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A review by davinareads
Looking After The Ashes by Kopi Soh
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
When I read the synopsis, I heard my mom. When I read the preface and the first pages, I knew this one is for me.
A little bit about myself because it fits with this book a little. My parents are from a small county called Brunei (you may be going where in the world is that and I'll just say it's very far away from Canada) so my parents grew up with Malaysian culture integrated into their lives. All of these random sounding superstitions were then passed on to me as they told me about their time growing up. So I was very surprised to see all of the old wives tales and taboos captured in this book because no one really talked about them. And what's even better, Kopi captured it all perfectly.
Looking After the Ashes is a funny read pierced with some supernatural events and a few sad moments as well. This was a culture rich book filled with uncommon superstitions and captivating stories about growing up in a Taoist influenced Peranakan family. Some of them I've been told before while others were fun to discover.
We learn about what happens when you point at the moon, the ghost people who play at the playgrounds at the night, and the evil spirits that want your soul. And were there many evil spirits trying to take souls.
I was surprised to see words like Angkong hoo appear and described. And while the old wives tale is the focus, I'm so glad that Kopi included as much as she can about growing up. The food - specifically the desserts of red tortoise cake and kau chan kuihmade are my absolute favorite things to eat - made my jaw drop at being mentioned. The traditions, from weddings to funerals were detailed and things I've experienced. It was just perfect.
While the pacing was excellent I did find some of the stories to end abruptly where I was looking for a more of a wrap up. I wanted more like the greedy monster I am 😂
Overall, if you want to dive into a Malaysian read pick this up. You'll find a world different from your own and I think you'll have fun reading it.
A little bit about myself because it fits with this book a little. My parents are from a small county called Brunei (you may be going where in the world is that and I'll just say it's very far away from Canada) so my parents grew up with Malaysian culture integrated into their lives. All of these random sounding superstitions were then passed on to me as they told me about their time growing up. So I was very surprised to see all of the old wives tales and taboos captured in this book because no one really talked about them. And what's even better, Kopi captured it all perfectly.
Looking After the Ashes is a funny read pierced with some supernatural events and a few sad moments as well. This was a culture rich book filled with uncommon superstitions and captivating stories about growing up in a Taoist influenced Peranakan family. Some of them I've been told before while others were fun to discover.
We learn about what happens when you point at the moon, the ghost people who play at the playgrounds at the night, and the evil spirits that want your soul. And were there many evil spirits trying to take souls.
I was surprised to see words like Angkong hoo appear and described. And while the old wives tale is the focus, I'm so glad that Kopi included as much as she can about growing up. The food - specifically the desserts of red tortoise cake and kau chan kuihmade are my absolute favorite things to eat - made my jaw drop at being mentioned. The traditions, from weddings to funerals were detailed and things I've experienced. It was just perfect.
While the pacing was excellent I did find some of the stories to end abruptly where I was looking for a more of a wrap up. I wanted more like the greedy monster I am 😂
Overall, if you want to dive into a Malaysian read pick this up. You'll find a world different from your own and I think you'll have fun reading it.