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thebookfestclub's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, War, Rape, Death, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
stabilesero's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Although this is fiction; it deals with a very real historical period of time and the agony that many women and girls had to live through and deal with throughout their lives. I loved Kevin as a character and also Wang Di, how she survived all those years against her own battles and the views of others, in particular their opinions about "comfort women."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Miscarriage, Sexual content, and War
adelheid's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Blood, Death, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Sexual assault, Trafficking, War, Kidnapping, and Misogyny
thelaurasaurus's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This book made me so sad and angry, while also managing to contain occasional tender moments that made the misery bearable. While the treatment Wang Di received at the hands of the Japanese wasn’t exactly a surprise, I was really upset by how she was treated upon her return, not just by her neighbours, but by her brother . I had to take a break to sit and have a think (and a cry) when I finished.
I liked the Kevin storyline, but I wish that it had been slightly less depressing, and also better developed. I wanted it to both counteract the horror of what I was reading about Wang Di, and also move and engage me in the same way.
As a side note: I knew nothing about the history of Singapore, and this book provided me with a really interesting introduction to the country. I would like to read more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Slavery, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexism, Misogyny, Grief, Murder, and Pregnancy
Minor: Child abuse, War, Violence, and Blood
etyines's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
these are the stories that need to be told! fuck war and colonialism!
i love the subtle nods to language here, wang di communicating with the girls in broken bits of various languages, kevin learning traditional chinese, it just adds a bit more richness and color and helps highlight how much of a melting pot singapore really is.
i love the subtle nods to language here, wang di communicating with the girls in broken bits of various languages, kevin learning traditional chinese, it just adds a bit more richness and color and helps highlight how much of a melting pot singapore really is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, War, and Death of parent
enmcurrie's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
I didn’t know much about Comfort Women, or the Japanese occupation of Singapore prior to reading so it was so interesting to learn more about that time period. A beautiful book with different POVs that end up interconnected. Wang Di’s story is harrowing, her trauma remains with her for years and her refusal to delve into the past is saddening. The storyline is based on very real events that many vulnerable young women had to face, which makes it even more emotive. And although the overall tone of the novel is sad, the ending is quite heartwarming. I love this book, it’s a great read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, and Rape
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and War
beriboo's review against another edition
3.5
A Necessary Exploration of Sexual Assault
How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee is a poignant and important novel that tackles the difficult topic of sexual assault during wartime. While the book brings attention to this often-overlooked aspect of history, it falls short in fully capturing the emotional impact and depth of the characters' experiences.
Lee's writing style is descriptive and evocative, effectively transporting readers to the harrowing world of the survivors of sexual slavery during World War II. The author's research is evident, and she skillfully weaves historical details into the narrative, shedding light on a dark chapter of human history.
The characters in How We Disappeared are complex and their struggles are portrayed with sensitivity. Lee explores the themes of shame, guilt, and the search for identity with nuance, allowing readers to empathize with the survivors and witness their resilience. The portrayal of the female characters, in particular, is handled with care and respect, highlighting their strength and determination.
However, the book suffers from pacing issues although the subject matter is undoubtedly difficult. Additionally, the book occasionally relies on shocking and graphic scenes to convey the horrors of sexual assault. While these moments are undoubtedly powerful, they can sometimes feel exploitative and sensationalised, detracting from a more nuanced exploration of the survivors' experiences.
Despite these shortcomings, How We Disappeared serves as an important reminder of the atrocities committed during wartime and the resilience of those affected. Jing-Jing Lee's willingness to tackle such a difficult topic deserves recognition. Although the book may not fully capture the emotional depth and complexity of the characters' experiences, it serves as a stepping stone for further discussions and awareness surrounding sexual assault during times of conflict. Readers interested in historical fiction and willing to confront challenging subject matter will find value in How We Disappeared.
How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee is a poignant and important novel that tackles the difficult topic of sexual assault during wartime. While the book brings attention to this often-overlooked aspect of history, it falls short in fully capturing the emotional impact and depth of the characters' experiences.
Lee's writing style is descriptive and evocative, effectively transporting readers to the harrowing world of the survivors of sexual slavery during World War II. The author's research is evident, and she skillfully weaves historical details into the narrative, shedding light on a dark chapter of human history.
The characters in How We Disappeared are complex and their struggles are portrayed with sensitivity. Lee explores the themes of shame, guilt, and the search for identity with nuance, allowing readers to empathize with the survivors and witness their resilience. The portrayal of the female characters, in particular, is handled with care and respect, highlighting their strength and determination.
However, the book suffers from pacing issues although the subject matter is undoubtedly difficult. Additionally, the book occasionally relies on shocking and graphic scenes to convey the horrors of sexual assault. While these moments are undoubtedly powerful, they can sometimes feel exploitative and sensationalised, detracting from a more nuanced exploration of the survivors' experiences.
Despite these shortcomings, How We Disappeared serves as an important reminder of the atrocities committed during wartime and the resilience of those affected. Jing-Jing Lee's willingness to tackle such a difficult topic deserves recognition. Although the book may not fully capture the emotional depth and complexity of the characters' experiences, it serves as a stepping stone for further discussions and awareness surrounding sexual assault during times of conflict. Readers interested in historical fiction and willing to confront challenging subject matter will find value in How We Disappeared.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Rape
margueriteleech's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
5.0
Harrowing in all the right ways. Beautiful prose and evocative writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, War, Torture, Sexual violence, Death, Kidnapping, Child death, and Rape
thomasdj's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, War, Sexual violence, and Murder
Moderate: Racism, Death, and Mass/school shootings
Minor: Death of parent and Child death
cerilou's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I stumbled across this book whilst looking for books based on refugees for a reading challenge.
I have never really ventured in to reading historical fiction set in Asian countries especially around World War Two, Asian historical fiction is a sub genre that I was unaware of and I am a little disappointed to admit this.
This was a very moving, intriguing, informative and inspiring read that I am glad that I stumbled upon by chance and I am certainly going to aim to add more Asian historical fiction to my TBR list.
How we disappeared follows Wang Di during the war as a ‘comfort woman’ for the Japanese soldiers during World War Two, as well as Kevin who ventures on a discovery of the truth based on this ailing grandmother.
I certainly feel that I have learnt a very small snippet of Asian history from reading this book during World War Two and it broke my heart that this sort of thing happened and the horror and sense of shame is most certainly felt for the duration of the stories. Jing Jing Lee has done these women justice through this story about what the different families went through during World War Two.
I will mention that it may cause triggers concerning rape, sexual assault, abuse
I have never really ventured in to reading historical fiction set in Asian countries especially around World War Two, Asian historical fiction is a sub genre that I was unaware of and I am a little disappointed to admit this.
This was a very moving, intriguing, informative and inspiring read that I am glad that I stumbled upon by chance and I am certainly going to aim to add more Asian historical fiction to my TBR list.
How we disappeared follows Wang Di during the war as a ‘comfort woman’ for the Japanese soldiers during World War Two, as well as Kevin who ventures on a discovery of the truth based on this ailing grandmother.
I certainly feel that I have learnt a very small snippet of Asian history from reading this book during World War Two and it broke my heart that this sort of thing happened and the horror and sense of shame is most certainly felt for the duration of the stories. Jing Jing Lee has done these women justice through this story about what the different families went through during World War Two.
I will mention that it may cause triggers concerning rape, sexual assault, abuse
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Murder, Rape, Sexual assault, and War