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A review by blithesquesttoread
Well, That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto
4.0
It’s always so awesome to read books centered around Asian households and navigating through the family dynamics and mother-daughter relationships. Family and societal values, as terrifying as they may sound, are supremely integral part of being an Asian. To the extent, that it’s nothing short of a crime if your relatives don’t know about the happenings of your life and you do something which will be most definitely scrutinized by the public eye. It’s likely your family will not have a personal problem with whatever you do with your life, but they’ll be concerned “how it will look in front of the society”. Now, it looks like it’s a terrible way of living, but… it’s quite alright. Family is family.
And that’s what “Well, that was unexpected” talks about. There are two essential dynamics about the book: a) the relationship of Sharlot with her mom and how George navigates through his family being “too much” and always in the public scrutiny; and b) how first impression shouldn’t be misinterpreted as last impression. Perceptions change and it’s likely the person you thought you knew was behind a mask all this time (for the better or worse… luckily it was for the better here).
Now, I wouldn’t lie… I was cynical about Sharlot a bit in the beginning. I have strong opinions about anyone who refers to Third World countries as… being helpless. Especially anyone who comes from the West -.- So, I treaded the book carefully but it was actually quite relieving to see Sharlot agreeing to her assumptions and white washed eyes to look at the emerging or developing economies. After all, as much as one would want, white washed lenses are inseparable, even if you have grown up in an Asian country. I am really glad that the author took this story arc and how the character development was brought about. Same goes for the dynamics between Sharlot and her mom.
Coming to George and Sharlot, they are a cute bunch I give you that. And George’s family is delightful as well! I am really on my way to read Dial A for Aunties.
I was provided with e-arc of the book in exchange for an honest review.
And that’s what “Well, that was unexpected” talks about. There are two essential dynamics about the book: a) the relationship of Sharlot with her mom and how George navigates through his family being “too much” and always in the public scrutiny; and b) how first impression shouldn’t be misinterpreted as last impression. Perceptions change and it’s likely the person you thought you knew was behind a mask all this time (for the better or worse… luckily it was for the better here).
Now, I wouldn’t lie… I was cynical about Sharlot a bit in the beginning. I have strong opinions about anyone who refers to Third World countries as… being helpless. Especially anyone who comes from the West -.- So, I treaded the book carefully but it was actually quite relieving to see Sharlot agreeing to her assumptions and white washed eyes to look at the emerging or developing economies. After all, as much as one would want, white washed lenses are inseparable, even if you have grown up in an Asian country. I am really glad that the author took this story arc and how the character development was brought about. Same goes for the dynamics between Sharlot and her mom.
Coming to George and Sharlot, they are a cute bunch I give you that. And George’s family is delightful as well! I am really on my way to read Dial A for Aunties.
I was provided with e-arc of the book in exchange for an honest review.