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A review by deedireads
How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/.
TL;DR REVIEW:
How We Disappeared is a moving, well-written novel that brings to life the experiences of “comfort women” in Singapore during WWII.
For you if: You are a fan of literary historical fiction.
FULL REVIEW:
I picked up How We Disappeared because it was longlisted for the 2020 Women’s Prize. I don’t think I would have read it otherwise — historical fiction (even literary historical fiction) isn’t one of my go-to genres — but I enjoyed it, and it definitely made a nice addition to my list.
The novel is a portrayal of the imagined experiences of “comfort women” (sex slaves) during the Japanese occupation of Singapore during WWII, centering on a young girl named Wang Di. It alternates between the past and today, as she grapples with the loneliness of new widowhood and a secret past that sits heavily on her shoulders. Meanwhile, a young boy named Kevin seeks to solve a mystery left behind by his recently deceased grandmother.
The characters in this book are what makes it shine — I rooted so hard for Kevin, and my heart broke for Wang Di. As you might expect from a book about sexual enslavement, there are parts that are difficult to read. But the novel stands as a beautiful ode to and remembrance of the women who suffered. I recommend this one if you like historical fiction, and especially if you’re looking for a time period and location that isn’t often featured in novels.
TL;DR REVIEW:
How We Disappeared is a moving, well-written novel that brings to life the experiences of “comfort women” in Singapore during WWII.
For you if: You are a fan of literary historical fiction.
FULL REVIEW:
I picked up How We Disappeared because it was longlisted for the 2020 Women’s Prize. I don’t think I would have read it otherwise — historical fiction (even literary historical fiction) isn’t one of my go-to genres — but I enjoyed it, and it definitely made a nice addition to my list.
The novel is a portrayal of the imagined experiences of “comfort women” (sex slaves) during the Japanese occupation of Singapore during WWII, centering on a young girl named Wang Di. It alternates between the past and today, as she grapples with the loneliness of new widowhood and a secret past that sits heavily on her shoulders. Meanwhile, a young boy named Kevin seeks to solve a mystery left behind by his recently deceased grandmother.
The characters in this book are what makes it shine — I rooted so hard for Kevin, and my heart broke for Wang Di. As you might expect from a book about sexual enslavement, there are parts that are difficult to read. But the novel stands as a beautiful ode to and remembrance of the women who suffered. I recommend this one if you like historical fiction, and especially if you’re looking for a time period and location that isn’t often featured in novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Rape, Slavery, Violence, and Trafficking
Moderate: Ableism and Bullying