In Hungry Ghosts, each section begins with a flashback that instantly pulls us into the characters’ deeper, often painful history and the world they inhabit. The titles of these sections, “A Gate to Hell,” “A Small Sacrifice,” “A Father’s Sins,” “A Clean Break,” and “Deadwater,” are more than just labels; they are like doors opening into the complex web of memory, trauma, and inherited guilt that shapes the story. These flashbacks create a multi-dimensional experience, allowing us to explore the personal and collective histories that influence the main character’s actions, thoughts, and fears. Hungry Ghosts is not just a novel with a single plot, but an exploration of a community shaped by memory and legacy. 

 Each flashback plunges the reader into intense scenes filled with deep symbolism, making each segment feel like a story within a story. Take, for instance, “A Gate to Hell,” which introduces a generational struggle that sets the tone for resilience and suffering. It is not just a scene but a gateway into understanding how trauma is passed down and shared, forming the foundation of these characters’ lives. These flashbacks do not merely add historical context to the story; they build an emotional framework that allows us to understand why the characters act the way they do, why they feel torn between different worlds, and why specific fears or ambitions drive them. 

 As I moved through each flashback, I connected more deeply with the characters’ internal conflicts. “A Father’s Sins” explores the impact of family choices and the inescapable inheritance of sacrifice and suffering. It dawned on me that the characters’ struggles were not simply personal flaws or weaknesses but were shaped by the weight of choices, traumas, and sacrifices made by their ancestors. This perspective made each character feel less isolated in their challenges; instead, they were individuals shaped by an invisible yet powerful force of family and cultural expectations. There was an inevitable tragedy in knowing these characters were fighting battles inherited from previous generations. 

 The flashbacks also provide a reflective pause, allowing the story’s pacing to breathe. Each flashback feels like a moment to absorb the gravity of the past before returning to the main story. This structure gave me a more profound understanding of the characters’ decisions and struggles in the present. “A Clean Break” was particularly eye-opening. Its title suggests a longing for freedom from the past, yet the story shows how challenging it can be to sever ties with one’s history. This moment made me realize how much of the novel revolves around reconciling with a past that continues to influence the present. 

 Reading these flashbacks felt like being handed a map to navigate the story’s main narrative with a more nuanced understanding. When I reached the concluding section, “Deadwater,” it became clear that each flashback had built a layered history that demanded reflection and empathy. These stories outside the main plot reminded me that Hungry Ghosts is not about a single narrative; it reminds us how our histories, our “hungry ghosts,” linger in the background, shaping us in ways we cannot simply ignore. These flashbacks made the characters more vivid, allowing me to appreciate the resilience it takes to confront or, sometimes, even succumb to the weight of the past.