The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds

By Selina Siak Chin Yoke,

Book cover of The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds

Book description

Facing challenges in an increasingly colonial world, Chye Hoon, a rebellious young girl, must learn to embrace her mixed Malayan-Chinese identity as a Nyonya-and her destiny as a cook, rather than following her first dream of attending school like her brother.

Amidst the smells of chillies and garlic frying, Chye…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

If you’re looking to virtually experience Asian culture, I’d highly recommend this story. Not only the language used, the expressions used, but also the décor, the clothing, the food, the religious rituals, and rites. All is woven into a beautiful tapestry of life and people in Malay. The story explores the tensions between tradition and modernizing. Especially, in this case, the Western influences on the traditions and expectations of the Asian cultures. I was reminded of the tension between my mother and myself “merely” because of the age difference, not a cultural difference. Mom was 42 when I was born,…

Want books like The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds.

Browse books like The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds

Book cover of The Mountains Sing
Book cover of The Stationery Shop
Book cover of The Alice Network

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in China, family, and presidential biography?

China 646 books
Family 4,101 books