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A review by mobyskine
2020: An Anthology by Terence Toh, Zed Adam Idris, Sek Han Foo, Catalina Rembuyan, May Chong, Anna Tan, Paul GnanaSelvam, Anuar Shah, Angeline Woon, Tina Isaacs, Linges, Nathaniel Sario, Ivy Ngeow, Natasha Gideon, M. Kumar, William Tham Wai Liang, Lee Ee Leen, Chris Quah, Edwin Kho, Raja Ummi Nadrah, Leon Wing
3.0
The 'futuristic anthology in the present tense' from the blurb caught my attention at first, I was never a fan of fancy future science-fic stuff but somehow was attracted to try this one out. Consist of 20 short stories by 19 authors, it was a mixed of various genres and not really focusing on the 'futuristic' part. Some are, but most of it were honestly fun and witty, pinch of relatable current issues-- family and friendship, lifestyle and career also about one's concern and responsibilies. Few stories that I personally love:
Masalodeh (Paul Gnanaselvam): cynical and humorous, great and fun characters-- I love Rajamah and Rani, and Kak Su really potrayed that annoying human who tried to be nice in front but actually having fishy plan on your back
Last Farewell (Tina Isaacs)-- witty and honestly the beep beep was a bit irritating but I guess it needed to the plot considering the hidden plan they both had (more suspense!), a heartache family stuff despite the wittiness, another group of fun characters
The Alley (Linges)-- a bit thrilling involving crime and revenge, narration based on a character's point of view, unique and engaging, love the human-animal interactions
Hukum (Natasha Gideon)-- heavy issue of 'haruan makan anak', quite psychological and I love the development of the narrative-- gripping, sorrowful and the ending was a bit.. it would be awesome if we can have that kind of simulation in the future!
Others were okay too-- I like the relationship view in Batteries (Anna Tan), interracial issue in Program Angkasaraya2030 (Anuar Shah) and LGBT concerns/problems in Is It Safe To Come Out Now? (Nathaniel Sario).
Because of its varied themes, I had fun reading most of them. Fairly great compilation. Actual rating 3.5 stars.
Masalodeh (Paul Gnanaselvam): cynical and humorous, great and fun characters-- I love Rajamah and Rani, and Kak Su really potrayed that annoying human who tried to be nice in front but actually having fishy plan on your back
Last Farewell (Tina Isaacs)-- witty and honestly the beep beep was a bit irritating but I guess it needed to the plot considering the hidden plan they both had (more suspense!), a heartache family stuff despite the wittiness, another group of fun characters
The Alley (Linges)-- a bit thrilling involving crime and revenge, narration based on a character's point of view, unique and engaging, love the human-animal interactions
Hukum (Natasha Gideon)-- heavy issue of 'haruan makan anak', quite psychological and I love the development of the narrative-- gripping, sorrowful and the ending was a bit.. it would be awesome if we can have that kind of simulation in the future!
Others were okay too-- I like the relationship view in Batteries (Anna Tan), interracial issue in Program Angkasaraya2030 (Anuar Shah) and LGBT concerns/problems in Is It Safe To Come Out Now? (Nathaniel Sario).
Because of its varied themes, I had fun reading most of them. Fairly great compilation. Actual rating 3.5 stars.