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Scar of the Bamboo Leaf

Sieni A.M. (Goodreads Author)

4.49 · Rating details · 104 ratings · 32 reviews

"That boy is like the bamboo...foreign and unknown in this environment. But like the bamboo, if you plant and nurture it in the right soil, it has the potential to grow vibrant and strong."

Walking with a pronounced limp all her life has never stopped fifteen-year-old Kiva Mau from doing what she loves. While most girls her age are playing sports and perfecting their tradit ...more

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Published July 9th 2014

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Jul 23, 2014 Paula M rated it really liked it

Shelves: for-review, arc

You can also read my review here.

I can't remember the last time I've cried this hard. It's beautiful, people! It's heartbreaking and beautiful.

I'm sorry in advance if you think this review is short. It's just, it's SO GOOD I DON'T THINK MY REVIEW CAN JUSTIFY HOW GOOD IT IS.

If you read the blurb, you'd think that it's another bad boy and good girl love story. But it's not. It's so much more than that. The timeline of the story starts from Kiva and Ryler when they're young and still understan ...more

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Jul 16, 2014 Sahar Sabati rated it it was amazing

There are books that make you dream. Then there are books that sweep you off your feet and welcome you into a dream.

Reading Sieni A.M.’s second novel, Scar of the Bamboo Leaf, was a little bit like the latter. Regular readers of my reviews will no doubt remember how much I loved her first book, Illumine Her. Although sporting some typical first-time author mistakes, the book made me dream. Sieni surpassed herself with Scar of the Bamboo Leaf, in which she manages to touch the hearts of readers t There are books that make you dream. Then there are books that sweep you off your feet and welcome you into a dream.

Reading Sieni A.M.’s second novel, Scar of the Bamboo Leaf, was a little bit like the latter. Regular readers of my reviews will no doubt remember how much I loved her first book, Illumine Her. Although sporting some typical first-time author mistakes, the book made me dream. Sieni surpassed herself with Scar of the Bamboo Leaf, in which she manages to touch the hearts of readers through an honest yet heartwarming story.

When Kiva Mau’s mother wanted to get away from the responsibilities of parenthood, she gave her child to her sister and brother-in-law before heading out for lands unknown. Although Kiva is raised by loving surrogate parents, she carries a constant external reminder of her deep, inner pain, in the form of a limp due to one leg being significantly shorter than the other. But despite the many difficulties she carries, Kiva is a patient, loving, and caring young woman, eager to reach out to others through her love of arts, the foremost being sketching and painting.

Ryler carries scars of his own. Prejudices abound in the small town he lives in, and Ryler dealt with the ignorant and cruel comments in the only way he knows: with his fists. On the cusp of ruining his future prospects for good, his parents send him off to Samoa to a school for troubled teenage boys. One of the school’s classes are with Kiva’s uncle, whom she ends up assisting, her aunt kept from fulfilling her duties because of an injury.

When these two troubled, scarred, and hurting souls meet, they are able to help one another one very small step at a time. This is not your miraculous story in which the characters are completely transformed after a mere day or two. Scar of the Bamboo Leaf spans a number of years during which each character is moulded by the consequences of their actions and under the influence of the relationships in their lives.

The rawness and authenticity of the story are no doubt related to the fact that Sieni pulled inspiration for it from real life, albeit in sometimes completely different places. The character Kiva is inspired in part by someone she met who was born with a deficient length in her leg. And while the art center, Kiva’s sketches and paintings are made up, art does have an important place in Sieni’s own life, and not just because of her writing. An active member of her community, she has both seen and used the power of the arts to bring people together as well.

Samoa is host of a school for troubled boys much like the one Ryler is sent to. The author was able to interview one of the students who, through immersion in the culture of the country, had completely transformed from violent kid to one with insights on life transcending that of other youth his age. As for Ryler and Kiva’s story, Sieni told me that she liked the idea of two flawed characters coming together in their imperfect way and focusing on the way they could arise to meet various challenges.

Hana, Kiva’s cousin, was the most interesting supporting character in the book. Through her, we get to see the way man’s lower nature can take over the higher nature. While Hana’s treatment of Kiva is inspired by her own insecurities, resulting in heart wrenching moments of cruelty, it does not mean that she is a soulless being who cannot change. Sieni also shows us how the higher nature of man can conquer the lower when given the right impetus. And yet again, it isn’t one of those stories in which Hana suddenly becomes perfect. She is laying in the bed she made and reaping the consequences of her actions, which inspire her to slowly make difference decisions. It is a slow and sometimes arduous path, the portrayal of which can be very powerful for readers engaged in their own struggles to control their lower nature. And just like in real life, where mutual support and accompanying are essential to personal spiritual development, Kiva’s understanding towards her cousin becomes ones of the crucial elements that give Hana the space needed to start conquering her lower nature and becoming a better person.

The ending was both beautiful, poetic, and significant, but very difficult to read. And after talking to the author, it seems that it wasn’t much easier to write, either. I was told that she cried her eyes out while writing it for at least a week. I asked her why she would write such an ending, and she confided that she hoped that this unconventional love story ends on an inspiring note through this difficult ending. One thing for sure; although I did not like the ending, it definitely is part of the reason I still can’t stop thinking about this book.

Despite being set in the real world, Scar of the Bamboo Leaf is imbibed with a magic of its own. I read it in two sittings (I couldn’t put it down!) and when I was done, felt like I was wrapped in a cozy, comfortable cocoon. It will not only transport you into a land of luscious vegetation and amazing food, but also will make you think about the relationships that define us and inspire you to both reach out to loved ones struggling as they try to conquer their lower selves, and to take yet another step down the path you yourself are walking.

A must read for the summer of 2014.

First published at http://blogcritics.org/book-review-sc... and at http://www.saharsreviews.com/book-rev.... ...more

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Feb 10, 2015 Billie Lawson rated it really liked it

This book is a hard book for me to review. The prose was beautiful and heartfelt with an abundance of culture dispersed throughout the story. Although at times the dialogue felt a little too "mature" for the age of the characters, I still connected to them and appreciated the lyrical nature of her writing. The ending completely caught me off guard, and I am still processing where the author went with their story. I am very thankful for my friend who recommended this book...this author definitely ...more

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Aug 15, 2014 Jules rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, awesome-guys-and-girls, tragic-and-epic, emotional-reads, inspirations, contemporary

I had to stifle my sobs because I was in my dorm room. Y U DO DIS???? I HURT... HAHAHAHA

-----------------------------

More review at my Jules Bookshelf

MY OPINION

I never thought that this book would really touch me in any way because at first, it wasn’t the kind of book that I thought I would like. But it proved me wrong because its one of the most meaningful and touching books I’ve ever read.

I had to admit that at the start I was getting a little bored, it was all an introduction at first, but af ...more

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Jan 29, 2015 Carissa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-these-books-if-you-want-to-liv

I can't put into words how this book made me feel, or how it has tweaked my perceptions. This book struck my soul. It showed me the reality of what strength and beauty and grace are. Kiva is who we should all try to be. Her character is unparalleled.

Read this book.

After more thought I am changing my rating to 5 stars. I just can't get over how utterly amazing this book is. ...more

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Nov 06, 2013 Tracey Poueu-Guerrero rated it it was amazing

I have now had a few weeks to recover emotionally. It took me about a day and a half to finish. This book tugged at my heart and soul like no other. There are stories that are entertaining ... then there are stories that will stay with you for far greater reasons. That is how I feel about Kiva and Ryler's story. I love how Sieni includes so many details about the Samoan culture (the good and not so good lol). As an afakasi growing up in the states, I've only had the pleasure of visiting Samoa on ...more

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Sep 02, 2015 Litiana ✨ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Sieni, you are a puppet master of my emotions rite now that I can't seem to contain. This book was definitely a roller coaster ride filled with tears. Thanks a lot (sarcastic tone) lol by far one of my favorite books because I relate it to it more than anything. I especially loved the words of encouragement. Very well thought out. At some point I felt like I was reading my own story. Beautifully written. ...more

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Aug 20, 2014 Big Book Theory rated it really liked it

I enjoyed reading this beautifully written novel with real and lovable characters. The story's vivid imagery made me feel as if I was there in Somoa with Kiva. I could clearly imagine her gait, the busride from school, her doing the washing and hanging it. I was immersed in a world of tradition and culture. This is a really, really nice story and it touched me deeply. It made me cry! ...more

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Aug 30, 2013 Sarah rated it it was amazing

I read it in 2 days. I loved the story even though the ending was heart-wrenching. Beautifully done, Sieni :)

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Feb 11, 2015 Lady Vigilante (Feifei) marked it as to-read

Shelves: young-adult-ness

A copy of this book was gifted to me by a BVR book junkie. Thank you ♥

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Feb 29, 2016 Francine Brunt-Collins rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-it-and-loved-it

Wow!

I read Sieni's first book "Illumine Her" and thoroughly enjoyed it so I figured I'd read this too... And I am so glad that I did.

Each and every character in this story, has their own story and you cannot help but to like them all.
The story centers around Akiva. You get to read a few chapters from Ry's perspective but the story is primarily Kiva's.

Kiva is a beautiful soul... Her track of thought, her innocence, her purity - you cannot help but to love her and to want her to be happy. I think Wow!

I read Sieni's first book "Illumine Her" and thoroughly enjoyed it so I figured I'd read this too... And I am so glad that I did.

Each and every character in this story, has their own story and you cannot help but to like them all.
The story centers around Akiva. You get to read a few chapters from Ry's perspective but the story is primarily Kiva's.

Kiva is a beautiful soul... Her track of thought, her innocence, her purity - you cannot help but to love her and to want her to be happy. I think I loved her straight off the bat. She was born with a deformity, a condition that has haunted her for her entire life and was placed in the care of her Aunty by a mother who she believed didn't want her... but she doesn't really allow it to limit her. She struggles with insecurities here and there, like all girls and women do - but art is her salvation and it allows her to express herself in ways that her body and words cannot.
Ry was a brooding, angry, misunderstood teenage boy. Being culturally diverse and not knowing anything about his father except for his Arab ethnicity, he struggled with racism, prejudice and judgement his entire life and it forced him to resort to violence as a means of defending himself and defending the culture he was so hungry to hold on to. Forced to go to Samoa as a last resort by his mother and step father, he evolved into such a caring, passionate and selfless young man... who is inspired by and falls in love with Kiva.

Kiva and Ry's love was so beautiful, so honest and so chaste. Each conversation they had, every thought that crossed Kiva's mind about him, every observation she made... Had me entrhalled. It was almost as though I had gotten under Kiva's skin and had become her myself. I found myself imagining their future, their happily ever after and...

[SPOILER ALERT]

My heart is broken! :( I'm a sucker for a happy ending and the fact that this ended with Ry dying has devastated me. They had both endured so much suffering and hardship and they deserved their happily ever after DAMN IT! Everything throughout the story had been leading to it and I couldn't help but to think "It feels too good to be true" and as it turns out, it was. I've cried throughout several books in my life time, but this time I feel like I actually need to grieve. It's been tough!!! A part of me is so angry at Sieni for ending it this way, but another part of be is grateful that she did because it's so close to reality, that I cannot help but to appreciate it. It was a risk she had embarked on by choosing to end it the way she knows no one would want it to end, but it was a reality check of sorts. We don't always get a happy ending... Sometimes we get our hearts broken, even if we've endured more than we deserve and every ache, every scar, every tear is a lesson and life itself is a test.

To be honest, since completing this read, I'm left feeling so melancholic and despondent but I know it will pass.

To Sieni, thank you for creating such a vivid, pure and heartwarming love story. Too many authors focus on the more erotic and physical aspects of love and neglect the emotional and internal side of it and I love that you were able to keep it chaste and clean throughout. Thank you! ...more

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Dec 01, 2014 Tamara rated it it was amazing

Shelves: paperback

5 "Bamboo girl" stars!

Such a beautiful, honest, heartwarming and inspirational story! WOW. Words cannot express how moving this epic story is.

This book has been on my radar since it came recommended by Amy Harmon. Now, months later, I was desperate for something new, longing for a story that would rock me to the core. And boy did it rock me!

I finished this in the wee hours of the morning, tears streaming down my face. I don't get easily emotional when I'm reading, and ironically enough, the last ...more

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Sep 06, 2014 Genesis Sheli (Whispering Chapters) rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Lovers of The Fault In Our Stars

Shelves: arc-print, blog-tour

If you love The Fault In Our Stars , then you must read Scar of the Bamboo Leaf .

This is a story about finding ourselves, where we belong, what we we're meant to do. Kiva is a great young woman who got a rough start in life when she was born with a leg shorter than the other. Kiva has lived with her uncle Mau and aunt Naomi for her whole life. Her mother, Viola abandoned her and left her with Naomi and she left Samoa, never to return.

Ryler "Ry" got sent to Samoa's Toa Boys' Academy to fini If you love The Fault In Our Stars , then you must read Scar of the Bamboo Leaf .

This is a story about finding ourselves, where we belong, what we we're meant to do. Kiva is a great young woman who got a rough start in life when she was born with a leg shorter than the other. Kiva has lived with her uncle Mau and aunt Naomi for her whole life. Her mother, Viola abandoned her and left her with Naomi and she left Samoa, never to return.

Ryler "Ry" got sent to Samoa's Toa Boys' Academy to finish his senior year, seeing as he would keep getting into trouble in the States, even almost killing a guy in a fight. This academy gives treatment and therapy to troubled boys, like Ry.

Ry and Kiva meet at an art school program where Mau and Naomi give art class. Naomi hurt her hand and Kiva steps in to help Mau and this is where Kiva befriends Ry, after seeing his art work and realizing he had scars—inside and outside—that she wanted to find out. They become very close and Kiva starts having feelings for this amazing guy. Mau realizes the potential Ry has and how great of a person he truly his and decides to take him under his swing, to assist him with the carving wood project at the art school and Kiva and Ry start getting closer as time passes.

Unfortunately, Ryler finishes his program and he leaves without saying goodbye to Kiva. Ryler grew up and matured so much. He finished college but decided he wanted to be a volunteer at the Peace Corps, which he joined and that's how he returned to Samoa four years later. Ry and Kiva meet again and their story builds, their friendship grows until they finally confess their love for one another. But the story obviously doesn't end there. You MUST read and find out what happens.

My heart was torn apart and I cried a lot. I kept thinking it would have a different ending, but I was mistaken. I keep suffering just thinking about it. I liked all of the characters, not once complaining about the characters. At first, I didn't like Hana, Kiva's cousin because of her bad attitude and how she would treat Kiva but I guess you can blame it on teenage years and feeling unwanted for a while. I'm glad she redeemed herself and ended up being a great human being.

I fell in love with Kiva and Ry's friendship so much. They were there for one another, through thick and thin. They are so adorable and you can't help but want that kind of relationship that they had, whether it be friendship or a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.

This is a story that stays with you forever, like TFIOS. Fifty years from now, I will still remember this story. It is one so deep it grips your heart tight and doesn't let go until it ends.

Do you know what you are?
You are a manuscript of a diving letter.
You are a mirror reflecting a noble face.
This universe is not outside of you.
Look inside yourself;
everything you want,
you are already that.
-Rumi ...more

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Sep 10, 2014 Bnice rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-read, 2016-books-read

I have to admit when I began the book it kind of dragged, but I endured and was happy that I did. I enjoyed it and being able to connect with the atmosphere in SAMOA and the culture was a big plus for me. I was able to relate to all the situations that occurred. I try to support our Polynesian authors by reading and purchasing their books- so I'm glad I did!

Mativa, born and raised in Samoa, was my favorite character in this book along side her partner Ryler. She was a young artist with a leg len I have to admit when I began the book it kind of dragged, but I endured and was happy that I did. I enjoyed it and being able to connect with the atmosphere in SAMOA and the culture was a big plus for me. I was able to relate to all the situations that occurred. I try to support our Polynesian authors by reading and purchasing their books- so I'm glad I did!

Mativa, born and raised in Samoa, was my favorite character in this book along side her partner Ryler. She was a young artist with a leg length deficiency which already tells you she's gona be one strong girl and indeed she was. Ryler is from the states and was shipped off to SAMOA to a disciplinary school so to speak. They meet up through an Art class that was given by Mativa's uncle.
Their journey was cute and when the story unfolds towards the end of the book that's what really sparked my attention and emotions.
Mativa and Ryler both had their issues with family, self identity, self worth, a longing to be accepted, to be loved and with their team work they are able to conquer things together.
I enjoyed getting to know Mativa and Ryler and taking their journey with them.

One part of the book I want to mention was so touching - This is Ryler speaking to Mativa -
"Do you know what else I want, Kiva? What? She whispered. "I want your heart. Not all of it because I know that it also belongs to your art and your family, to your dreams." But I want the part that deserves to love and be loved in return. And I would take care of it, Kiva. I would. You just have to let me. I remember when you mentioned once that everyone's worthy of that kind of love. I went away because I wanted to be worthy of you. She was speechless again, caught between incredulity and affection, as her heart swelled at his proclamation. "Its always been yours, Ry. Always."

Now that right there was some good stuff. I left out some stuff but you get the jist of it.
Another few lines which really sparked my attention was Mativa's mother - Viola and this is what she said to her: "But here's the thing about love. It doesn't become real until you've suffered and sacrificed yourself in its path."
That right there was deep for me. LOVE is a complicated yet STRONG word! There are so many meanings to the one word, it makes you do crazy and foolish things, it makes you warm and comforted, it makes you do things out of character, but one thing I know- everyone needs it!!

Thanks for a good read Ms. Sieni. Speaking of Love, I'm still looking for it, but when least expected, I'm sure it will slap me in the face or kick me in the neck or something PUHLEAASE! haha just kidding. ...more

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Aug 24, 2014 Hollyberry rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-s, kindle

In this story we follow Kiva from about the age of 15 to around 22. She lives with her Aunt and Uncle in Samoa. This is the first time that I have read anything located in this area of the world, and I loved how the author not only told the story of Kiva, but also weaved in some Samoan culture and tradition, it really opened my eyes to what life is like there.

Kiva walks with a limp as when she was born her legs were not the same length. She feels left out of some of the culture and traditions li In this story we follow Kiva from about the age of 15 to around 22. She lives with her Aunt and Uncle in Samoa. This is the first time that I have read anything located in this area of the world, and I loved how the author not only told the story of Kiva, but also weaved in some Samoan culture and tradition, it really opened my eyes to what life is like there.

Kiva walks with a limp as when she was born her legs were not the same length. She feels left out of some of the culture and traditions like typical Samoan dances and things, however, she does not let this become who or what she is.

It has been a long time since I have read a book with so many powerful messages in it, and it was written in a way that they were not shoved in your face or anything, it was beautiful.

The other main character that we meet is Ry, he lives in the US with his Mom and Step-Dad, however, due to his actions and violence that he is constantly bringing in to his life, they send him to Samoa to go to school for his last year of high school, it is not exactly a military school, but it is close.

Kiva meets Ry when his school is brought to her Uncles art studio for classes on carving. She notices him right away as he stands out from all the other students. He is not in a good spot in his life when he comes there, and he is not looking to make new friends. As situations arise, they are put together more and more and do end up being friends. I think that it was good for both of them, she calms him down, and he makes her realize what she is living without.

She is an artist, and she has dreams of going to school and studying art. She gets a scholarship to go to a different country and study, however, it is only for classes that she is not interested in, and her Uncle ends up having a stroke, so she declines the scholarship in the end. She feels like she has to stay with her family now more than ever, but it does take a toll on her.

This book covers so many different relationships that we have in life, from family to friends to romantic ones. They are all written very realistically and from the heart, I would be interested to know where the inspiration came from.

If you are looking for a good coming of age story from two different perspectives, this is the book for you! I give this one a 4/5 and cannot wait to read more of what the author has to offer. ...more

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Jul 27, 2014 Hannah Harvey rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, given-to-me-for-review, 2014-top-10-shortlist

Note: This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review
Scar of the Bamboo Leaf is a book which is best described as stunning. The words flow on the page like works of art, which is apt considering there are such strong links with art in this book.
I found myself pulled in by Kiva's story, and drawn into her world. I loved that through her story I could explore a different culture.
This book has an effortless beauty to it. The writing style tugs at your emotions and gets you really attache ...more

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Sep 21, 2014 Shelby rated it it was amazing

** I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review **

There are no words I could possibly use that could ever adequately describe how epically beautiful Scar of the Bamboo Leaf is. If you are debating whether or not to read this book, debate no more. Take the plunge my friend! Kiva's story will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

I could write my own version of a synopsis but that's already been done so instead I will toss random phrases at yo ...more

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Sep 06, 2014 WTF Are You Reading? rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Scar Of The Bamboo Leaf is the bitter-sweet tale of one girl's journey to self-discovery, belonging, and acceptance.
Kiva is a girl who has always longed for a place. A place in her family. A place in her society. A place to belong.
Being born with one leg shorter than the other, a condition which gives her a pronounced limping gait, and excludes her from much of the youthful activity of "normal" youths of her age.

For her it is art that has provided her with the much needed refuge that her tender ...more

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Jul 16, 2014 Ravioli Rachel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, romance

The second novel by Sieni A.M. takes us back to Samoa. Different than her first book in that we don't have the paranormal twist-- We are however, introduced to a story about growing up, family, and finding yourself.

Once again Sieni is able to capture our attention and describe Samoa with such realism that you want to hop on a plane and visit. This bittersweet story will also capture your heart as we enter the life of Kiva the artist. A girl who doesn't let her disability stop her from achieving ...more

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Aug 10, 2014 Trisha Perry rated it really liked it

This is a very deep and serious book about a girl, Kiva, who could have very well lost herself in the black of the world, the anger, the storm, the despair, the everything dark, as she was dealt a pretty lousy hand as a baby and a child growing up. But her birth mother did one thing right, she gave Kiva to her sister, Naomi, as a baby to raise as her own and to care for and nurture, to love. Naomi and her husband loved Kiva and helped her to grow and see past her disabilities to her abilities as ...more

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Jul 16, 2014 Sonjel rated it it was amazing

Sieni A. M.'s first novel, Illumine Her, was richly vivid with Samoan culture, language and scenery. Although a work of fantasy, you felt you as though you were in the very heart of Samoa in a way you would never experience as a tourist. Scar of the Bamboo Leaf also envelopes you in the Samoan way of life but this novel is more real. And I'm not just saying that because there's no fantasy element to this novel -- I say this because its characters are more believable and loveable, its plot more t ...more

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Apr 19, 2015 Jey rated it really liked it

Beautiful written, heartfelt and touching story of a young Samoan girl and the boy who stole her heart and soul.
The ending gutted me and I wasn't expecting it but the stunning prose and lyrical descriptions of Samoan life were so realistic, you felt as though you lived there, experienced their life and took this journey with them. ...more

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Sep 10, 2014 Amber rated it it was amazing

This book!!!! THIS BOOK!!! It came out of nowhere as "Would you like to read my book" and it became part of my soul!!!

Full review to come.

It's rare to find diversity in contemporary literature but even more rare to happen upon a book this beautiful. ...more

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Mar 19, 2015 Trina Hoggan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Roller coaster ride of epic proportions!

A story that was engaging and filled with so much emotion and deep meaning! To see someone overcome so much and still press forward is inspiring!

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Jun 15, 2015 Anna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Amazing

There is not much to say except speechless in a good way. Loved the story from beginning to end. I would recommend to anyone

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Aug 16, 2014 Hope rated it it was amazing

Loved it! Been a long time since a book made me cry! Beautiful story!

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May 28, 2020 Marie Joy Arao rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Pacific Young Adult Lit

This book was beautifully written! I loved how the different cultures were brought as one. It's 5AM and found myself crying because of this book 😭 I would highly recommend this book to my friends and to my future students. 😊 I've never had this feeling long time ago. I missed this type of pain xD Enjoy reading!❤️ ...more

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Mar 05, 2020 Malaefou rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loved it!

Ry and Kiva’s love story is definitely one to not miss. The ending was so unexpected! I cried! Poor Kiva 😭

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Sep 17, 2014 T.H. Hernandez rated it it was amazing

Wow. Powerful is the first word that comes to mind, followed by heartwrenching. Scar of the Bamboo Leaf is a coming of age love story that transcends genre. It’s young adult, but it spans more than just the teen years. The story is flawlessly crafted, skillfully told, and evokes all the beauty of one of Kiva’s paintings. Vivid imagery and emotional depth thread through the novel bringing the story powerfully to life. Sieni A.M. has done her research, which is apparent throughout the novel. The s Wow. Powerful is the first word that comes to mind, followed by heartwrenching. Scar of the Bamboo Leaf is a coming of age love story that transcends genre. It’s young adult, but it spans more than just the teen years. The story is flawlessly crafted, skillfully told, and evokes all the beauty of one of Kiva’s paintings. Vivid imagery and emotional depth thread through the novel bringing the story powerfully to life. Sieni A.M. has done her research, which is apparent throughout the novel. The setting and characters are so genuine, no you never question their authenticity.

Plot
Oh my gosh, where to begin. On the surface, it’s a tale of two people destined to be together, but their deep emotional and physical wounds prevent them from seeing what the rest of us know. But deeper, it’s the story of belonging, of understanding, self-discovery, acceptance, and forgiveness. The book is a tapestry of words, woven together to create a stunning picture when seen from a distance, but up close, you realize every thread is a work of art itself. The author uses descriptive prose to tell the story, the way a cinematographer uses cameras and lighting to create something more than just a movie.

Kiva is a fifteen-year old girl with a pronounced limp due to one leg being shorter than the other. She’s been abandoned by her mother and raised by her aunt and uncle. Ryler is a troubled teen sent to reform school in Samoa where he meets Kiva. The two are from different worlds, but have much in common, and form an unlikely friendship. When Ryler graduates and leaves without saying goodbye, Kiva is left broken hearted. The two meet up again years later and realize what the reader knows, that they belong together. But the story is so much more than that.

Characters
The characters shine. They are deeply developed, intense, complex and stick with you long after you’ve read the epilogue. Kiva is especially strong. The things she has to deal with…and yet she takes everything life hands her and channels it into her art. Ryler is fantastic. He grows so much. Even Hana, who is less than sympathetic at first isn’t a weak character. She is just as richly characterized as the two main characters.

Bottom Line
Scar of the Bamboo Leaf is brilliantly written, complex, poignant and deeply moving. It left me stunned, wrung-out, and touched beyond what I was expecting.

Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Apr 19, 2015 Miss Mod rated it really liked it

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When I was growing up, I remember movies like The Piano and Whale Rider leaving an undefinable mark on me. There was something about the beautiful, yet lonely landscapes of New Zealand. There was something about the people who have struggled to survive on a new land to some, an old land to others. A people that have been marked by colonization. A people struggling to straddle that line between authenticity and the inevitable evolution of culture.

I'm a bit torn about t ...more

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About Sieni A.M.

Sieni A.M.

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Sieni A.M. is a world traveler, avid reader, and aspiring writer. She was born and raised in the South Pacific, graduated from the University of Canterbury, and is currently living in Australia with her husband and two daughters.

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