The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds
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The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds by Selina Siak Chin Yoke
Facing challenges in an increasingly colonial world, Chye Hoon, a rebellious young girl, must learn to embrace her mixed Malayan-Chinese identity as a Nyonya—and her destiny as a cook, rather than following her first dream of attending school like her brother. Amidst the smells of chillies and garlic frying, Chye Hoon begins to appreciate the richness of her traditions, eventually marrying Wong Peng Choon, a Chinese man. Together, they have ten children. At last, she can pass on the stories she has heard—magical tales of men from the sea—and her warrior’s courage, along with her wonderful kueh (cakes). But the cultural shift towards the West has begun. Chye Hoon finds herself afraid of losing the heritage she so prizes as her children move more and more into the modernising Western world.
A Goodreads Best Book of the Month In this vividly drawn, deeply affecting first novel, a spirited girl who is forbidden to attend school as a child is inspired by the warrior myths of her ancestral past told to her by her motherThough uneducated, Chye Hoon goes on to forge her own destiny as a cook, famed for her savory kueh cakes. Author Selina Siak Chin Yoke's special magic draws us instantly and poignantly into Chye Hoon's epic struggle to preserve her family as well as her vanishing culture. -Laura Esquivel, author of Pierced by the Sun and the New York Times bestselling Like Water for Chocolate
Of Malaysian-Chinese heritage, Selina Siak Chin Yoke grew up listening to family stories and ancient legends, always knowing that one day she would write. After an eclectic life as a theoretical physicist, investment banker and trader in London, the heavens intervened. In 2009, Chin Yoke was diagnosed with cancer, the second major illness she had to battle. While recovering, she decided not to delay her dream of writing any longer. She is currently working on her second book and also writes a blog about Malaysia at www.chinyoke.wordpress.com.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781503939349 |
| ISBN 10 | 1503939340 |
| Title | The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds |
| Author | Selina Siak Chin Yoke |
| Series | The Malayan Saga |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Amazon Publishing |
| Year published | 2016-11-01 |
| Number of pages | 473 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |