207. Circumstance by Rosie Milne

BOOK REVIEW: Circumstance by Rosie Milne (Courtesy of Pansing Distribution Pte Ltd)

Malaysia is rich in its history, from the food to its people to its clothes. Many tales abound about the Malaysian rainforests, the inhabitants, both human and primal in nature. In Circumstance, all these aspects of Malaya in its heyday are portrayed through wonderfully woven prose and equally interesting characters.

A question for all the married women out there: what would your reaction and action be if you were to find out that your spouse had a mini family hidden from your purview, only for you to find out much later? This enthralling tome relates the story of three characters stuck in an unruly triangle of marital dispute in 1920s Malaya.

What happens when an adoring young English bride, Rose,  is met on the doorstep of her new home by her husband's former mistress, Nony, a native of Saramantan (most probably Sabah or Sarawak judging from the vivid description of the surroundings)?

It is 1924 and the British rule olden-days Malaya. Frank is a colonial administrator in a remote district deep in the jungle called Kluanak, Saramantan. Rose is the innocent young bride he's just brought out from England when he got hitched during Home Leave. Nony is the native mistress he'd previously abandoned, along with their four children, half-castes looked down upon by the natives.

When Rose arrives in Malaya, she knows nothing of her new husband's past. But how long can she remain ignorant with the half-castes of her husband are galloping around the jungles, an obvious sign that something was not quite in place? Frank, Rose and Nony soon become entangled in vines of secrecy and lying, they are snagged by thorns of bribery and blackmail, and caught in sticky webs of bluff and counter-bluff.

I wouldn't want to be the spoiler to this story but the ending is pretty gruesome and the prominent male character, Frank, is disposed off in the story. By disposed off, I'm talking of a murder most vile, performed by a demure character that you readers would never expect of her.

I personally give this read a 10/10 because of the way that it portrays the steamy wildlife-filled jungles of Malaya, the natives and their habits (practice of black magic, food habits) and also the reign of the British people on Malaya. If you happen to come across this book in any good bookstore, snap it up without a second doubt for your reading pleasure.

206. The Book of Goddesses: Invoke the Powers of the Goddesses to Improve your Life by Roni Jay

BOOK REVIEW: The Book of Goddesses - Invoke the Power of Goddesses to Improve your Life by Roni Jay

Kartini Kwanyiin Kannan, yup, that's my name. My parents bestowed me with the name of Kartini, as she was a brave Indonesian freedom fighter, in the hopes of moulding a braver me. Then what about Kwanyiin? What's the significance of the bestowing of a goddess' name?

Kwanyiin is the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. She sacrificed Nirvana, the highest attainment after death, to remain on Earth so as to be merciful on those who needed it most. Maybe that's why I'm compassionate to all forms of life who walk the planet.

This book is a fascinating guide to well-known and time-enduring goddesses from many different spiritual traditions. There is the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, the Greek goddess Athena and even the Buddhist goddess Tara.

The powers attributed to an array of goddesses from the beginning of time is depicted with clarity in this book. As you begin to comprehend their individual powers, you will also unearth the goddess in your very being.

With more than 25 goddesses from various cultures acroas the globe, the myths, appearances and powers attributed to each of them are laid out for your reading pleasure. Besides that, the actual creme de la creme of th book are the rituals stated to harness the powers of the goddesses in the safety and convenience of your own home.

This ravishing read was one of the many books I raided off of my godfather's well-armed shelves. Do get a copy of this 10/10 rated book and rest assured, your interest will piqued.

205. The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib

BOOK REVIEW: The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib (Courtesy of Pansing)

Eating is on my top list of To-Do's any day, anytime, anywhere! Food has an iridescent meaning to me, both as a chef and on a more personal level. My family bonded over mealtimes, junk foods help me to get over that time of the month (girls, put your hands up!) and can change your mood while satiating your body's need for nutrition. But can you imagine individuals who practically DESPISE eating? Yikes! Do they even exist? Sadly, they do.

Eating disorders are a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. There are 6 types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, pica, rumination disorder and avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder. However, this book deals with the two major and more familiar eating disorders which are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, shortly known as anorexia and bulimia.

People with anorexia generally view themselves as overweight, even if they're dangerously underweight. They tend to constantly monitor their weight, avoid eating certain types of foods and severely restrict their calories. Individuals living with it may experience osteopenia (thinning of the bones), infertility and even multiple organ failure.

People with bulimia often binge eat until they are painfully full. The individuals then attempt to purge to compensate for the calories consumed and relieve gut discomfort. Common purging behaviors include forced vomiting, fasting, laxatives, diuretics, enemas, and excessive exercise. Side effects of bulimia include worn tooth enamel, acid reflux, inflamed throat and severe dehydration.

Written in a dreamy poetic style that is at once captivating, this book is about Anna, who suffers from anorexia, in spite of it and beyond it. It tells the lives of young women from different backgrounds who live in 17 Swann Street, a house which doubles up as a rehabilitation centre for women with eating disorders. Anna watches women like her struggle to get back on track for their children, their spouses, families but most importantly themselves. 

Woven poignantly, the story relates the seriousness of eating disorders that when not looked into can often lead to death due to malnutrition. Although we may not all suffer from the same psychological afflictions, we all have inner demons to confront. It is this ultimate truth, dished up squarely on a plate, that makes this debut novel from Yara Zgheib one that will resonate with everyone.

A heartwarming story of one woman's struggle to get her life back, it makes me realize that my life, in comparison to hers, is a bed of roses. At least being full bodied leaves me feeling proud instead of getting myself malnourished. A 10/10 read, I highly recommend this book to readers who want to familiarize themselves to eating disorders in a relaxed way and cherish the food that we nourish ourselves with.