By The Book: 12 writers longlisted for 2021 Epigram Books Fiction Prize

The Epigram Books Fiction Prize, one of the region’s most renowned literary prizes, is back, and has now longlisted 12 authors vying for the 2021 prize, following Malaysian author Joshua Kam’s win in 2020 for his debut novel How The Man In Green Saved Pahang, And Possibly The World. Hailing from Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Thailand, due to the pandemic, the event next … Continue reading By The Book: 12 writers longlisted for 2021 Epigram Books Fiction Prize

By The Book: Singapore Writers Festival 2020 reveals more international authors, including Margaret Atwood and Naomi Klein

The 23rd Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) will see 10 international headliners in its upcoming digital edition, a record-breaking number in festival history. Organised by the National Arts Council (NAC), the multilingual literary festival brings together writers, thinkers and audiences from Singapore and around the world to explore the theme of ‘Intimacy’ through words and stories in this time of distancing. This edition embodies the festival’s … Continue reading By The Book: Singapore Writers Festival 2020 reveals more international authors, including Margaret Atwood and Naomi Klein

★★★☆☆ Book Review: The Fisherman King by Kathrina Mohd Daud

Bringing Bruneian folklore, mythology and royal drama to the forefront. Of all the Southeast Asian countries out there, perhaps the one whose folktales least enters the shared consciousness of pop culture is Brunei’s. With Kathrina Mohd Daud’s The Fisherman King, readers get more than a taster of the country’s lore, with mythical creatures, ancient rituals, and royal blood thrown into the mix. Framed as a story … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Book Review: The Fisherman King by Kathrina Mohd Daud

★★★★☆ Book Review: A Fickle and Restless Weapon by Jason Erik Lundberg

Well-crafted fantasy version of Singapore brings the satire and drama in full force. Singapore is a country that’s often touted as so modern, it belongs in a science fiction film. Heck, even HBO’s Westworld filmed here on location for its third season. So it’s little wonder that with a little imagination, our island home serves as the perfect base for a refreshingly original science fiction story, … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Book Review: A Fickle and Restless Weapon by Jason Erik Lundberg

★★★☆☆ Book Review: My BFF Is An Alien – Sabotage by Vivian Teo

Feisty schoolgirls return to battle mean classmates and the perils of social media. When the first book in Vivian Teo’s My BFF Is An Alien series ended, Bukit Timah Girls’ School student Abriana was left forlorn when best friend (and alien royalty) Octavia returned to her home planet, not knowing exactly when she’d be back to visit. As it turns out, it wouldn’t be too long, as … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Book Review: My BFF Is An Alien – Sabotage by Vivian Teo

★★★★☆ Book Review: The Marvellous Sugee Cake by Quek Hong Shin

Lush, colourful illustrations introduces younger readers to the iconic sugee cake and Eurasian culture.  If there’s one quintessentially Eurasian cuisine we will always say yes to, it’s sugee cake. Unique in its use of semolina and rich almond taste, a sugee cake is the perfect dessert to enjoy at the end of a meal, or as a snack for afternoon tea, sure to lift your … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Book Review: The Marvellous Sugee Cake by Quek Hong Shin

★★★★☆ Book Review: A Good True Thai by Sunisa Manning

Poignant debut delves into the Thai university protests of the 70s through the lens of tragedy and revolt.  The title of Thai author Sunisa Manning’s debut novel begs the question: what exactly makes someone a ‘good true Thai’? Similar to the most compelling political dissidents around the world, one might perhaps think of it as being critical, yet always done with the country’s best interests … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Book Review: A Good True Thai by Sunisa Manning

By The Book: Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2020 draws to a close; speakers stress the importance of reading

The first-ever digital version of the Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) concluded last weekend with a strong message to parents and educators: Books and reading are vital for children during times of crisis. The annual festival drew more than 3,000 attendees to its various events held between 2nd to 4th October online. At its closing ceremony, the biennial Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award (HABA) … Continue reading By The Book: Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2020 draws to a close; speakers stress the importance of reading

By The Book: Anugerah Persuratan (Malay Literary Awards) 2020 opens calls for entries

The Malay Language Council, Singapore (MLCS) will hold its biennial Anugerah Persuratan (Malay Literary Award) in 2020. First organised in 1993, this is an ongoing effort to recognise outstanding local writers for their contributions to the Malay language literary writing and to encourage the publications of quality literary works. In an effort to create a vibrant literary scene, a greater range of quality reading materials … Continue reading By The Book: Anugerah Persuratan (Malay Literary Awards) 2020 opens calls for entries

By The Book: Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger launches autobiography ‘My Life in Red and White’

Arts has the power to transcend interests, and this October, sports and arts coincide with the launch of legendary football manager Arsène Wenger’s autobiography. Presented by The Arts House (TAH) and UK production company Fane, football fans can look forward to a live stream and get up close and personal with the longest-serving (and most successful) Arsenal manager. Arsène Wenger was born in Alsace in … Continue reading By The Book: Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger launches autobiography ‘My Life in Red and White’