Told in alternating chapters voiced by Cecily and her children, Jujube, Abel and Jasmin, during the years 1935 and 1945 in Malaysia, The Storm We Made describes two turbulent years in that country’s history. In 1935 Cecily is chosen, because of her husband’s position, to become a spy for the Japanese who are trying to take over the country from the British. When they do, it has disastrous effects on Cecily, her family and her country.

Vanessa Chan’s debut novel is a fine read. Her characters are well flushed out and realistic, her plot is dramatic, and the book describes a piece of history I knew very little about. I highly recommend reading The Storm We Made.