“In this fresh and richly-detailed YA historical novel, Eva Wong Nava helps to expose Western readers, in particular, to the culture of 1930s British Malaya, exposing new audiences not only to words like Peranakan and Pontianak, but to the plight of the young mui tsai sold as indentured servants into homes like that of “Number One Madam”, where they must struggle against the prevailing norms to find any semblance of happiness, contentment, or sense of identity.”

“An engrossing read…a testimony of Eva Wong Nava’s attention to period details and exquisite storytelling skills”

“A beautiful, haunting visceral experience. You’ll savour the sights, sounds and smells of pre-WW II Singapore and be mesmerized by a cast of characters as delicately layered and sumptuously rich as a delicious kueh lapis. If this book were a dish, it would deserve five Michelin Stars. Eva Wong-Nava cooks up a special tale that will be savoured by generations to come.”

 “A haunting feast for the senses.”

“A riveting and masterfully crafted historical fiction.”

“This is an exciting piece of historical fiction anchored by relatable characters, and is the best way to experience the past.”

“A novel rich in historical detail and memorable characters. Tautly paced and extensively researched.’”

“Riveting and impossible to put down! Such a beautiful, exciting, bittersweet story of old Nanyang that is suffused with longing and nostalgia. The cast of characters come alive through Eva’s masterful storytelling, and we see the story unfold through their eyes like a waking dream. Absolutely loved it!”

“The House of Little Sisters is full of very familiar cultural elements. I especially liked the description of “pintu pagar” in the Peranakan household and what was its purpose. The market scene brought back memories. Transporting me back to when I was a child holding on to my mother’s hand tightly as we maneuvered the busy wet market. And than there was the dreaded chicken place where the necks of the chosen chicken was slit and thrown into the defeathering machine still squawking. Eva’s description of the Peranakans made me smile, it was funnily accurate “the wealthy ones stick to one another like flies to rotten meat. They’re Chinese but not Chinese. Speak Malay but are not Malay. Eat pork… pray to Chinese gods but act like Europeans.” This historical fiction also brought forth to my attention the existence of the 1932 Mui Tsai Ordinance which prohibits the acquisition of Mui Tsai. Overall I truly enjoyed reading this book. Oh last but not least I learned that the Roti John (a food I had no idea existed till a few years ago) was invented in the 1970s. Apparently by an American sailor who had requested a South Asian hawker to make him a hamburger. If you can do add this book to your 2022 reading list. You won’t regret it.”

“I enjoyed the book very much. I thought the characters were really engaging and I learned a lot about a culture which was previously unknown to me. I loved the details about the food and clothing and really felt for the young lovers having to meet in that horrible smelly alley.”

“The House of Little Sisters hooks you in from the very beginning with the way Eva Wong Nava crafts a specific time in history and adds her own twist to it. Ah Mei’s gripping tale touches upon issues that will definitely tug at the heartstrings, whether it’s about the giddiness of young love or the horrific realities of a mui tsai during that period in time.

What makes the book even more compelling is how masterfully Nava offers readers such vivid imagery from different cultures. Reading through her work is almost like taking a guided trip through echoes of the past.

I’m not big into historical fiction, but reading Nava’s work has made me realise what I’ve been missing. I’m definitely looking forward to more of her works in the future!”