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A review by misspalah
Hamra and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The bayan bent to caress its beak gently against her palm. "Oh, Hamra. As the tiniest seed grows into the mightiest tree, as the smallest nail brings down the most powerful stallion, so too can a child change the shape of the story and in doing so, the shape of the world." Hamra swallowed the lump in her throat. "You can see the future. Do we succeed? "There was a silence. "My visitors so seldom understand destiny," the bayan said quietly. "They view it as a fork in the road, where one choice determines the outcome. In truth, destinies are as many-forked as the branches of a tree, where each decision, small or large, brings you to one of a hundred fates. For you, Hamra, I see light. But only if you make the right choices. Do you see?" "No," she said honestly. The bayan nipped her finger gently. "You will," it said. "Now put me back on the table." She did as it asked.
- Hamra and The Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf
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I felt like i was revisiting my childhood reading this book - The retelling of local folk tales, The ‘Teka-Teki’ & The unspoken rules when visiting jungle / caves / waterfall, The ‘Nenek Kebayan’ , The ‘Langsuir’ and The ‘Harimau Jadian’ / Were-Tiger. This is such a comfy read that i can see myself re-reading the book. I usually rated Hanna Alkaf’s books 5 stars without question because FINALLY WE Malaysian Muslim Girl story that has a positive representation but this book is on another level. The writing is really grounded and left no loopholes for a plot. This book probably have unseated ‘The girl and The Ghost’ as the first book of Hanna Alkaf that i will recommend to everyone. The story revolved around Hamra and the quest of helping the were-tiger known as ‘Pak Belang’ to return to his human form. Hamra was kinda forced to be part of the quest due to her stubbornness in following some of the unspoken rules (ask permission, dont take things that is not yours, dont use your real name) in the jungle nearby her house. These rules might be illogical for westerners but for Majority of Southeast Asians / Malaysians, that is how just things has been set by our ancestors and generation before us. Knowing about the quest, Ilyas - Hamra’s friend decided to tag along just in case Hamra needed extra hands during the journey. I tried not to spill much details in my review as i did not want to accidentally posting any spoiler in it. BUT, the book got MAGIC weaved with ‘Kiasan’ - together with all the stories Malaysians have heard of when we were younger - of the ‘Bunian’ and their kidnapping tales, The other side of the world that cannot be perceived by human eyes, The advice behind the those folklores and folk songs and even the origin or history behind those myth and monsters. Hanna Alkaf created this story that took part during Pandemic and showed how both of Hamra’s parents were out there helping and contributing the communities in their line of work. Her mom is a doctor - A front liner during Covid-19 Pandemic in Malaysia. Her father, on the other hand, is a social worker and has been volunteering to send the food and other assistance during the Movement Control Order phase that was implemented throughout the country. Hamra lived with her grandparents and enjoyed being pampered by them until Dementia came and took over her grandmother. Hamra knew her parents depended on her to look after them given the time that they are living in with Pandemic and restricted movement here and there set by government, i think readers can find themselves emphatized with Hamra. She was frustrated, lonely and the situation she is in didnt help much specifically being a teenage girl, with hormonal rage and high tendency to rebel. That frustration led to foolishness of her action and it led to the Were-Tiger / ‘Pak Belang’. Overall, this book has it all. an enthralling story that has heart and emotion but it also promise enjoyable adventure and unforgettable fantasy. Hanna Alkaf is a magnificent storyteller and no one can say otherwise.
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P/S : Hamra’s grandpa is so chill when Haram told her about ‘Pak Belang’ that i aspire to be that unbothered when i am older (To be fair, 33 years old me is still growing up). And maybe, its time to visit Langkawi again as it has been 8 years since i went there.