The Storm We Made

This story is about a Malaya family's life during the Japanese Occupation during WWII. But it's also about a mother, her choices, and the consequences she and her family must live with and overcome.

Cecily is a housewife, bored with her life as a mother and wife, and seeking a way to have a more meaningful life. She believes the Japanese propaganda that promotes the idea of "Asia for Asians," and that promises liberation from British colonial rule. This makes her vulnerable and susceptible to the charms of General Fujiwara - and allows him to recruit her as a spy.

Cecily's husband works for the British colonial government and has access to sensitive information. Soon, Cicily is stealing this information and passing it on to Fujiwara. But as the Japanese Occupation becomes increasingly brutal, she sees the suffering of her family and her people. The reality of what she helped bring about becomes clear- her actions have far-reaching consequences that she may be unable to undo.

Her journey of discovery and attempting to rectify her past mistakes is complex. The author does a great job of showing her anguish as she tries to shield her family, especially her children, from the war and the Japanese Occupation.

The author demonstrates that actions can have unforeseen ripple effects, leading to unfavorable outcomes making it a very thought-provoking read.

While not perfect, this debut is solid and well worth reading. I recommend it to book clubs and anyone who enjoys historical fiction.