Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok (#118 in 2019)
Amy, the youngest member of her family, has always looked up to her perfect big sister, Sylvie. Sylvie is beautiful, poised, cultured, married, and successful. When Sylvie goes missing, Amy leaves her comfort zone of New York City to travel to the Netherlands where Sylvie was last seen in an effort to bring her home.
Searching for Sylvie Lee is told from alternating perspectives between Amy, Sylvie, and their mother. Each character has such a distinctive voice, and each of the characters reveal secrets and truths that help to piece together the family history. Amy is a likable character. She is humble and has a serious sense of humility as she admits her faults and her innocence. Despite her innocence, Amy demonstrates bravery as she treks across the world to find clues into her sister's disappearance. Sylvie, on the other hand, is a mystery all her own. The chapters narrated by Sylvie do not start right away and the timestamp is earlier, prior to her disappearance. Sylvie's story provides insight into the events that took place in the months and days before she was last seen. When Mama weighs in, she explains the differences between Amy and Sylvie. Mama's chapters are more like confessions regarding her guilt and how her parenting contributed to the ways in which both of her daughters were raised.
Initially, I enjoyed this book for the sheer pleasure of being a "fly on the wall" amidst the drama of Sylvie's disappearance. Gradually, however, I came to find more of an interest in solving the mystery of where Sylvie went and who caused her to leave. The story of Sylvie, Amy, and Mama transcends generations and proves that our cultural differences can be both divisive as well as what binds us. Jean Kowk's writing is beautifully done, and her characters are so distinctive-- each relatable in his of her own way.
I honestly went into this book without any preconceived notions. I saw this cover at the library a while ago and was intrigued, but I never actually took it out until now. I seriously didn't even read the book jacket, and I guess judging a book by its cover worked out well in this case! If you have't read this underrated story, pick it up ASAP! Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Commentaires