The Accidental Malay, by Karina Robles Bahrin - Lea
The back of the book starts with: “Jasmine Leong has a problem.” What problem could that be when, as an heiress to a company worth a staggering billion-ringgit (over "£176 million), she has clear plans for the future? A position at the top of a company known for its scrumptious pork snacks is no problem, surely? And with two men who both love her, her life would seem to be the envy of many, right? No!
The problem arises when her grandmother, who has raised Jasmine in the absence of both a father and a mother, passes away unexpectedly. An unimpeded way to the top of the company which seemed a certainty, no longer appears to be that when some family secrets are revealed. Not only do these secrets threaten Jasmine’s future in the company but they also impact her life as she has known it so far. A political controversy ensues, and together with the country’s racial policies rooted in history, this causes an upheaval in her life. But Jasmine refuses to give in: she will not accept the role that history wants to impose on her.
Malaysian culture and history form the basis of this book. It’s the position of the Chinese Malaysians that is highlighted by the storyline about Jasmine’s life. Ethnic tensions still face the Chinese; on the one hand they play an important part in the country’s economy, but at the same time they still encounter examples of discrimination and unequal opportunities because of historical and racial prejudice.
Although the book touches on a heavy topic, it is fiction, not a historical or political treatise.
The Accidental Malay was interesting and intriguing enough to keep me going, but I found it hard with the many Malaysian names, as well as Malaysian phrases used, to know who was who and what was what. I had to refer back several times to make sure who they were talking about. It made me look up certain phrases on Google, which wasn’t actually very helpful. Maybe a glossary of terms at the end of the book would have made that a bit easier. The book did, however, make me read up more about Malaysia and its politics and history, something I very rarely do when I read a novel like this.
I am glad I decided to give this book a go because I did enjoy the overall experience. And in spite of it being an ARC, it’s going to turn into an “expensive” book: I really want to go and visit Malaysia now and learn more about its very rich history and culture!
Lea
