The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties

Meddy’s family takes their delicious drama to Jakarta for Chinese New Year. What begins with a declaration of love from Second Aunt’s childhood boyfriend escalates to a hostage situation involving Meddy’s husband. Soon after, the family finds themselves at the center of a business rival triangle involving theft, shady property deals, kidnapping, and far too many secrets. When they’re finally pushed to their limit, Meddy’s family must pull out all their wedding planning skills to infiltrate a crime lord’s mansion. Narrator Risa Mei’s comedic timing elevates Sutanto’s (Four Weddings and a Wedding) already witty prose, providing ample opportunities to laugh aloud at the warm-hearted absurdity. She moves between American, Indonesian, and English accents with seeming ease, all while keeping the chaotic interruptions and squabbling of well-meaning aunties from overwhelming listeners. While the family can be incredibly silly, there are no limits to what they will do to keep each other safe—all while saving face.