Ghost Forest

Ghost Forest by Pik-Shuen Fung is a remarkable and evocative debut novel that explores the intricate tapestry of love, grief, and family bonds. The story centres around a young unnamed protagonist grappling with the sudden loss of her father. Her father was one of many Hong Kong "astronaut" fathers who stayed behind to work, while his family immigrated to Canada before the 1997 Handover, when the British returned sovereignty over Hong Kong to China.

As the protagonist navigates the complex landscape of her grief, she delves into memories of her father and encounters a myriad of emotions, from confusion and frustration to love and longing. With her family's reluctance to openly discuss feelings, she finds herself seeking solace and understanding through conversations with her mother and grandmother. Each interaction provides a glimpse into her family's past and illuminates her own identity with a new perspective.

Fung’s narrative is a delicate balancing act, intertwining poetic language with haunting imagery, capturing both the buoyancy and heartbreak of human experience. Through elegant storytelling, she layers intricate details with abstract reflections, creating a vivid portrait of a Chinese-Canadian astronaut family. This slim but powerful novel welcomes readers into its pages and invites them to linger, leaving a lasting impression long after the book is closed.

The New York Times Book Review describes the novel as "Quietly moving... connected by a kind of dream logic... deeply felt... There is joy and tenderness in... Fung's elegant storytelling." Aptly praised for its introspective and lyrical prose, Ghost Forest resonates with anyone who has navigated the complex terrain of familial relationships and personal growth.

Moreover, Literary Hub lauds it as "the tender/funny book we can all appreciate after a hellish year," highlighting its ability to blend humour with poignant reflections, offering a deep sense of relatability and comfort.

With the voice of an old soul and storytelling that lingers in the heart, Ghost Forest is an award-winning debut that weaves memory and oral history into a profoundly moving narrative. This novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of familial love, making it a must-read for those who appreciate finely crafted literary fiction.