Review of All Body Bags and No Knickers
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Chinye Otakpor
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Review of All Body Bags and No Knickers
[Following is a volunteer review of "All Body Bags and No Knickers" by Shawe Ruckus.]
All Body Bags and No Knickers by Shawe Ruckus is a captivating work of fiction that follows the journey of newlyweds Chance Yang and Catherine Roxborough on their honeymoon in Chance's homeland of China. Their idyllic vacation takes an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a mysterious investigation. The story introduces Catherine, a part-time florist, and Chance, a Chinese M&A consultant, along with their close friends, including Chance's cousin An.
After their wedding, they embark on their honeymoon in China, where they reunite with Chance's estranged mother, Mrs. Bao, leading to revelations about Chance's childhood and family. The couple explores China, immersing themselves in its culture, traditions, and cuisine. They learn about Ghost Day and prepare for Chance's birthday surprise. However, tragedy strikes when three people, Pae Yeon-hee, her baby, and Kim Jin-goon (the brother of Kim Jin-ae, a close friend of An), are found dead and naked. This event reignites a decade-old mystery, prompting a quest for justice for Kim Jin-ae. The novel explores themes of family, love, tradition, mystery, and crime, offering a thrilling detective narrative intertwined with the complexities of human relationships and cultural discovery.
I have a genuine appreciation for this book because the author skillfully blends extensive research on various Asian cultures, traditions, and inter-group discrimination with the intricate dynamics of characters, particularly the relationship between Catherine and Chance, which stands out in the narrative. This complexity is beautifully explored during the Mid-Autumn Festival scene, where Catherine and Chance communicate non-verbally. Additionally, the book powerfully delves into the loyalty displayed by Kim Jin-ae's true friends from their childhood.
I also found immense enjoyment in the well-rounded development of each character. The author's adept infusion of suspense throughout the narrative left me, as well as other readers, intrigued and curious. The author's storytelling prowess shines as they seamlessly transition between flashbacks of An and her classmates as children in 2005 and the events in 2016, maintaining an engaging pace while connecting the dots in the story.
My dislike arises from the terminology used to describe family relationships in the book. I found this aspect somewhat perplexing, and, interestingly, the story itself acknowledges the inherent confusion in Chinese terminology for these relationships. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy intricately woven narratives that blend cultural exploration, complex character dynamics, and suspenseful storytelling. It's an excellent choice for those interested in learning about Asian cultures and traditions while immersing themselves in a captivating story.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The author's adept blending of extensive research into various Asian cultures, traditions, and societal intricacies enriches the narrative. The exploration of complex character dynamics, notably within Catherine and Chance's relationship, stands as a significant highlight, and the suspenseful storytelling keeps readers thoroughly engaged and curious. Moreover, the author's acknowledgement of the inherent confusion in Chinese terminology for family relationships adds depth and authenticity to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience. This book excels on multiple fronts, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read deserving of a top rating. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.
******
All Body Bags and No Knickers
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
All Body Bags and No Knickers by Shawe Ruckus is a captivating work of fiction that follows the journey of newlyweds Chance Yang and Catherine Roxborough on their honeymoon in Chance's homeland of China. Their idyllic vacation takes an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a mysterious investigation. The story introduces Catherine, a part-time florist, and Chance, a Chinese M&A consultant, along with their close friends, including Chance's cousin An.
After their wedding, they embark on their honeymoon in China, where they reunite with Chance's estranged mother, Mrs. Bao, leading to revelations about Chance's childhood and family. The couple explores China, immersing themselves in its culture, traditions, and cuisine. They learn about Ghost Day and prepare for Chance's birthday surprise. However, tragedy strikes when three people, Pae Yeon-hee, her baby, and Kim Jin-goon (the brother of Kim Jin-ae, a close friend of An), are found dead and naked. This event reignites a decade-old mystery, prompting a quest for justice for Kim Jin-ae. The novel explores themes of family, love, tradition, mystery, and crime, offering a thrilling detective narrative intertwined with the complexities of human relationships and cultural discovery.
I have a genuine appreciation for this book because the author skillfully blends extensive research on various Asian cultures, traditions, and inter-group discrimination with the intricate dynamics of characters, particularly the relationship between Catherine and Chance, which stands out in the narrative. This complexity is beautifully explored during the Mid-Autumn Festival scene, where Catherine and Chance communicate non-verbally. Additionally, the book powerfully delves into the loyalty displayed by Kim Jin-ae's true friends from their childhood.
I also found immense enjoyment in the well-rounded development of each character. The author's adept infusion of suspense throughout the narrative left me, as well as other readers, intrigued and curious. The author's storytelling prowess shines as they seamlessly transition between flashbacks of An and her classmates as children in 2005 and the events in 2016, maintaining an engaging pace while connecting the dots in the story.
My dislike arises from the terminology used to describe family relationships in the book. I found this aspect somewhat perplexing, and, interestingly, the story itself acknowledges the inherent confusion in Chinese terminology for these relationships. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy intricately woven narratives that blend cultural exploration, complex character dynamics, and suspenseful storytelling. It's an excellent choice for those interested in learning about Asian cultures and traditions while immersing themselves in a captivating story.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The author's adept blending of extensive research into various Asian cultures, traditions, and societal intricacies enriches the narrative. The exploration of complex character dynamics, notably within Catherine and Chance's relationship, stands as a significant highlight, and the suspenseful storytelling keeps readers thoroughly engaged and curious. Moreover, the author's acknowledgement of the inherent confusion in Chinese terminology for family relationships adds depth and authenticity to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience. This book excels on multiple fronts, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read deserving of a top rating. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.
******
All Body Bags and No Knickers
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The In-Between by Christian Espinosa
