‘A man had molested Alia (that was when a rooster had crowed in the jungle) and to absolve her ruin, Alia had turned into a chicken. So, the egg was their grandchild.’

This would be my first book from the author. This book is a collection of short stories, exploring themes of love, grief and some element of superstitions. 

The stories vary in tone, with some being serious and others quite humorous. Two of my personal favorites are ‘And She Became An Angel’ and ‘The Last Indian Man Left Standing in Kuala Terengganu,’ which stood out for their unique storytelling and emotional depth.

Some of the stories reflects the daily occurrences of people’s livelihood in the Terengganu state. I really liked that the author had blended magic into everyday elements. 

Overall, I would totally recommend this book for anyone looking to read a book on magical realism, culture and history. For Malaysians, particularly those from Terengganu, it’s a nostalgic journey that evokes memories of the past while celebrating the spirit of the region.