All broken up and dancing

by Kelvin Tan

379 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Isaac Chia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up, my (terribly limited) understanding of Singaporean literature was personified by 'The Teenage Textbook' - thanks to a copy gifted to my mum by the late Adrian himself.

Fast forward to today, I've also been fortunate enough to receive 'All Broken Up and Dancing' through personal encounters. Considering life's recent unfoldings, it feels timely to have crossed paths with what I now deem as 'The Teenage Textbook''s antithesis. Thank you Kelvin.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a little torn up about this book. I wanted to like it, and I actually did, but only part of it. I thought the concept and plot were good, but I wasn't a fan of the style. It felt a little "trying too hard" for my taste. I liked the reminisces of old Singapore; it made me feel nostalgic even though that world was fast disappearing even as I was a toddler.