The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan
“Yet perhaps this was what a woman’s idealism is: not the reach for a utopia – everyone had lived long enough to know perfection was beyond reach – but the need to transform one thing into something better.”
Vanessa Chan’s debut novel The Storm We Made (2024) was sold in major auctions in both the UK and US. Inspired by the author’s family history, the book transports the reader to the tumultuous landscape of Malaya during World War II, where ordinary lives are swept up in the currents of espionage, betrayal, and the relentless quest for survival. This resonated deeply with me as I reflected on my own family’s experiences during the Japanese occupation, and added an extra layer of poignancy to an already powerful story. Through a multi-narrative lens, Chan crafts a spellbinding narrative that explores the intricate web of human connections amidst the chaos of war.
The novel skillfully moves between two distinct historical eras: the period before World War II, where a facade of politeness conceals underlying tensions between locals and the British, and the aftermath of Japanese occupation, marked by societal upheaval and fear. By shifting perspectives from Cecily Alcantara to her children, Abel, Jujube and Jasmin, the story explores their innermost thoughts using a close third-person narrative, immersing readers in their experiences.
While Cecily’s chapters focus on the time before the invasion, the chapters featuring the children unfold during the occupation, revealing their struggles amidst the chaos. Abel’s story takes a dark turn as he finds himself in a labour camp, enduring harsh conditions. Jujube wrestles with the responsibility of keeping the family intact after Abel’s disappearance, initially finding comfort in a friendship that later falters amid worsening circumstances. Meanwhile, Jasmin initially appears unaffected, but her journey gradually unfolds as the narrative progresses.
“And as their clandestine nights continued, Cecily found that she too could envision a world taken back from the British, a future in which she, and her children, and their children, could be more than just unnoticed, bland, ornamentation.”
What sets The Storm We Made apart is its nuanced exploration of morality in times of desperation. Cecily’s transformation from a dutiful wife to a pawn in the game of espionage raises compelling questions about the nature of guilt and redemption. Through her character, Chan navigates the complexities of colonialism and resistance, shedding light on the fraught relationships between the colonised and their oppressors.
Chan’s prose is both lyrical and evocative, transporting readers to the humid streets of Malaya with vivid sensory detail. From the bustling tea houses frequented by Japanese soldiers to the harrowing scenes of labour camps, the novel immerses readers in a world where survival hangs in the balance.
At its core, the novel is a moving exploration of the human spirit’s capacity for both darkness and resilience. As Cecily grapples with the consequences of her choices, readers are left to ponder the ambiguity of right and wrong when faced with the ultimate test of survival.
The Storm We Made is a riveting debut that captivates from beginning to end. With its richly drawn characters, lush prose and thought-provoking themes, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they’ve turned the final page. For anyone who enjoys reading Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai or Juhea Kim, I highly recommend this.
Emma Pei Yin is a UK-born and raised HK Chinese writer based in Australia. She is represented by Laurie Robertson @ Peters Fraser and Dunlop (UK). Her works have been featured in The Mekong Review, Hong Kong Review, Being Asian Australian, Aniko Press, Books + Publishing and HerCanberra.