Set against the backdrop of twentieth-century Singapore amidst significant historical upheavals, 'The Great Reclamation' tells the stirring story of Ah Boon, a young boy with a unique gift for finding mysterious, moving islands teeming with fish. In a fishing village on the cusp of modernity and amid the residual tides of British colonial rule, Ah Boon forms a close bond with Siok Mei, a vibrant girl he admires. Their lives become intertwined with the tumultuous events of history as the Japanese invasion during World War II brings about resistance, sorrow, and the threat of change for their fishing community. As the nation moves toward a new identity, both Ah Boon and Siok Mei, now empowered by their unique abilities and circumstances, face the heartrending choices of who they want to become and what they are willing to sacrifice. Rachel Heng's novel is a profound meditation on love, belonging, and the enduring impact of colonialism and war, evoking the deep connection between the land and its people.