Lesley

Lesley is the protagonist of the novel and half of the chapters are told from her perspective. She serves as a lens through which the complexities of colonial-era Malaysia are explored. As the wife of Robert, Lesley is initially shown as a British expatriate living in Penang during the early 20th century. Her relationship with Robert forms a cornerstone of the narrative, providing insight into the dynamics of colonial society and the tensions between tradition and modernity.

Throughout the novel, Lesley's character undergoes significant development and transformation, shaped by her interactions with other characters and the events that unfold around her. Her journey is marked by moments of introspection, rebellion, and self-discovery as she navigates the constraints of her marriage and grapples with questions of identity, agency, and belonging.

Lesley's relationship with Robert is fraught with tension and conflict, as she struggles to reconcile her own desires and...