fears for the younger generation grow as young men disappear and young girls are misused. Humiliation and suffering are commonplace and the author does a really good job of setting the family within the context of this period of history.

I struggled at times to really come alongside the characters, the storyline relied on descriptive narrative rather than psychological acumen. I felt it needed more depth in order to make this a really outstanding historical novel but that notwithstanding, if you are new to this period of history, then this will be a good introduction to the harsh vagaries of life under Japanese occupation.

The Storm We Made follows the events unfolding around Cecily and her family in Malaya during the 30s, under British rule, and in 1945, under Japanese occupation. Cecily, unhappy with British oversight, secretly aids the Japanese without knowing the heavy cost that is to come. A personal and intimate account from the perspective of Cecily and her children, Jujube, Abel and Jasmin, we see first hand how life is turned on its head with the arrival of war to their shores. As beautiful as this novel is it is just as barbaric at the hands of the Japanese. Such brutality and cruelty is hard to stomach, at times, but is offset by gentle kindness and unexpected friendships that help see this family through the challenges they face together and apart.

Listening to the audiobook of this novel brings a richness to the story that feels entirely immersive. I felt the heat and humidity and could appreciate better the culture and dialect of the conversations. Incredible talent narrating this harrowing tale!

If I look back on the many books I have read as an adult, I would reckon a high percentage are novels set during WWII. I am drawn to the inspiring, seemingly impossible struggle to overcome and defeat evil. The pain, the suffering, the fortitude to persevere no matter the odds, fighting for a cause bigger than any individual speaks to the resilience of the soul. I appreciate the unique perspective of the war on this island nation. Brutal and awful to behold but even a small act of kindness brings peace and love. A touching story so beautifully told, The Storm We Made will stay with me for some time to come.

This audiobook is set in Malaysia in WWII during the Japanese occupation and Vanessa Chan has written an incredible novel that I couldn’t put down. Cecily has three children, Jujube, Abel and Jasmine. Cecily becomes a spy hoping to make life easier for her family - however it actually makes things worse. The book is written from the four points of view of Cecily and then each of her children. I found it gripping, heart breaking and at times I struggled to read it but it was absolutely captivating too. This is also a debut and it’s a stunning one.Narrated by Samantha Tan who did total justice to this book, I can’t recommend this audiobook highly enough. This is a story that must be told and heard. Thank you Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton Audio.

In recent times much more has been written about the experiences of those in the Far East during World War 2, an important addition after years when the focus has very much been on Europe. The Storm We Made tells the story of four members of a Malayan family during the Japanese occupation.

The mother of the family, Cecily, has years before been involved in espionage to help the Japanese forces against the British colonisers, wanting to help reclaim Asia for those who belong there. Obviously this has repercussions for all when the Japanese army prove to be even more brutal. Her three children, Jujube, Abel and Jasmin, are all affected in different ways, all of them horrific.

Telling these stories is very important but I’m afraid this book wasn’t for me. I found the characters to lack depth – they seemed to exist purely as a vehicle for the stories that the author wanted to tell and never felt genuine to me, just stereotypes. Much of it felt very overwritten and the author was trying a little too hard to make us feel a certain way, rather than letting the characters and story do that work more naturally. Despite how gruelling the story was, I always felt a distance from the characters and that impacted how strongly I felt about their experiences. Cecily, for instance, could have had a very interesting story if there had been more restraint but instead everything is overblown and she doesn’t feel plausible to me.

I am very interested in this period of history and read some really interesting books in recent times which tell the story far better. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

#TheStormWeMade #NetGalley

I’m so sad to have come to the end of this beautiful, sad and informative book. I’m ashamed to say I knew nothing of how Malaysia suffered before, during and after the war but whilst this tale is fictional and not at all lecturing it did open my eyes to the plight of this nation. Don’t however think this is simply a war story because it is so much more a wonderful family story.
This was an audiobook and I cannot recommend strongly enough to enjoy ‘The Storm We Made’ in this format mainly to hear the very impressive narration of Samantha Tan. So much of this book is conversational and if you only read the words a lot of the nuances would I feel be lost.
I will be eagerly watching for more from this author.