Synopsis

House of Koi is about identity and learning that, sometimes, your future is waiting for you in your past. The story follows Mila as she strives to reconcile the person she became in an effort to fit into her American international school with the young girl she was; the girl who spoke Mandarin and Malay with ease. Is it too late to embrace both parts of herself?

My Journey

I wanted to write this book to let people step into my world; one that is vibrant and unique, and to show them the country I love so much. I struggled with finding my own identity, so I wrote this book as a love letter for my younger self, in hopes this story will reach another little girl rediscovering herself.

What People Say

Lilian Li’s exquisite prose jumps off the page. It exudes passion for all things Malaysia in the most delightful of ways. Don’t miss this one!

Mark W. Sasse

Language drives the drama in House of Koi. Characters fail to connect because of what they cannot say, due to language barriers, and what they will not say, due to emotional ones. The sights and sounds—and particularly the smells and tastes—of Bukit Mertajam enliven this charming coming-of-age novel.

Christopher Amenta

…your angle is great—struggling with your identity within your own culture. THAT is going to be the next big thing—when other cultures collide with yours in your own hometown. Because we are increasingly international without leaving home. Brilliant.

Carolyn Jew

I’m so excited to read this! I went to an international school where I embraced my American identity and completely rejected my Asian heritage. It’s so comforting to hear from other Malaysians who had similar cultural difficulties. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope to do the same someday.

Cheyenne Ka-En Tang

Lilian Li, with poignant cultural insight, drew me immediately into Mila’s dilemma as she surrenders her privileged American international education to immerse back into her native Chinese island culture at a vulnerable stage of life.

Debbie Chinn

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The summer before Lilian Li arrived at Boston University from Malaysia, she decided to spend more time with her Popo, Mandarin for grandmother. Li was born and raised on the Malaysian island of Penang, more than 9,000 miles from Boston... Read more

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Writing a YA novel about her culture helped this international student embrace her heritage. Watch the animated video here.

'House Of Koi' reminds readers, sometimes, your future is waiting for you in your past

The Star Newspaper:Several years ago, author Lilian Li was very homesick. She had left home in Penang to the United States, where she studied at Boston University. Home was so far away, and to cope, Li started to write... Read more.

How To Embrace A Foreign Culture And Remain True To Your Own?

Born and raised in Penang, Lilian Li is a Malaysian author who recently published her debut novel, The House of Koi. The book, based on Lilian’s own personal life, concerns young Mila. Read more.