The Storm We Made

A Novel

By: Vanessa Chan

Narrated by: Samantha Tan

NATIONAL BESTSELLER * A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK * LONGLISTED FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION 2024 FIRST NOVEL PRIZE

In this “espionage-laden family epic” (Vanity Fair), an ordinary housewife becomes an unlikely spy—and her dark secrets will test even the most unbreakable ties.

Malaya, 1945. Cecily Alcantara’s family is in terrible danger: her fifteen-year-old son, Abel, has disappeared, and her youngest daughter, Jasmin, is confined in a basement to prevent being pressed into service at the comfort stations. Her eldest daughter Jujube, who works at a tea house frequented by drunk Japanese soldiers, becomes angrier by the day.

Cecily knows two things: that this is all her fault; and that her family must never learn the truth.

A decade prior, Cecily had been desperate to be more than a housewife to a low-level bureaucrat in British-colonized Malaya. A chance meeting with the charismatic General Fujiwara lured her into a life of espionage, pursuing dreams of an “Asia for Asians.” Ten years later as the war reaches its apex, her actions have caught up with her. Now her family is on the brink of destruction—and she will do anything to save them.

Told from the perspectives of four unforgettable characters, The Storm We Made spans years of pain, triumph, and perseverance. “The tenderness in its details, the ordinary ways that these characters love and laugh in the face of the extraordinary…Chan shows us, with clarity and care, how the truest mirror comes from the intimacy of human connection” (The New York Times Book Review).

Critic reviews

"Samantha Tan masterfully narrates a complex story set in Malaya during the British and Japanese occupations. The novel centers around Cecily and her children, Abel, Jujube, and Jasmin, as they navigate life under colonial rule and later, under harsh Japanese control. Initially a spy against British rule, Cecily dreams of an “Asia for Asians.” However, the grim reality of life under Japanese oppression, filled with fear and brutality, alters her perspective. The story unfolds through the viewpoints of Cecily and her children across two timelines, 1937 and 1945. Tan's adept narration brings authenticity to Cecily, a character tormented by guilt and worry. Tan’s calm, structured delivery makes this a challenging yet engaging and enlightening listen."

Confusing

This story goes in to many directions. In my opinion it was very hard to keep each character straight. It felt like a lot of work to listen to it. I can’t imagine trying to read it.

Brutality of War

This is a difficult review for me, because this just is not my kind of book. Having said that, however, it is excellently written, and tells a story worth hearing. Once again, you see the high price that women pay for simply being women. Their strength is astounding, but they never realize it when it’s happening. I do not know much about Malaysia or it’s history during World War II. This book certainly makes you appreciate more the price that is paid for freedom, even when you were not really free.

Deeply descriptive

Gripping and emotional. Kept me listening for hours and wondering what would happen. I feel like I know each character intimatley.

History of a lost time

I liked that the author took the time to tell a story that very few people would remember

Touching story. Awesome performance.

Wow, this one got me! I have spent years of my life in Southeast Asia and loved hearing the accents the performer used in her reading. Such a sad time in history brought to life so realistically. Thank you