Read: July 20, 2020
Summary: Following two characters’ stories that seem to cross paths at various points in Malaysia, we learn about Ji Lin and Ren.
Ji Lin is a motivated apprentice dressmaker who also works as a dancehall girl – both jobs are helping to pay off her mother’s gambling debts. One evening at the dancehall, one of her partners unintentionally drops a gruesome souvenir. The sourvenir propels Ji Lin on an adventure.
Ren is an eleven-year-old houseboy trying to find his former master’s finger. The finger was lost in an accident and the ‘s dying wish is to have his lost finger buried with his body. Ren has 49 days to fulfill this mission, or his master’s soul will wander the earth forever.
My Thoughts: I loved this novel. I really enjoyed the pacing, the characters, and the interesting storyline. I felt it had a bit of everything – some love interests, a little murder mystery, and some local folklore, superstitions and beliefs.
