Hamra and the Jungle of Memories. Hanna Alkaf. 2023. [March] 400 pages. [Source: Library]
First sentence: There was once a girl named Hamra who lived in a crooked house on the edge of the tangled Langkawi jungle, with a mother and father who told her what to do, a grandfather who told her stories, and a grandmother who told her truths. In time, she would come to discover that all of these things were equally important. In fact, if Hamra could go back in time, she'd tell herself three very important things: 1. Listen to Atok. 2. Listen to Opah. Listen to your father and for goodness' sake, tie your shoelaces.
Premise/plot: There are RULES (not guidelines) for how to enter the jungle. Hamra has grown up with these five rules forever. (The rules are as follows: 1) Always ask permission before you enter; 2) Don't challenge what you can't even see; 3) Never use your true name; 4) Never take what isn't yours; 5) If you hear someone calling your name, never, ever look behind you.) One day, a day when Hamra is already super-flustered and angry, she forgets ALL five rules. And there are consequences...even if the consequences aren't right in the moment. Soon, her consequences lead her to a quest in the jungle with her best-friend/neighbor, Ilyas, and a were-tiger. The were-tiger wants to be human again, but, he's forgotten how to transform. He's also forgotten his true name. Since she took a piece of fruit for the jungle, she's in his debt. He's demanding that she help him become human again. Ilyas owes no one a thing; he's there simply because he's a decent friend.
My thoughts: Set near/in Malaysia during the COVID pandemic, this one plays around with being a twist on a folk tale. The setting is novel/unique. I've not read many middle grade books set on one of the islands in Malaysia. Let alone a middle grade fantasy novel with were-tigers and were-snakes and faerie folk. Is it a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood? Not really. Not in my opinion. Yes, there's a jungle (instead of woods). Yes, there's a grandma (though she lives with the family full time). Yes, there's danger in the jungle--a tiger (instead of a wolf). But the tiger is not following her--not really--and the tiger isn't out to gobble down grandma. The tiger doesn't try to gobble down anyone. There's no trying to fool anyone and dressing up like Grandma. Hamya has a hot-temper and is reckless. Definitely not your stereotypical little girl with a red hood/cape skipping merrily and innocently along with a basket of goodies. I'm also not sure why the COVID setting is a plot point--except that it makes the absence of the parents easier. All the reminders to wear a mask...which are sprinkled throughout...seems a little silly. If you're in an enchanted jungle with supernatural/magical/immortal creatures....it just seems random to have reminders about COVID protocol thrown in.
I really enjoyed the first third of this one. I didn't end up enjoying it overall. But reading is subjective and maybe it will be just the right match for you.
© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
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