Vanessa Chan Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Vanessa Chan

Vanessa Chan is a talented historical author from Malaysia. Her work often reflects her deep appreciation and understanding of Malaysia’s rich past. Vanessa has a remarkable ability to create vivid worlds and bring history to life through her detailed and engaging storytelling. Readers appreciate how she skillfully blends facts with captivating narratives.

One of Vanessa’s notable strengths is her talent for crafting memorable characters. She has a knack for developing well-rounded protagonists that readers can easily connect with. Her characters often undergo meaningful journeys, making the stories not only informative but also highly entertaining. This skill makes her books hard to put down and leaves a lasting impression on her audience.

Her storytelling gift shines through in her ability to weave intricate plotlines. Her narratives are compelling and keep readers engaged from start to finish. Vanessa’s books are known for their blend of historical accuracy and imaginative flair, which keeps readers both informed and entertained. This balance of reality and creativity is what makes her writings so appealing to a broad audience.

Chan has a unique talent for making her historical stories resonate with readers all around the world. She achieves this by weaving universal themes into her narratives, such as resilience, love, and the quest for identity, which everyone can relate to, regardless of their background. By doing so, she ensures her stories have a wide appeal while maintaining the authenticity of Malaysian history and culture. This balance allows her work to be both relatable and educational for a global audience.

In addition to universal themes, Vanessa has a gift for creating richly detailed settings that transport readers to different times and places. Her vivid and meticulous descriptions make it easy for readers to visualize the scenes, no matter where they come from. This immersive experience connects readers to her stories on a deeper level, making them feel as though they are part of the historical events she recounts. Her ability to build these tangible worlds helps her reach a diverse readership.

She has written across a wide range of platforms, broadening her audience with each new venture. Her short stories have found homes in respected literary journals such as Electric Lit, Kenyon Review, and Ecotone. Additionally, her work has appeared in well-known magazines like Vogue and Esquire, allowing her to reach an even larger and more diverse readership. Through these various platforms, Vanessa continues to captivate an ever-increasing audience with her compelling storytelling.

Lastly, Vanessa remains true to her roots while adapting her stories for a worldwide audience. She incorporates elements of Malaysian culture and history with great respect and authenticity, ensuring her local heritage is accurately portrayed. By doing so, Vanessa introduces international readers to Malaysian traditions and historical events, broadening their understanding and appreciation of another culture. This approach not only entertains readers but also promotes cultural awareness and connection on a global scale.

Vanessa Chan has already made a significant mark in historical fiction with her insightful and engaging stories. Despite her success, she shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to work on new projects, aiming to bring even more captivating tales to her readers. Vanessa’s dedication to her craft and passion for storytelling promise exciting and enlightening reads for the future.

Early and Personal Life

Vanessa Chan was born and raised in Malaysia, where her love for reading and writing began at a young age. Inspired by the rich history and culture around her, she developed a keen interest in storytelling. Over the years, Vanessa honed her skills, eventually bringing her unique perspective to the literary world.

Vanessa’s short stories have appeared in reputable publications such as Electric Lit, Ecotone, and Kenyon Review, showcasing her versatility and talent. Her debut novel, ‘The Storm We Made,’ gained international acclaim and was published in over twenty languages. This success solidified her position as a notable author in the literary community.

In addition to her novel, Vanessa’s work has been featured in popular magazines like Vogue and Esquire, further extending her reach and influence. Though she grew up in Malaysia, she is now mostly based in Brooklyn, where she continues to find inspiration and grow as a writer. Vanessa Chan’s journey from her Malaysian roots to the global stage is a testament to her passion and dedication to storytelling.

Writing Career

Vanessa Chan’s writing career has been marked by both critical and popular success. Her debut novel, ‘The Storm We Made,’ released in 2024, became an international bestseller and was recognized as a Good Morning America Book Club Pick, a New York Times Editor’s Choice, and a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick. This compelling story about an unlikely spy in 1930s British Malaya was translated into more than twenty languages, broadening her reach globally.

In addition to her novel, Vanessa has an impressive portfolio of work published in renowned magazines such as Vogue and Esquire. Her short stories have also appeared in esteemed literary journals like Electric Lit, Kenyon Review, as well as Ecotone. Represented by Michelle Brower and Stephanie Delman at the Trellis Literary Management agency, she continues to write and expand her audience, promising even more captivating works in the future.

The Storm We Made

‘The Storm We Made’ by Vanessa Chan was published on January 2, 2024. The novel was released by S&S/Marysue Rucci Books. This historical work has garnered significant attention since its publication. Establishing and depicting a real period in history, it also marked an impressive debut for Chan herself.

In 1945 Malaya, Cecily Alcantara’s family faces grave danger: her son Abel has vanished and her youngest daughter Jasmin is hidden to avoid being forced into service at comfort stations. Her eldest daughter Jujube, working at a tea house frequented by Japanese soldiers, grows increasingly angry. Cecily blames herself for their peril, knowing her past actions are the cause.

A decade earlier, lured into espionage by General Fujiwara, her dreams of “Asia for Asians” led to a harsher Japanese occupation. Now, as the war reaches its peak, Cecily must confront her past to save her family from destruction.