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Eston
Prize-winning novel about the mysterious Eston, a man who has come from somewhere very far from Earth. Set in contemporary Singapore, this story reflects many of the ideas and habits of contemporary Singaporeans but it is shot though with imponderable issues and activities of perhaps-mystical personalities.
(from the cover): "Journey with Eston. If you dare. Face violence, danger and confusion -- for the promise of glory and beauty. After all, you have nothing to lose but your deepest fears. And you have nothing to fear but your highest dreams. Eston is an agent of grace. Or is that "angel"? Once you've travelled with Eston, you'll never be the same again."
(from the Foreword): The Singapore Literature Prize was initiated in 1991 in response to the need to nurture, stimulate and promote Singapore creative writing and the development of Singapore literature in English by Singapore writers. Writing in English has a special place because it serves a a bridge in communication amongst Singapore's different language groups. Regardless of our ethnic origins, Singapore literature in English will enable us to record, reflect on and experience our past, present and future, and perhaps help us realize what we share incommon as Singaporeans.
The Singapore Literature Prize is organized annually by the National Book Development Council of Singapore and sponsored by the SNP Corporation Ltd. It is given for new and unpublished literary works judged by a panel of distinguished judges to be of promising literary merit and worthy of publication.
Stella Kon, a mature Singapore writer, is perhaps best known as a playwright, particularly for her Emily of Emerald Hill, a memorable creation which continues to challenge both the actress and the audience. Eston is her new novel and won a Merit Prize in the 1994 Singapore Literature Prize Competition.
A highly original and readable work which combines elements of romance, adventure and fantasy, Eston will appeal to readers in search of unusual fare.
--Hedwig Anuar, Chairperson, National Book Development Council of Singapore
(from the cover): "Journey with Eston. If you dare. Face violence, danger and confusion -- for the promise of glory and beauty. After all, you have nothing to lose but your deepest fears. And you have nothing to fear but your highest dreams. Eston is an agent of grace. Or is that "angel"? Once you've travelled with Eston, you'll never be the same again."
(from the Foreword): The Singapore Literature Prize was initiated in 1991 in response to the need to nurture, stimulate and promote Singapore creative writing and the development of Singapore literature in English by Singapore writers. Writing in English has a special place because it serves a a bridge in communication amongst Singapore's different language groups. Regardless of our ethnic origins, Singapore literature in English will enable us to record, reflect on and experience our past, present and future, and perhaps help us realize what we share incommon as Singaporeans.
The Singapore Literature Prize is organized annually by the National Book Development Council of Singapore and sponsored by the SNP Corporation Ltd. It is given for new and unpublished literary works judged by a panel of distinguished judges to be of promising literary merit and worthy of publication.
Stella Kon, a mature Singapore writer, is perhaps best known as a playwright, particularly for her Emily of Emerald Hill, a memorable creation which continues to challenge both the actress and the audience. Eston is her new novel and won a Merit Prize in the 1994 Singapore Literature Prize Competition.
A highly original and readable work which combines elements of romance, adventure and fantasy, Eston will appeal to readers in search of unusual fare.
--Hedwig Anuar, Chairperson, National Book Development Council of Singapore
Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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About the author
Stella Kon
15 books9 followersStella Kon is descended from two old Singapore families: her mother, Rosie Seow Guat Kheng, was a great-granddaughter of Tan Tock Seng, and her father, Dr Lim Kok Ann, is a grandson of Lim Boon Keng. Most of her life has been spent in Singapore; her childhood was spent in "Oberon," a mansion in Emerald Hill which no longer exists. Kon has written plays, novels, poems and short stories. Her best-known work is the monodrama, "Emily of Emerald Hill."
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 27, 2025
This was an unusual book. I guess I would categorise it as magical realism with an angelic messenger guy - we follow Eston in 9 short stories. He starts off as this The interesting part is Eston's character development.
There's a warning that you can skip the first chapter; I read it and I agree.
I just noticed it's published in 1995; the last chapter is poignant but I guess could be dated based on the anxieties of that time.
Either way, it's an interesting book. I'm not sure if I would recommend it, and it's heavy on the Christian themes (though you can read that as magic) - but it's also very readable and kind of poignant.
There's a warning that you can skip the first chapter; I read it and I agree.
I just noticed it's published in 1995; the last chapter is poignant but I guess could be dated based on the anxieties of that time.
Either way, it's an interesting book. I'm not sure if I would recommend it, and it's heavy on the Christian themes (though you can read that as magic) - but it's also very readable and kind of poignant.
Displaying 1 of 1 review