How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee

★★★★☆

How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee is a powerful piece of historical fiction that rightfully deserves a place in your TBR pile. Just make sure you actually get around to reading this one!

It weaves the stories of Wang Di, a former 'comfort woman' during the Japanese occupation, and Kevin, a young man combing through his family's history. As their stories criss-cross past and present Singapore, you'll discover a touching narrative about resilience and healing.

The strength of this book - as in all good historical fiction - lies in its ability to bring history to life, forcing you to face the emotional realities of war in a way no dry textbook ever could. Some ladies of the book club felt frustrated by what sometimes felt like lack of clarity, but I felt it mirrors the reality of trauma. The memories are hazy, but isn't that a true reflection of what happens to our own memories under duress? I thought it was a smart decision by Lee and creates a narrative that feels genuine.

How We Disappeared will both break your heart and give you hope. For a fresh voice like Lee, this is an outstanding feat. So grab a copy and let it seep into your soul. Make sure you have a box of tissues!

Review by Linda