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chroniqled's review
3.0
Honestly, I didn’t expect this collection to be composed of some disturbing short stories. I mean disturbing in a good way.
This collection made me uncomfortable in a way that made me realize how marginalized, underrepresented ethnicities may feel, especially when they are not residing in their home country.
I may not be Indian or Malaysian, but this book affected me as it tackled so many issues in our society today. Reading each story felt like my heart was being squeezed. I admit it wasn’t easy to read through this collection, but of course i had to keep on until the end because these stories are relevant, and must be read.
This collection made me uncomfortable in a way that made me realize how marginalized, underrepresented ethnicities may feel, especially when they are not residing in their home country.
I may not be Indian or Malaysian, but this book affected me as it tackled so many issues in our society today. Reading each story felt like my heart was being squeezed. I admit it wasn’t easy to read through this collection, but of course i had to keep on until the end because these stories are relevant, and must be read.
hyeyeongie's review
4.0
“And in this country everyone seemed to speak so many different versions of the same language that it veered completely from its original”
I didn’t know Putrajaya means Victorious Son in Tamil/ Sanskrit. And that kari means meat, sometimes charcoal, sometimes referring to grease, and meat swimming in a condiment of spices is then “curry”. Also an elephant never forgets..
Just stating a few. There are many things to learn from these 18 short stories, filled with various themes; from family customs to personality conflict & disorder to social issues, all featuring life of Indian community in Malaysia
Being a writer, poet and also a teacher himself, the author proved to have a great writing skill. The language used is a well balance of Malaysian slangs with grandiloquent style. I don’t know much about writing but I realised the author used flashbacks in almost all of the stories. It’s not a big issue for me because I actually like it. The style delivered the stories well
As aforementioned, this book is basically slice of life that covers various themes. Some stories are quite light and refreshing but some are dark and wild. This is yet another added point to the book because you can switch vibes from one story to another
Despite focusing on the Indian customs and cultures, non Indian won’t have trouble in understanding these stories thanks to “the accessibility to rich cultures, celebrations and all things non Indian were exotic and exhilarating. Malaysia Boleh..” (pg 45). Just like Zamani, we are accustomed to Tamil & Hindi especially the songs
I didn’t know Putrajaya means Victorious Son in Tamil/ Sanskrit. And that kari means meat, sometimes charcoal, sometimes referring to grease, and meat swimming in a condiment of spices is then “curry”. Also an elephant never forgets..
Just stating a few. There are many things to learn from these 18 short stories, filled with various themes; from family customs to personality conflict & disorder to social issues, all featuring life of Indian community in Malaysia
Being a writer, poet and also a teacher himself, the author proved to have a great writing skill. The language used is a well balance of Malaysian slangs with grandiloquent style. I don’t know much about writing but I realised the author used flashbacks in almost all of the stories. It’s not a big issue for me because I actually like it. The style delivered the stories well
As aforementioned, this book is basically slice of life that covers various themes. Some stories are quite light and refreshing but some are dark and wild. This is yet another added point to the book because you can switch vibes from one story to another
Despite focusing on the Indian customs and cultures, non Indian won’t have trouble in understanding these stories thanks to “the accessibility to rich cultures, celebrations and all things non Indian were exotic and exhilarating. Malaysia Boleh..” (pg 45). Just like Zamani, we are accustomed to Tamil & Hindi especially the songs
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