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It's Easy To Cry
Subhas Anandan (1947–2015) was Singapore’s the best-known criminal lawyer, having led several landmark cases that shaped the face of criminal law in Singapore.
In the first volume of his autobiography The Best I Could (first published in 2008), Subhas Anandan covered many sensational cases, such as those of Anthony Ler, Took Leng How and Ah Long San, and espoused his views on the mandatory death sentence and police entrapment.
In this second volume It’s Easy to Cry, this foremost champion of pro bono work moves away from depicting gruesome murders and delves instead into the emotions behind the crimes. He writes about cases where deep and complex emotions are displayed, like the mother who lied and pleaded guilty to save her son. He also shares his thoughts on the many people, including Singapore’s Chief Justices and Attorney-Generals, who have affected him in one way of the other. It is also a searing and honest account of his life, career and friendships — dictated to his wife in 2014 while undergoing kidney dialysis.
In the first volume of his autobiography The Best I Could (first published in 2008), Subhas Anandan covered many sensational cases, such as those of Anthony Ler, Took Leng How and Ah Long San, and espoused his views on the mandatory death sentence and police entrapment.
In this second volume It’s Easy to Cry, this foremost champion of pro bono work moves away from depicting gruesome murders and delves instead into the emotions behind the crimes. He writes about cases where deep and complex emotions are displayed, like the mother who lied and pleaded guilty to save her son. He also shares his thoughts on the many people, including Singapore’s Chief Justices and Attorney-Generals, who have affected him in one way of the other. It is also a searing and honest account of his life, career and friendships — dictated to his wife in 2014 while undergoing kidney dialysis.
- GenresNonfictionLawBiography
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 19, 2016
As a book, "literary- speaking", it's a rather shoddy piece of work. And perhaps that couldn't really be helped as the book was put together when the author was ill.
But what it is is a real insightful glimpse to what the late Mr Anandan was like. This was nowhere as gripping/fluid a read as the Chiam See Tong book but the common denominators - both men have been misunderstood in their heydays; both are great men.
But what it is is a real insightful glimpse to what the late Mr Anandan was like. This was nowhere as gripping/fluid a read as the Chiam See Tong book but the common denominators - both men have been misunderstood in their heydays; both are great men.
May 25, 2020
This is more like a collection of short essays based on his memory of the past. He was quite sick while dictating the book so it can feel a bit scattered. Still a pretty good read and you really get the measure of the man. It’s really a pity that he passed away at a relatively young age.
August 9, 2020
I agree that it's a rather disjointed book - there's not much continuity but I found this a great insight into the people of Subhas Anandan's life - I really appreciated his views on the judiciary and the prosecution.
For example, this is his message to the prosecution:-
I found this quite idealistic - the problem with prosecutorial discretion is that if there is no public trust, people will suspect that it is politically motivated, instead of "fair". Alternatively: Subhas talks about making representations (explaining the accused's motivation) (representations are basically the defence lawyer's words to the prosecution to convince them to reduce the charges); but the problem is that it could widen the gap between those who have lawyers and those who don't.
JBJ is lionised today, but reading Subhas's description of him is quite disappointing - for example, Subhas says that "JBJ did not even bother to host Karpal a lunch or dinner, much less meet him outside of Court for any social interaction". (Karpal Singh acted for JBJ as a special favour.) Subhas later mentions that MPD Nair ran for NCMP as part of Workers' Party and won a seat in the NCMP scheme (given to the best loser). JBJ said that MPD Nair should not accept it and MPD Nair abided by the Party's decision. The next election, JBJ won it - and this time, JBJ accepted it. JBJ's explanation to Subhas is unsatisfying, and reading that made me feel awkward for MPD Nair.
Subhas is unabashedly pro-Opposition (he says that he would have run for Opposition) and he acted for a lot of Opposition political party members - but reading his close-up view of them made me respect them less.
I also appreciated Subhas's take on the role of the Chief Justice - he talks about how CJ Wee Chong Jin was a good judge ("his knowledge of the law was second to none") but the CJ also has to be a "good administrator too" - and spent too much time playing golf. CJ Yong Pung How was then described as a very efficient administrator but his attitude towards accused persons - and counsel in general - weren't that good.
I liked the tips Subhas mentions - how to read the judge's expression and whether the judge wants you to move on or not.
Other points: I learned that Subhas Anandan was stateless - he only gained Singapore citizenship in 2001.
Lastly, I really appreciated this line:
For example, this is his message to the prosecution:-
Just because the prosecution wanted to please somebody, they have forgotten the main principle of law and that is, fairness. You must be fair, even if you are a prosecutor. More so, you must show compassion. You must exercise your prosecutorial discretion carefully. Sometimes, when it is necessary, you can exercise discretion in favour of the accused person. This would only go to show compassion and would not make you appear small and petty in the eyes of the defence. It would make you look noble and the defence counsel will say, "This DPP, he's tough but he is compassionate." But I suppose those values are not important to some DPPs or even to some senior DPPs.
I found this quite idealistic - the problem with prosecutorial discretion is that if there is no public trust, people will suspect that it is politically motivated, instead of "fair". Alternatively: Subhas talks about making representations (explaining the accused's motivation) (representations are basically the defence lawyer's words to the prosecution to convince them to reduce the charges); but the problem is that it could widen the gap between those who have lawyers and those who don't.
JBJ is lionised today, but reading Subhas's description of him is quite disappointing - for example, Subhas says that "JBJ did not even bother to host Karpal a lunch or dinner, much less meet him outside of Court for any social interaction". (Karpal Singh acted for JBJ as a special favour.) Subhas later mentions that MPD Nair ran for NCMP as part of Workers' Party and won a seat in the NCMP scheme (given to the best loser). JBJ said that MPD Nair should not accept it and MPD Nair abided by the Party's decision. The next election, JBJ won it - and this time, JBJ accepted it. JBJ's explanation to Subhas is unsatisfying, and reading that made me feel awkward for MPD Nair.
Subhas is unabashedly pro-Opposition (he says that he would have run for Opposition) and he acted for a lot of Opposition political party members - but reading his close-up view of them made me respect them less.
I also appreciated Subhas's take on the role of the Chief Justice - he talks about how CJ Wee Chong Jin was a good judge ("his knowledge of the law was second to none") but the CJ also has to be a "good administrator too" - and spent too much time playing golf. CJ Yong Pung How was then described as a very efficient administrator but his attitude towards accused persons - and counsel in general - weren't that good.
I liked the tips Subhas mentions - how to read the judge's expression and whether the judge wants you to move on or not.
Other points: I learned that Subhas Anandan was stateless - he only gained Singapore citizenship in 2001.
Lastly, I really appreciated this line:
I was called to the bar in January 1971. I had many idealistic goals then and I carried these goals from university into practice. I was the secretary-general of the Socialist Club in university. I was questioned in a Select Committee Hearing about my socialist activities, and they even called me a pro-communist. I said no, I was a leftist. I believed that everybody is equal and I guess many things were in a way similar to communist ideals.
When I started practice, people like me wanted to make right what we thought was wrong through law. But after a few years, we found out that our ideals and what we saw in real life were two very different things. It is all well and good to be an idealist, but you have to be practical. If you think about it, what we were advocating was actually not fair; as it was tantamount to saying that the person who doesn’t work is entitled to take from a rich person who is working hard. The equal distribution of wealth cannot be fair if each person is not pulling his weight. We were not in Camelot any more. Not many goals could be achieved.
June 1, 2025
4 stars isn’t a very apt reflection of the value I truly attribute to this memoir (if I may call it that). this isn’t a work of “literary merit” — and I would scarce think that the late Subhas would’ve cared for this text to be high on a pedestal, to be admired just for its beauty.
It’s Easy to Cry is Subhas’ second and last book, dictating some defining memories, formative lessons and, essentially, parting wisdom in short chapters. picking this up right after The Best I Could, I cry for a man whose essence I’m privileged enough to experience through his own words — and whose care for his reader (and, more importantly, his loved ones) is epitomised in the fact of his literally painstaking completion of this publication. something about his memoirs made me emotional because it speaks to a pure, unadulterated, genuine sense of empathy, compassion, and just… goodness, goodness that is rarely walked as it is talked. in a system where talk of goodness is so incredibly trite, where all the talk of goodness is not matched even by a fingernail’s worth of action, Subhas and his life touches my heart and sends waves of hope through it for leaders in our society that are as compassionate as they are brave as they are loved.
I’m also partial to this book being a sort of handing down of wisdom. personally, I am always in search of a million answers to a million of life’s questions, but it’s not often that you encounter characters whom you trust their judgement of things (for the most part, anyway — I for one don’t see eye to eye with Subhas on indulgences, which I’m sure he would’ve argued brilliantly while lighting another cigarette if he showed up to the hypothetical dinner I would’ve had with anyone, dead or alive. I think he would’ve found me vapid behind my many charms.)
in any case, what I mean to say is that I am thankful that he left this behind, and that I mourn for a man I have never met but for whom I hold a deep affection for.
It’s Easy to Cry is Subhas’ second and last book, dictating some defining memories, formative lessons and, essentially, parting wisdom in short chapters. picking this up right after The Best I Could, I cry for a man whose essence I’m privileged enough to experience through his own words — and whose care for his reader (and, more importantly, his loved ones) is epitomised in the fact of his literally painstaking completion of this publication. something about his memoirs made me emotional because it speaks to a pure, unadulterated, genuine sense of empathy, compassion, and just… goodness, goodness that is rarely walked as it is talked. in a system where talk of goodness is so incredibly trite, where all the talk of goodness is not matched even by a fingernail’s worth of action, Subhas and his life touches my heart and sends waves of hope through it for leaders in our society that are as compassionate as they are brave as they are loved.
I’m also partial to this book being a sort of handing down of wisdom. personally, I am always in search of a million answers to a million of life’s questions, but it’s not often that you encounter characters whom you trust their judgement of things (for the most part, anyway — I for one don’t see eye to eye with Subhas on indulgences, which I’m sure he would’ve argued brilliantly while lighting another cigarette if he showed up to the hypothetical dinner I would’ve had with anyone, dead or alive. I think he would’ve found me vapid behind my many charms.)
in any case, what I mean to say is that I am thankful that he left this behind, and that I mourn for a man I have never met but for whom I hold a deep affection for.
January 9, 2019
the prose and flow did not parallel his first book, although i can understand it was due to his writing this second book while he was, pardon the lack of finesse, dying. that said, this book read more like a journal of sorts, documenting snippets as they return to him here and there in this final stretch of his accomplished and rich life.
i pondered his arrogance, appreciated his candidness, envied his ties with family and friends. above all, i applauded his empathy and kind heart. although i am over three years late, i sincerely hope he left with little or no regrets.
to the late mr. anandan, sir, thank you so much for your contributions to sg's criminal law history!
i pondered his arrogance, appreciated his candidness, envied his ties with family and friends. above all, i applauded his empathy and kind heart. although i am over three years late, i sincerely hope he left with little or no regrets.
to the late mr. anandan, sir, thank you so much for your contributions to sg's criminal law history!
August 3, 2022
Loved it so much, I woke up to finish it the sane night. He speaks to the reader from his long hours at dialysis, and you can feel him close to you. His speech at the end focused on the love around him, for which he was grateful.
He rarely speaks of his prowess but it was something the Bench and Bar appreciated him for. A rare individual in Singapore, unaffected by the pursuit of wealth, and grounded in values, with which he egged society on. Love this and his first book. A must read for any Singaporean.
An ebook from NLB.
He rarely speaks of his prowess but it was something the Bench and Bar appreciated him for. A rare individual in Singapore, unaffected by the pursuit of wealth, and grounded in values, with which he egged society on. Love this and his first book. A must read for any Singaporean.
An ebook from NLB.
August 24, 2019
- less exciting than the first.
- his comments on the CJ and DPP are interesting but he is restrained in his comments which is understandable but it does not sound like him
- he was stateless until 2001. A v weird situation but again given his inclinations , he would have joined opposition if he was a Singaporean earlier and that was not what some would like
- he is a lucky and blessed man , with a close knitted family and friends
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2020
Mr Anandan's second book is somewhat disjointed, as he writes rather spontaneously, presumably mostly when he was severely ill. This book evokes raw emotions at times - one would feel the nostalgia and the close bonds he shared with his family and good friends.
I admire how generous, kind and compassionate he is towards his friends, and those who had erred on the wrong side of the law. Thank you for speaking up and fighting for the voiceless and the condemned of the society.
I admire how generous, kind and compassionate he is towards his friends, and those who had erred on the wrong side of the law. Thank you for speaking up and fighting for the voiceless and the condemned of the society.
February 9, 2022
this was a terribly raw and honest read. the chapters jump from one memory to the next–it almost feels like I’m intruding into his journal entries where he fondly reminisces his rich childhood and fulfilling career. throughout the book he reiterates the importance of prioritising friendships and familial ties; such a simple reminder yet so often overlooked. really makes you contemplate your core beliefs and what truly matters in life. rest in peace Mr Subhas
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December 13, 2022I didn’t rate this book as I don’t know what to rate it. It is really much more like a diary than a book. The author pens down his raw and vulnerable feelings of his health battle, and previously unpublished thoughts about his career. As such I didn’t feel right to rate it as a book, because you’ll be disappointed to find that it won’t be a coherent prose. But it is an additional insight to the man’s life, one of Singapore’s most prominent lawyers.
July 8, 2020
We've truly lost a warrior of justice and a true humanitarian. His recollections made me emotional. Couldn't swallow the lump of grief. I've met him twice. He's such a humble and respectful man. My respects to him. And my thoughts are with his family. Thank you, Mr Subhas Anandan for touching so many lives.
January 23, 2025
The stories felt a little sporadic and were unorganised thoughts put on paper, which was understandable since the book was written close to this twilight years. While it was not as good as the first book, overall, it was still an insightful read and lends some perspective into notable figures in the legal fraternity.
June 23, 2017
I find that this book touches on his life past... probably because of his dialysis, he was more pessimistic although he tried to sound positive. He focused more on himself rather than the cases, It was less of an engaging read than his first book.
March 21, 2019
A more personal look, as compared to the first book, into the life of this extraordinary man who will always be remembered as the voice of the underdogs and as a major contributor to the legal profession in Singapore.
October 16, 2020
Didn’t have it 5 stars because I was expecting more cases. But nonetheless, it was still a great bio. I do agree that the thoughts may be here and there but that was understandable. The book also gives me a deeper look into this remarkable man’s life.
November 19, 2020
This is not something I would pick up, but thanks to a friend, I read a paragraph in a chapter, and then I started reading the entire book. I am surprised at myself for finishing the book. It was easy to read and follow. A good read definitely.
August 14, 2019
A compassionate man who believes every one deserves the best defence possible. A true warrior of justice! The law society has lost a legend.
February 22, 2020
Didn’t expect sg to have several cases of murder related crimes.. I really admire Subhas for being a righteous and compassionate lawyer.
August 26, 2020
A very good book and well written
Recommending to all lawyers to be. Do it with heart and soul and with a good purpose and success will come.
Recommending to all lawyers to be. Do it with heart and soul and with a good purpose and success will come.
August 28, 2020
Honest. Filled with thoughts on mortality and the value of friends.
October 26, 2021
Not as interesting as the first book
August 31, 2025
a classic collection of singapore's famous crime cases from the man who defended them.
His reflections on faith, mortality and relationships were unexpectedly the best parts of the book
His reflections on faith, mortality and relationships were unexpectedly the best parts of the book
February 10, 2016
It's sad that Subhas had to pass away so early because he was truly a legend who has done so much for those in need. I wish I could have spoken to him personally but I guess these two books he has written are enough for me to see what kind of a person he is and also to learn from his many principles and values he has espoused throughout his life. The cases he has described in the two books show us how compassionate, quick-witted, determined and candid he is. He is truly a man who acts on his beliefs and stand by them even in the face of the opposing public. He is courageous and generous, willing to take risks for his friends, the most prominent of which was his remand in prison which he described in his earlier book. This book mainly gives us an insight into the last few months of his life and his reflections on his life thus far. He also gives us a wise man's views on societal issues and on human behavior. At the end of this book readers will see how respected a man he is and how much he has contributed to our society. He will be an inspiration to me and every other future lawyers, lawyers and even those in other professions which involves helping people. He will not be a 'yesterday's hero'.
Rest in peace, Mr Subhas Anandan.
Rest in peace, Mr Subhas Anandan.
January 3, 2017
After 42 years of practice in criminal law, one might think that Subhas has been hardened indefinitely but his second bestseller showed that "It's Easy To Cry." The thoughts articulated in the book is raw, and while at times may seem disjointed across chapters, presents a heartfelt insight into the mind and heart of Singapore's best known criminal lawyer. Having met Subhas in 2011 in the lawyers' bar at then Subordinate Courts, I remembered his distinct gangsta look and "Bao Qing Tian" aura.
This book dives into the complex emotions he felt and the challenges a criminal lawyer might face in his practice. I especially enjoy the chapters where he share his thoughts about Singapore's Chief Justices and Attorney-Generals. I wish he could shared more about his emotions and experiences working with former CJ and AG Chan Sek Keong. This is a book that touches the soul through its' confrontations with Subhas' emotions, fears and encounters with personal health crises. A must-read.
This book dives into the complex emotions he felt and the challenges a criminal lawyer might face in his practice. I especially enjoy the chapters where he share his thoughts about Singapore's Chief Justices and Attorney-Generals. I wish he could shared more about his emotions and experiences working with former CJ and AG Chan Sek Keong. This is a book that touches the soul through its' confrontations with Subhas' emotions, fears and encounters with personal health crises. A must-read.
April 5, 2021
If you have ever heard of subhas before, you must read this book full of the behind the scenes stories of capital cases, to his personal stories of his family and dealing with many serious illnesses, and it almost reads like an obituary that subhas had written for himself. Beautifully sweet and hit-punching. Only drawback is the order is quite random- you go from a deep reflection of friendship to a sudden discussion of a random interaction with one of his clients.
January 30, 2017
He knew he didn't have long to go. Should have spilled the beans more.
October 29, 2017
Easy to read for the layman, and gives us good insight into Singapore's criminal law scene
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September 9, 2017Simply written, unpretentious take on his life, values and wishes.
Not to be read, cover to cover. As this book was written, not in the best of health.
Read a chapter or two a time, ponder about what was written.
Not to be read, cover to cover. As this book was written, not in the best of health.
Read a chapter or two a time, ponder about what was written.
October 27, 2017
The book intrigues me. To me, I felt that this was a diary of sorts from the late Subhas Anandan. It was comforting to know that a lawyer of his calibre possessed ideals that mankind should strive towards. His efforts in writing is commendable: I cannot imagine the pain of dialysis but it definitely is not an easy feat. At times though, i also felt that the book was too personal: to reveal the personalities of people around him, some in a negative light, would irk those who did not know him. The book gave me an notable insight in the law environment in Singapore and I hope that in the future, it would develop into how Mr. Anandan wishes it to be.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews