45 pages • 1 hour read
Hanna AlkafThe Weight of Our Sky
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf is set in Kuala Lumpur during the 1969 race riots and follows Melati, a teenager with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, as she navigates the chaos to find her mother. The novel delves into race, identity, mental health, and the importance of love and friendship amidst the violent, politically charged unrest. It includes graphic violence, depictions of mental health concerns, and discriminatory language.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Hanna Alkaf's The Weight of Our Sky receives acclaim for its compelling portrayal of mental illness and historical events in 1969 Malaysia. Readers appreciate the emotional depth and rich cultural context. However, some critique the pacing and development of secondary characters. Overall, it delivers a powerful, empathetic narrative that resonates strongly.
Who Should Read The Weight of Our Sky?
Fans of historical fiction with a strong, young female protagonist will find much to enjoy in Hanna Alkaf's The Weight of Our Sky. Comparable to The Book Thief and Under a Painted Sky, readers drawn to emotionally gripping narratives set against tense historical backdrops will be captivated.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
830L