Rojak: Stories from The Singapore Writers' Group

by Alice Clark-Platts (Editor), Singapore Writers' Group

An anthology of stories from the Singapore Writers' Group, Rojak is a perfect mix of short stories for both the adventurous and the armchair traveller alike. So pack your suitcase, sit back and enjoy the trip. Jump aboard a patrol boat guarding the seas around Singapore or, for the intrepid, how about a ride across the globe from an otherworldly frozen north, to a wintery day in England and then on to Italy for a train trip with Radinka? Meet an embarrassed teen in Africa, and make your own discoveries in the Americas. These are stories of love and bewilderment, friendship and falsehood, dirty deals and generosity, life changing moments, sadness and joy, and much much more.....

148 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2014

About the author

I am a former human rights lawyer who used to work for the UK Government. As a litigator, I worked on cases involving Winnie Mandela and the rapper Snoop Dogg. I loved my job but then we re-located to the tropics and now I live in wonderful Singapore.

I also write short stories which have been published in in various anthologies. And when I’m not writing, I’m running The Singapore Writers’ Group which I founded in 2012. This is a fantastic group of both professional and amateur writers who meet monthly and attend workshops and critique sessions

Found on: http://www.aliceclarkplatts.com/

Reviews

[M.G. Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having recently arrived in Singapore and looking to read some of the best local writing, I was rewarded when I read this gem of a short story anthology. The Malay word for “mixture,” “Rojak” is an apt title for this collection of short, easy-to-read stories that take the reader around the world and leaves them with exotic tastes to savor and provoking thoughts to ponder. It is indeed the “perfect mix of short stories for the adventurous and the armchair traveler” with tales from Singapore to Mexico, England, South Africa, and elsewhere. There’s something for everyone in this book.

The anthology is well written and edited. Some stories are concise with clear endings while others end leaving the reader craving more. All pack a strong punch, filled with emotion and depth in mere pages. Many could serve as the basis of full-length novels. Although written by 19 authors with diverse writing styles and interests, the book features a coherent narrative and themes guided by the deft hand of Singapore Writers’ Group founder Alice Clark-Platts, who brought an eclectic “mixture” of members together to write this anthology.

I’m looking forward to reading more short stories from the Singapore Writers’ Group and follow-on works by the book’s contributors. Read this book for a taste of what this talented group has to offer, and if you are in Singapore, get to know the SWG. It has a bright future on the Singapore literary scene.

I give “Rojak” five (5) stars and recommend it to anyone interested in Singapore, travel stories, or well-written short stories.