This is a love story beautifully and engagingly told. It reflects the complex ethnic, religious and social tensions of Malaysia and beyond—all made vivid through the experience of characters, movingly depicted, and the exciting action, which carries the reader briskly from page to page.
“Tautly written, Chan Ling Yap’s second novel is a powerful story of the problems of intercultural marriage that can arise from family interference. With a superbly woven plot, Bitter-Sweet Harvest leads the reader through a minefield of cultural, ethnic and religious conflicts. Compelling and gripping, I found I could not put down this tragic saga of missed opportunities for the lovers. A poignant love story that is highly recommended!”
“Chan Ling Yap’s latest book Bitter-Sweet Harvest is a worthy successor to Sweet Offerings, her first novel. I couldn’t read it quickly enough to find out the next step in this exciting story. I wasn’t disappointed.”
Reviews for Sweet Offerings:
A very down-to-earth book with down-to-earth characters that you cannot help but be drawn to. It has certainly been an absorbing and enjoyable read.
The dramatic personal stories of Mei Yin and Nelly, first and second wife to the same man, are the best reasons for giving this book a go—not forgetting the mother-in-law from hell.
The book is a great read with real emotion and such detail as one can almost smell the atmosphere coming from the pages. Also I cannot recall ever reading a book where the very last word carried so much meaning for the future.
Just loved this book from start to finish—the characters come alive and the reader becomes totally involved in their lives. A book that is impossible to put down, and can’t wait for the sequel.