Title: The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei

Written by: Christina Matula

Illustrated by: Yao Xiao

Published by: Inkyard Pess

The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei is Christina Matula’s debut novel and the first in a fun and engaging trilogy, which showcases a diverse smorgasbord of mixed-Asian cultures.

When Holly-Mei’s mum gets a promotion, Holly-Mei and her trendy younger sister, Millie, are uprooted from their home in Toronto, Canada and enrolled into Tai-Tam Prep, an elite private school in Hong Kong. Holly-Mei considers this a fresh start as she has fallen out with her best friend, Natalie and has been ostracised by her hockey team mates after blurting out the ball hit her foot before it went in the goal during the hockey tournament, costing them the game. However, moving to Hong Kong brings many new challenges, which are escalated now her Mum’s new position as Chief Operating Officer for Asia-Pacific Lo Holdings International, means Holly-Mei needs to make a good impression as she has an image to protect.

Holly Mei does not get off to a good start in her new home – there is friction between her and her cousins, Rosie and Rhys – she has to cope with only video chats with her beloved confidant, Ah-Ma whose favourite saying is ‘bitterness ends and sweetness begins’ (a motto that encapsulates the ideals and message of The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei) – she also has a run in with Queen-bee Gemma on her first day at school who is definitely the ‘mean girl’.

Gemma and Holly-Mei eventually become friends when a near-fatal accident during Gemma’s birthday party become a bonding experience and they realise they each have their own teenage problems. Ultimately Holly-Mei must learn to curb her habit of speaking without thinking.

Christina Matula’s use of descriptive language is eloquent and evocative, especially some of her lovely expressive passages on the mouth-watering food. She creates a vivid picture of the way

the community consists of high-achieving, high-powered families who want their children to be the best. I enjoyed reading about the rich-society lifestyle and I particularly liked the way Christina expertly highlighted how when it comes to cultures and traditions each family is very different, yet have similar expectations and strong family bonds.

Yao Xiao’s detailed illustrations are scattered throughout the book giving it a traditional charm. At the beginning of the book is a functional map of Hong Kong and I am partial to a map in fiction books. At the back of the book is a useful Mandarin and Cantonese glossary and pronunciation guide. Another great addition are two fun-to-try recipes; one for Ah-Ma’s Dumplings, the other for Millie’s Red Bean Creamsicles.

The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei is celebration of the world’s vast diversity that incorporates themes of honour, duty and parental pressures.

This book was originally reviewed for Armadillo Magazine.