Alexandra Carey
Author
Reviews
- The Light That Bends Round Corners -
...an eye-opening and compelling story which I couldn’t put down, a must-read for everyone!
A very enjoyable, evocative, authentic and captivating read that introduced me to a part of the world with which I am totally unfamiliar and which emphasised the importance of striving to understand, and to respect, cultural differences.
This was definitely a five star read for me. I look forward to reading more from this author.
There are moments that are shocking and sad, the characters are complex, flawed, kind and determined, I enjoyed being in their company, the story telling is gentle, detailed and beautiful. Highly recommend
I love a book that transports me to a different world, and I relish a read that teaches me about other cultures. This certainly ticked those boxes and took me on a delightful journey.
This is a very authentic, truthful, and captivating story very well written, showcasing luxury and poverty in real life! The author did a great job of presenting a reality not known for most using very powerful events!!
It sensitively portrays the many clashes of culture within Malaysia and it hits a pitch perfect tone between humour and pathos.
The narrator invited me in and made me comfortable.
@soniafrancis1298booksandtravel
I found the ending rather satisfying.
At times, wholesome and beautiful, at others brutally honest and critical of the society they live in. The story progresses at a fantastic pace, and I could hardly put it down.
Close your eyes and you are there in Kuala Lumpur, with the stifling heat and humidity, the monkeys and the snakes, the beautiful flowers and vegetation, and the smells and tastes of the glorious food. Who wouldn’t want to jump into this world for a little while??
Although the story features hardship and trauma, the writing is gentle in tone and perspective, not choosing to describe trauma in detail.
I finished this lovely book last night and now feel rather bereft. It was such a beguiling, thought-provoking read.
A joy to read this brilliantly written book with a real human touch.
...a touching evocation of the dislocation of expats, whether privileged, Anglo-Saxon, and spoilt or disadvantaged and exploited.
Think ‘House of Doors’ by Tan Twan Eng in a modern day setting (without Somerset Maugham on the verandah…).
The writing style is familiar and easy and the story by turns warm and humorous yet gripping and moving. Highly recommend!
This is a lovely novel into which you will sink and feel like you're actually surrounded by frangipani trees yourself.
Alexandra Carey is perceptive and funny, her style is so enjoyable to read, and you feel the warmth of Malaysia on every page.
...the kind of book you don't want to get to the end.
The observations, tenderness, nuances and sense of place make for a great story and a great escape.
Found this utterly compelling: light hearted and thoroughly readable - rather in the manner of Alexander McCall Smith - yet simultaneously deeply serious and an important read for anyone wanting to understand better what it is to live in an expatriate community.
A beautifully told and captivating story. It'll be a good choice for book club.
At times the dramatic irony is painful, which makes it all the more effective.
This story is enchanting, at times shocking but always deeply engrossing.
The beautiful prose creates an almost hypnotic atmosphere, that is suddenly jolted by harsh realities. Feelings of wonder, joy and sadness permeate this book and I continued to think about Laura and Mariel long after I had finished reading.
As someone who has lived abroad for many years, I found myself drawn into their lives, cheering them on when they had a success, worrying about them when an unexpected problem arose, and I couldn't stop reading until the last page.
Gorgeously written, this book paints a picture of both the stunning scenery and the hardships faced by different classes of immigrant women in Malaysia. But there is also hope and joy and strength in these women. A captivating read.
Jennyfer
The atmosphere of the book makes me feel I’m brought to KL to experience the humidity and scenery. The languages, such as the Malay words Mariel uses, also make the story more vivid and alive. This is probably one of the reasons I couldn't put down this book!
Anchi
Lovely book, title, and cover. Well done for a first novel. I love how two women's lives are the center of this story. Carey did a beautiful job highlighting their struggles. It was interesting to read all about an "exotic" world as well! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I feel this would be a great book for a club to discuss too!
Kelly Pramberger
A lovely story of expat life in KL.
Stacey A Blattner
This book is an eye opener!
Ria
This is an unusual story featuring two strong protagonists from very different backgrounds. It brings alive Darwin's assertion that the fittest survive through adaptation, not strength.
Farrah G
A fully engaging story filled with memorable characters and gorgeous description.
Betsy
An incredibly compelling tale about two women with two diametrically opposite life experiences, multi-layered and authentic, reaching the perfect balance between heartbreaking and hilarious.
Maelys
The juxtaposition of the two women’s difficulties expertly highlighting the vast gap between their circumstances but also the possibility of a bond between them being ultimately more important.
Matt
Hold on to your hats, folks! This book is a wild ride. Think 'The Devil Wears Prada' meets 'Crazy Rich Asians' with a dash of tropical heat and a whole lot of sass. Laura, the fish-out-of-water fashion journo, had me giggling and cringing in equal measure as she navigates KL's expat scene. But it's Mariel, the fierce and fabulous Filipina maid, who steals the show with her unstoppable spirit and heart-wrenching backstory. The setting is lush, the drama is high, and the monkeys? Well, they're just the cherry on top. If you're ready for a book that'll transport you to the other side of the world and leave you cheering for these two remarkable women, grab a cocktail and dive in!
Carey's storytelling is a delicate dance between pain and humor, offering a heartfelt account of cultures colliding. "The Light That Bends Round Corners" is not just a novel; it's a captivating experience that invites readers to reflect on the transformative power of connection and the beauty found in life's unexpected turns. A truly human tale that lingers in the heart.
Looking forward to more by this author.