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Black Water Sister

A tale of family, ghosts, and cultural heritage

Zen Cho author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Pan Macmillan

Published:12th Feb '22

Should be back in stock very soon

Black Water Sister cover

In Black Water Sister, Jessamyn returns to Malaysia, where she encounters her deceased grandmother's ghost, leading to unexpected adventures and family revelations.

In Black Water Sister, the story unfolds as Jessamyn returns to Malaysia, a place she barely remembers from her childhood. Struggling with unemployment and the pressures of adulthood, she is unprepared for the supernatural experiences that lie ahead. Upon her arrival, she begins to hear the voice of her deceased grandmother, Ah Ma, who is determined to involve Jess in her unfinished business. The narrative expertly weaves elements of family dynamics, cultural heritage, and the supernatural, creating a rich tapestry that reflects the complexities of life in Malaysia.

Ah Ma, who revered the local deity known as the Black Water Sister, has a vendetta against a business magnate who has offended her goddess. As Jess finds herself caught between the living and the dead, she must navigate her grandmother's demands while trying to assert her own independence. The humorous and poignant interactions between Jess and Ah Ma highlight the generational clash and the strong bonds of family, even in the face of death.

As the plot thickens, Jess is drawn into a world filled with secrets, ghosts, and the vibrant culture of Malaysia. With Ah Ma's mischievous spirit guiding her, Jess must confront her past and the legacy of her family. Black Water Sister is not just a ghost story; it is a heartfelt exploration of identity, belonging, and the ties that bind us, even beyond the grave.

Zen Cho's brilliant and distinct voice brings worlds to life on the page. A sharp and bittersweet story of past and future, ghosts and gods and family, that kept me turning pages into the dark hours of the night -- Naomi Novik, author of Uprooted
Told with love and humour, Black Water Sister is both ode and accusation to all the ties that bind - to family, duty and home. Thrilling and terrifying, honest and hopeful, this may be Zen Cho's best work yet -- Karen Lord, author of The Best of All Possible Worlds
A creepily atmospheric and surprisingly heartwarming tale of gangsters, family, and spirits -- Aliette de Bodard, author of The House of Shattered Wings
Zen Cho’s Black Water Sister is a perfect blend of ghosts, gods, and the eternal bonds of family ties. Set in the gorgeous backdrop of Penang, Jess reunites with her extended family and navigate the world of spirits and gangsters. This novel is perfect for readers craving an otherworldly, atmospheric fantasy -- Roselle Lim, author of Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune
Zen Cho’s Black Water Sister is the diaspora fantasy of my dreams – funny, creepy, and heartfelt. Jessamyn Teoh never wanted to be haunted by her sassy, score-settling grandmother, but when she moves from America to her parents’ hometown in Malaysia, she must navigate family, gods, ghosts and old grudges in this compelling and heartwarming ghost story -- Vanessa Len, author of Only a Monster
A thrilling modern fantasy tale packed to the brim with deliciously petty spirits, intriguing family secrets, and an achingly tender personal journey for our thoroughly relatable heroine. I absolutely loved it -- Sarah Kuhn, author of the Heroine Complex series
A compelling and deftly written ghost story of a young woman's passage through the grudges and tragedies of her family's past to find a path into a future she chooses for herself -- Kate Elliott, author of Cold Magic
Ghosts, gods, and supernatural vengeance collide in vividly-depicted modern day Malaysia to create a contemporary fantasy story that’s full of voice and heart. At turns suspenseful, poignant and hilarious, Black Water Sister is an addictive tale of personal identity, family secrets, and culture clash -- Fonda Lee, author of Jade City
Cho’s multifaceted characters, like her masterful plot, are never quite what they first appear. Unpredictable twists keep the pages turning while the comic but endearing relationship between Jess and her sassy grandmother provides the story’s heart. This is must-read fantasy -- Publishers Weekly
Clever, funny and compulsively readable – I loved it! -- Lavie Tidhar on The True Queen
An enchanting cross between Georgette Heyer and Susannah Clarke, full of delights and surprises. Zen Cho unpins the edges of the canvas and throws them wide -- Naomi Novik on Sorcerer to the Crown
A captivating debut . . . tells an entertaining story with wit and consummate skill -- Guardian on Sorcerer to the Crown

ISBN: 9781509800018

Dimensions: 197mm x 130mm x 28mm

Weight: 256g

384 pages