This book was quite slow-moving and it took some time to understand the main plot despite the novel jumping straight in. However, the short snappy chapters make it easy for you to understand the constant motif of having to chase your inner emotions which bond quite well with the dynamic between characters and generations.
Thought-provoking end-of-the-world story where Aisha, a Malaysian teenager who hasn’t seen her sister for two years since June left home to explore the world. However, the government foreshadow a disastrous calamity about to strike. Aisha, her Mak, her boyfriend and his parents road trip through Malaysia to reunite with her sister.
Nadia Mikail wrote this book which falls into the genres of Young Adult fiction and dystopia.
This book was quite slow-moving and it took some time to understand the main plot despite the novel jumping straight in. However, the short snappy chapters make it easy for you to understand the constant motif of having to chase your inner emotions which bond quite well with the dynamic between characters and generations.
There is a keen sense of family in the book, and we constantly get flashbacks to Aisha’s childhood and to her life with her grandparents. I particularly appreciated the realisation that parents also have lives before you and are also constantly struggling as well. One of the main points I took from the book is that at the end of the day, everyone is human.
I also learnt a lot about Malaysian culture and its diversity as we see people from two different races dating which adds to the concept that everyone is equal. The end was one of the most memorable parts as we see what the outcome was of the odyssey through Malaysia.
Overall, I would recommend this novel to people aged 11-16 but the book can appeal to everyone, especially people who enjoy learning about culture as well as people who have a soft spot for light-hearted yet dystopic books. In many ways, this is a Bildungsroman so if you enjoyed the Harry Potter series, Jane Eyre or the Hobbit, this book is perfect for you!