Black Water Sister

De: Zen Cho

Narrado por: Catherine Ho

A reluctant medium discovers the ties that bind can unleash a dangerous power in this compelling Malaysian-set contemporary fantasy.

Jessamyn Teoh is closeted, broke, and moving back to Malaysia, a country she left when she was a toddler. So when Jess starts hearing voices, she chalks it up to stress. But there's only one voice in her head, and it claims to be the ghost of her estranged grandmother, Ah Ma. In life Ah Ma was a spirit medium, the avatar of a mysterious deity called the Black Water Sister. Now she's determined to settle a score against a gang boss who has offended the god - and she's decided Jess is going to help her do it.

Drawn into a world of gods, ghosts, and family secrets, Jess finds that making deals with capricious spirits is a dangerous business. As Jess fights for retribution for Ah Ma, she'll also need to regain control of her body and destiny. If she fails, the Black Water Sister may finish her off for good.

©2021 Zen Cho (P)2021 Recorded Books

A wild afterlife romp

A dead grandmother inhabits her young adult granddaughter. What could go wrong? Apparently a lot. This book was pretty great, with humor, violence, secrets, cultural observations and consequences of differences, family dynamics, criminal activity, spirits, gods, almost gods.

The main character is from Malaysia, but grew up in the USA. Now she is back in Malaysia with her parents and strange things are happening. You might have to suspend disbelief and just let this be. I loved the book and the narration. I listened quickly because I had to know the ending!

STRUGGLE

I really struggled in the first part of the book that dragged on way too long. I’m really grateful that I hung in there with the story . It eventually hooked me in and the story became entertaining. I hate that it took so long to get to that point of enjoyment because it really is a great story. The narrator was wonderful and probably kept me listening even when I wasn’t invested! Thanks for that Catherine!

Another all-star from Zen Cho

I loved everything about this books- the characters and setting were lush, dynamic and fully realized. The story was both esoteric and approachable- this may be the most identifiable ghost and god story I've ever read. There are also layers to this tale which come together in a delicious tiered cake wrapped in phenomenal narration. Nothing was unnecessary but it never felt sparse, the stakes felt real and the anxiety, helplessness, power and thrills were all beautifully rendered.
I like to go into a familiar author without knowing anything about the story and recommend you not seek spoilers either. This is a 10/10 recommend.

slow start but

It was slow to start but a third or halfway in, I got really into it

Sometimes confusing

I really liked this book, not loved it . Sometimes stuff dragged on. Some scenes were confusing . Good characters

Malaysian fantasy with annoyed gods

Zen Cho’s Black Water Sister is the tale of a recent Harvard grad who returns to her native country of birth, Malaysia, with her parents. Shortly after arriving, she begins to hear the voice of her deceased grandmother in her head. Her grandmother has some unfinished business that involves a dispute be-tween a wealthy real estate developer and a long-standing temple over property rights. Her grand-mother had served as a medium for the temple deity. At the same time, she is looking for employment and dealing with her stateside lover, but also learns that some of her local relatives are involved in organized crime.

Cho crafts an engaging tale of a young woman dealing with quite a lot. While much is made of her lesbianism, that plot element merely serves as angst over her possible parents’ reactions. There is the classic modernity versus ancient adherence to rituals with the interesting twist that the son of wealthy tycoon is more old-fashioned that his father.

The narration is well done with excellent character distinction. Pacing is brisk.

Cultures, Superstition and Identities Collide

Black Water Sister is a phenomenal piece that brings together generational and cultural differences, competing identities, and heavy emotional struggles within themes of superstition and supernatural events. Trigger warnings for language and sexual/physical/emotional assault.

great story

a very ingrossing story, couldn't stop listening or fall asleep. i loved it, and i loved the traditional essence of the whole book. great job.

Listened twice

And not in a row! I enjoyed the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. Interesting connection they had and they helped each other.

Great story, but...

This was mostly really really great. I recommend it to anyone, and particularly certain Asian Americans might enjoy it. I liked the story and the duality of being not quite Malay, Chinese or American...

The narrator really was very off on Malay words. It was grating and hard sometimes as someone who speaks bahasa malayu and lived in Peninsular Malaysia recently. And I understand that narrators can't learn a new language everytime...and most people wouldn't notice it. It's just a shame.

Incredibly well done on the storyline, characters, and integration of myth from that part of the world.

Another thought is that there was a small missed opportunity to be really forthright and show more about the racial relations in Malaysia since this book also expresses other progressive themes. I can see it being controversial, and there are moments of very light racism in the book. It was surprising that there werent as many colorist remarks. From my experience, there is a complex experience too of religion with race because of the theocratic government. I'm guessing that is definitely too controversial if she wants to be allowed to distribute copies for sale in the country itself though!