Ah Boon

Ah Boon is the protagonist of the novel. When he is young, he is a sensitive boy who does not fit in well in his fishing community or with the men in his family. His mother decided from the start that he would get a better education than is standard for a boy of his station. The most significant moment in his childhood is when he discovers the magic islands when out fishing with his brother and father for the first time. At first it is believed that he brought the magic because it first appeared when he was there, but later other people are able to find the islands.

Ah Boon falls instantly in love with Siok Mei when they first meet in school. Neither of them fit in completely with their classmates at the primary school. They start spending a lot of time together. Ah...