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A review by justinsim
The Boat People by Sharon Bala
5.0
"The Boat People" by Sharon Bala
MUST READ BOOK OF THE YEAR
In 2009/2010 the Ocean lady and MV Sun arrived in BC from Sri Lanka running from ethnic persecution. This is a Historical Fiction book based on those events, I admittedly have a soft spot for this genre, but WOW. This book is BEAUTIFULLY written, soaring poetic English used to describe the happiest highs and the absolute darkest lows. The character development is EXQUISITE, especially for a book with so many different angles and stories to tell. It has been a long time since I have felt so strongly about characters in a book empathized with some, and detested others. If you are a Canadian and have any interest in politics, world issues, or just the human experience in general this is an absolute must read. From modern day immigration issues, and the worry of "terrorist stowaways" to the relocation of Japanese Canadians during WW2, to politics, to Law, to civil unrest. It covers all of these topics in one story, but unlike many books does not feel like it is stretching to encompass everything, it is beautiful seamless and powerful. It will tug at the heart strings, make you question everything you thought about refugees and immigration no matter what your stance, and absolutely tear you apart, but unlike most books purposely doesn't take the time to build you back up. I read this book cover to cover and only put it down when I needed a break from the heavy content. For a book with so much breadth of scope and depth of character it was easy to follow and easy to read.What makes this even better is that is is written by a first generation Canadian.
A true Canadian masterpiece, if you are only going to read one book this year pick this one, it is perfection.
MUST READ BOOK OF THE YEAR
In 2009/2010 the Ocean lady and MV Sun arrived in BC from Sri Lanka running from ethnic persecution. This is a Historical Fiction book based on those events, I admittedly have a soft spot for this genre, but WOW. This book is BEAUTIFULLY written, soaring poetic English used to describe the happiest highs and the absolute darkest lows. The character development is EXQUISITE, especially for a book with so many different angles and stories to tell. It has been a long time since I have felt so strongly about characters in a book empathized with some, and detested others. If you are a Canadian and have any interest in politics, world issues, or just the human experience in general this is an absolute must read. From modern day immigration issues, and the worry of "terrorist stowaways" to the relocation of Japanese Canadians during WW2, to politics, to Law, to civil unrest. It covers all of these topics in one story, but unlike many books does not feel like it is stretching to encompass everything, it is beautiful seamless and powerful. It will tug at the heart strings, make you question everything you thought about refugees and immigration no matter what your stance, and absolutely tear you apart, but unlike most books purposely doesn't take the time to build you back up. I read this book cover to cover and only put it down when I needed a break from the heavy content. For a book with so much breadth of scope and depth of character it was easy to follow and easy to read.What makes this even better is that is is written by a first generation Canadian.
A true Canadian masterpiece, if you are only going to read one book this year pick this one, it is perfection.