I received Jemimah Wei's "The Original Daughter" as an Advanced Reading Copy through BookBrowse. The story centers around a Chinese-Singaporean family, but in many ways, it could have been written about any family where there is love, jealousy, and loyalty.
I took my time
…more reading this because I wanted to understand the culture and the family dynamics. Wei describes everything so vividly that I was quickly immersed. The same love that binds the characters is the same love that breaks them. Love can be a powerful weapon and a soothing salve at the same time.
While reading Wei's rich prose, I wondered how I would have reacted if one day a younger girl had been introduced into my household and I was told that from now on, this was my new sister. Would I have made her my chosen"one"? Would I have made her feel welcome?
This story takes place in turn-of-the-millennium Singapore. BUT, people everywhere and at any time need to feel they belong.
This is Wei's first novel. I hope it's not her last. (less)
