How We Disappeared

This is a beautifully written book which shines a light on some of the least talked about aspects of war - the systematic rape and abuse of women and the devastating lingering effects. The book moves around in its timeline (from the 1940s to the year 2000) and perspective (Wang Di who lived through the war and Kevin who is unraveling a secret told by his grandmother on her death bed) but it is organized clearly so there is no confusion. I adored the character of Kevin - his shy, quite but insightful personality and his consideration of others is heartwarming. The book has an ambiguous ending which some readers will love and others who’ll find unsatisfying. I’m not sure how I feel about it yet.

Heart-rending story of several people enduring cruelty, shame and silence, some concealing and others uncovering. Based on the real atrocities of the Japanese occupation of Singapore.