Lizard's Tale

Lizard's Tale
Written by Weng Wai Chan
Historical, Adventure, Middle Grade
Published July 2nd 2019
320 Pages
Thank you to Text Publishing
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★★★★
A thief. A spy. A mysterious codebook. And a whole lot of trouble.

It’s 1940 and World War II is being fought in faraway Europe. Lizard doesn’t know much about that. He lives in Singapore’s Chinatown, surviving on odd jobs and petty theft.

When Boss Man Beng asks him to steal a teak box from a suite in the glamorous Raffles Hotel, Lizard knows the job is important. But can he know just how dangerous it is?

A sinister man appears in the shadows, and Lizard’s best friend, Lili, shows up with unexpected fighting skills and her eye on what’s in the box.

And Lizard finds himself on an exciting, action packed adventure in a world of coded secrets, Japanese invasion plans and undercover spies.
Sebastian Whitford Jones checked into the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, within his room a code book hidden from the Japanese military. The British Empire now occupy Singapore, the colonisation of a country affluent in tradition but for twelve year old Lizard, he's just looking to survive.

Since his Uncle Archie left for the city two years ago and never returned, Lizard has been living in a small cubicle above the local tailors store in little Chinatown, owned by the family of best friend Lili. With his English and Chinese ancestry and ability to speak and write in English, Lizard earns his meagre wages from letter writing, illegal should he be caught. Working for Boss Man is proving more lucrative when Lizard is promised a large payment to steal a secret teak box from the Raffles Hotel, what Lizard didn't count on was Georgina Whitford Jones being in the hotel suite and catching him red handed. Suddenly Lizard is stuck with the stolen box, a girl who threatens to expose his thievery and a best friend living a secret life as an operative in training for the British Empire.

Lizard's Tale is a delightfully entertaining, historical story set within Singapore shortly before WWII. The narrative follows twelve year old biracial Lizard, living alone without a guardian since his uncle disappeared two years ago. With his blue eyes and British accent, Lizard is seen as a lowly caste among the Chinese population and unable to associate with his best friend Lili, seen as being beneath her. Although his money is good enough for Lili's family, Lizard renting a small makeshift cubicle above the family's tailor store in Chinatown, along with several other renters sharing the partitioned space. What begun as a faceless crime to secure his short term future turns deadly, the teak box Lizard steals from the hotel is at the centre of the conflict between the British and Japanese and their fight to occupy Singapore, in the wrong hands could spell disaster.

The one constant in Lizard's life is best friend Lili, she cares for Lizard despite her family's prejudice towards those who are biracial but as close as Lili and Lizard are, Lili hides a secret that may endanger them both. In a Singapore where women are underestimated by society and simply blend into their surroundings, the British Empire train young women in espionage. I love narratives with young women thriving in what are considered make dominated positions and Lili is a wonderful character.

It was incredibly atmospheric, the oppressive humidity of Singapore, the heavenly scent of Chinese and Indian inspired cooking throughout the alleyways, the British accented dialogue drifting from the doorways of international hotels.

Adventurous and enchanting, exploring colonisation, wartime and the changing multiculturalism of Singapore during the forties, Lizard's Tale is spirited and utterly delightful.

15 comments

  1. What a neat book. Historical, set in a place we don't read about often, and features some girl power type stuff. I love it.

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    1. It's the first novel I've read set in Singapore and it was so incredibly atmospheric. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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  2. This sounds awesome.
    I'm not one for historical fiction, but this sounds so lovely from your review, Kelly.

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    1. It uses modern language and apart from the storyline surrounding the events of WWII, it doesn't feel like a historical read weirdly. Which is great because I think middle grade readers will be able to identify and relate to the themes of colonisation and even conflict.

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  3. You had me at the scent of Chinese and Indian cooking! This one sounds so lovely and the setting is one I haven't read about before! Glad you loved it!
    Genesis @ Whispering Chapters

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    1. It's such a delight to read and one I think will appeal to a wide range of readers.

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  4. What a unique setting (both time and place) for a middle grade novel. I like the focus on friendship!

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    1. It's magnificent Tanya and one I think you'd really enjoy!

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  5. This sounds really good! I love historical fiction, and I haven't read very many that are aimed at middle grade readers! Also, the cover is amazing!

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    1. The cover really ties in so well with the narrative, it's beautiful isn't it! There aren't many around are there, it's placed within he WWII time period but the language used is modern and accessible for middle grade readers. Such a delightful read!

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  6. I love books that take place around WWII, especially when authors tell stories that aren't as often told. I think it's great this book is set in Singapore; how fascinating! It sounds like a really good read, with some awesome characters too, which is always a plus for me. I hadn't heard of this one, so thank you so much for sharing, Kelly!! Great review.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Thanks Lauren! Even being aimed at middle grade readers, this will appeal to a much wider range of readers and those who love adventure. I love reading books set in locations that aren't usually explored and the Singapore setting was so culturally rich, it really added another layer throughout the storyline. You'll absolutely love this one Lauren.

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  7. This sounds lovely and the cover is wonderful too. I love seeing historical fiction geared towards younger readers. I also don't think I've ever read a book set in Singapore so I'm very curious.

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  8. This sounds amazing! I'm currently in Singapore and since they just celebrated their national day (August 9th), this review come at the perfect timing! I'll try to find a copy and read this book while I'm here :)

    Tasya // The Literary Huntress

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  9. MG books are just hitting it out of the park lately. I'm so glad that children have the opportunity to read such diverse books right now.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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