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Devil's Place
Ning Somprasong gave up working the streets of Thailand for the more tolerable hotel rooms of Kuala Lumpur. She thinks that if she can send enough money back home, her daughter can avoid making the same choices she had to make.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
7 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Brian Gómez
25 books16 followersIn addition to Devil’s Place (2008; reprinted 2013), Brian Gomez is the author of short stories published in several anthologies, including “What Do Gay People Eat?” from Body 2 Body: A Malaysian Queer Anthology, “a/p” from Readings From Readings and “Mud” from KL Noir: Red. He also has a rock album called Gun Inside My Brain, released in September 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 9, 2019
DEVIL’S PLACE
A story book with no genre, listing many interesting characters surrounding 2 main acts plus with many incidents. Fast moving, nothing is over the top. Devil’s Place consists no dilly dally of trying hard to be an English Literature. Now, that is what I considered as a good storytelling. 100 percent believable Malaysian scenario and realistic dialogues were very well crafted by Brian Gomez.
USD18 million became the key of all adventures. It was very well depicted in tasteful manners about Terry quitting his job for marriage, Ning experience of being abused by her fetish Arab customer and from there readers will be introduced to many others. I personally was amazed by Chia the cab driver and Fellatio Lim the pimp.
Since it’s fiction expect some loose events at the police station and lock up. Towards the end Brian has chosen to simplify movements of each character to ensure no confusion for his readers, short and precise to jab in some plot twists.
Devil’s Place is presented to readers like a screenplay, managing each character soft sides. Chia a lonely cab driver missing his ex-wife, Fellatio Lim thinking about his grand name, Joe the self-centered journalist and devotion of Suleiman Salleh Malaysia most wanted fugitive of Jemaah Islamiyah, not forgetting a very angry fiancé of Terry Fernandez.
Fast paced without missing important details and an assurance that you will not stop once you start. This is a must read story book. Yes, I repeat nothing is over the top BUT still able to capture your curiosity as a reader.
Regina Ibrahim.
A story book with no genre, listing many interesting characters surrounding 2 main acts plus with many incidents. Fast moving, nothing is over the top. Devil’s Place consists no dilly dally of trying hard to be an English Literature. Now, that is what I considered as a good storytelling. 100 percent believable Malaysian scenario and realistic dialogues were very well crafted by Brian Gomez.
USD18 million became the key of all adventures. It was very well depicted in tasteful manners about Terry quitting his job for marriage, Ning experience of being abused by her fetish Arab customer and from there readers will be introduced to many others. I personally was amazed by Chia the cab driver and Fellatio Lim the pimp.
Since it’s fiction expect some loose events at the police station and lock up. Towards the end Brian has chosen to simplify movements of each character to ensure no confusion for his readers, short and precise to jab in some plot twists.
Devil’s Place is presented to readers like a screenplay, managing each character soft sides. Chia a lonely cab driver missing his ex-wife, Fellatio Lim thinking about his grand name, Joe the self-centered journalist and devotion of Suleiman Salleh Malaysia most wanted fugitive of Jemaah Islamiyah, not forgetting a very angry fiancé of Terry Fernandez.
Fast paced without missing important details and an assurance that you will not stop once you start. This is a must read story book. Yes, I repeat nothing is over the top BUT still able to capture your curiosity as a reader.
Regina Ibrahim.
December 28, 2016
I believe I have never laughed this much.
November 17, 2022
And so he spent years listening to them from his room. The non-Malays. He heard them mock his race: The only race in the world to have themselves constitutionally declared lazy, they said, in reference to affirmative action policies for the Malays. Of course, had the young Suleiman understood them, he would have realized that the Indians, ranting away in Tamil, also said that the Chinese would sell their mothers for a few extra sen, greedy bastards that they were, forever hounding them to pay-up their beer tabs and overcharging for their Hokkien mee. And that the Cantonese-speaking-Chinese, playing their mahjong, cursed the Indians for staying on long after the designated closing time, ordering beer after beer, wailing away about their self-inflicted troubles before finally going home to take it out on their wives.
- Devil’s place by Brian Gomez
.
.
If Netflix Asia intended to produce any show or film that truly illustratinf what Malaysia supposed to look like - this is the book that they should have adapted in their screen play. The kleptocracy, the prejudices among its citizens emboldened by the religion, race and class identity, the layback approach on the internal security issue and the interference of foreign power under the pretense of common good. Of course, the plot took you along the journey of our Mc, the unfortunate Terry as he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He met Ning, a Thai Sex worker that just murdered her own client. Things became more bizzare as this client were connected to one of the wanted terrorist that has been in the CIA list for so long. This is where Agent Chavez decided to pursue them relentlessly. Ning’s employer, Fellatio Lim were suspected in the murder’s involvement as he went to the hotel looking for her. If you have watched Delhi Belly, this book has the same vibe like the film. So much chaos ensued and to top it off, Terry’s friends were killed because of it. On the other hands, Terry’s fiancee assumed that he cheated on her because of Ning and Terry’s assumed that her fiancee’s father put a target on his back seeing that Police and Media Outlet intended to brand him as a criminal. Too many things going on, Too many characters involved in this situation yet Brian Gomez managed to steer its readers to keep on reading. This is fun, thrilling and enjoyable book if i could summarize it in 3 words. I also believe this should be read in one sitting to avoid confusion on characters that kept on appearing in the story. Overall, I would recommend it if you want to read ‘A truly Malaysian’ book.
- Devil’s place by Brian Gomez
.
.
If Netflix Asia intended to produce any show or film that truly illustratinf what Malaysia supposed to look like - this is the book that they should have adapted in their screen play. The kleptocracy, the prejudices among its citizens emboldened by the religion, race and class identity, the layback approach on the internal security issue and the interference of foreign power under the pretense of common good. Of course, the plot took you along the journey of our Mc, the unfortunate Terry as he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He met Ning, a Thai Sex worker that just murdered her own client. Things became more bizzare as this client were connected to one of the wanted terrorist that has been in the CIA list for so long. This is where Agent Chavez decided to pursue them relentlessly. Ning’s employer, Fellatio Lim were suspected in the murder’s involvement as he went to the hotel looking for her. If you have watched Delhi Belly, this book has the same vibe like the film. So much chaos ensued and to top it off, Terry’s friends were killed because of it. On the other hands, Terry’s fiancee assumed that he cheated on her because of Ning and Terry’s assumed that her fiancee’s father put a target on his back seeing that Police and Media Outlet intended to brand him as a criminal. Too many things going on, Too many characters involved in this situation yet Brian Gomez managed to steer its readers to keep on reading. This is fun, thrilling and enjoyable book if i could summarize it in 3 words. I also believe this should be read in one sitting to avoid confusion on characters that kept on appearing in the story. Overall, I would recommend it if you want to read ‘A truly Malaysian’ book.
June 7, 2013
Antara buku paling menarik yang aku baca tahun ini. Jalan cerita yang disusun elok dengan karakter-karakter yang sungguh 1Malaysia. Konspirasi yang penuh dengan hilarious coincidences, I could puke rainbow bunnies from laughing too hard.
One well-written book. You should read this too!
One well-written book. You should read this too!
June 16, 2019
3.5 ⭐
Menghiburkan.
Menghiburkan.
July 3, 2019
Lucu & penuh aksi
December 19, 2019
Aku review dlm bm aaa. Tak brapa reti bi. Haha.
Atas sebab2 blurb dan review yg menarik drpd golongan reader menjadikan aku tertarik untuk membaca novel ni. Bukan senang aku nak baca novel bi ni. Haha.
Cerita ni best sebab menggambarkan kepelbagaian masyarakat yang ada di Malaysia. Turut menggambarkan suasana kehidupan di Malaysia. Di samping, sebenarnya penulis turut menyelit isi tersirat tentang permainan politik dalam cerita ini. Haha. Well done.
Setiap hal yang berlaku tu, memang menggelikan hati aku. Dengan perangai bodoh si Fellatio, teori si mamat CSI tu, kematian pak Arab yang sadis, perempuan Thai baling pisau, polis msuk lokap lagi. Hahaha. Mungkin ada lagi event yang boleh korang gelak lagi.
Sayangnya watak Ning ni kurang menyerlah. Mungkin sbb dia kurang mahir speaking, so dia ni kurang diserlahkan. And watak si Fellatio hilang macam tu je. Btw, jalan cerita sangat smooth dan kejadian berlaku pada sekitar2nya melibatkan watak sedia ada. Setiap watak ada peranan masing2.
Ending? Happy ending. Dont worry. Namun, penulis telah menyampaikan satu pengajaran yang sebenarnya berkait rapat dengan dunia realiti sekarang. Tambah2 lagi dengan isu yang sedang hangat berlaku di mahkamah pada bulan ni. Hihi. Sangat kesian kpd orang yang amanah dengan tugasnya diperlakukan sedemikian rupa. Mereka TERPAKSA.
Atas sebab2 blurb dan review yg menarik drpd golongan reader menjadikan aku tertarik untuk membaca novel ni. Bukan senang aku nak baca novel bi ni. Haha.
Cerita ni best sebab menggambarkan kepelbagaian masyarakat yang ada di Malaysia. Turut menggambarkan suasana kehidupan di Malaysia. Di samping, sebenarnya penulis turut menyelit isi tersirat tentang permainan politik dalam cerita ini. Haha. Well done.
Setiap hal yang berlaku tu, memang menggelikan hati aku. Dengan perangai bodoh si Fellatio, teori si mamat CSI tu, kematian pak Arab yang sadis, perempuan Thai baling pisau, polis msuk lokap lagi. Hahaha. Mungkin ada lagi event yang boleh korang gelak lagi.
Sayangnya watak Ning ni kurang menyerlah. Mungkin sbb dia kurang mahir speaking, so dia ni kurang diserlahkan. And watak si Fellatio hilang macam tu je. Btw, jalan cerita sangat smooth dan kejadian berlaku pada sekitar2nya melibatkan watak sedia ada. Setiap watak ada peranan masing2.
Ending? Happy ending. Dont worry. Namun, penulis telah menyampaikan satu pengajaran yang sebenarnya berkait rapat dengan dunia realiti sekarang. Tambah2 lagi dengan isu yang sedang hangat berlaku di mahkamah pada bulan ni. Hihi. Sangat kesian kpd orang yang amanah dengan tugasnya diperlakukan sedemikian rupa. Mereka TERPAKSA.
May 30, 2013
I like the idea how each character relates to each other throughout the book. Unexpected conspiracy, and not really a typical ending. Kudos to the author.
July 20, 2009
At the beginning when I read this, I asked myself whether this is really Malaysia? After all my version does not include a struggling musician having a Malay Muslim as beer buddy and certainly does not include a Malay bouncer-cum-club-owner serving all types of alcohol. Nonetheless, no matter how uncomfortable I am with such depiction, it really does happened.
And as much as I yield for my certain version of Malaysia, as the prostitute, corrupted cops and politicians come into picture, I could not help but noted its striking resemblance to our beloved Bolehland scenarios. Who's never heard of politicians and prostitutes after all? Or even better, who's not familiar with VIPs' murder cover-ups after all?
Perhaps Devil's Place is all about plots and getting you entertained, but if you pay some attention to its commentaries, there are certainly a lot to reflect on the current social-political state of our country.
And as much as I like this book I have to warn that it is not for the faint-hearted. For criminals in actions going helter skelter and all that brutal surprises, fans of 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' and perhaps Quentin Tarantino, would be able to appreciate this first book from Brian Gomez.
And hey, what a place to be when you need a crash course in swearing Malaysian style. With a generous serving of vulgar words, page 152 would particularly serve that purpose.
And as much as I yield for my certain version of Malaysia, as the prostitute, corrupted cops and politicians come into picture, I could not help but noted its striking resemblance to our beloved Bolehland scenarios. Who's never heard of politicians and prostitutes after all? Or even better, who's not familiar with VIPs' murder cover-ups after all?
Perhaps Devil's Place is all about plots and getting you entertained, but if you pay some attention to its commentaries, there are certainly a lot to reflect on the current social-political state of our country.
And as much as I like this book I have to warn that it is not for the faint-hearted. For criminals in actions going helter skelter and all that brutal surprises, fans of 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' and perhaps Quentin Tarantino, would be able to appreciate this first book from Brian Gomez.
And hey, what a place to be when you need a crash course in swearing Malaysian style. With a generous serving of vulgar words, page 152 would particularly serve that purpose.
March 13, 2015
The best modern piece from a Malaysian I ever read thus far! I love how each character is depicted and the fact that the author chose to showcase '1 malaysia' in an unconventional way - by having a washed up Indian musician, a Malay bar owner, a Chinese taxi driver who's obsess with conspiracy theories and other characters like corrupt politicians, jihadists and a pimp. Reading this book is like watching a good action movie - very fast paced and make you glued to it till the very end. Highly recommended!
February 9, 2010
WTF???!!! OMG!!! LOL!!! ROTFL!!! Woooohoooo!!!
P.S. - It's so refreshing to see Malay, Cantonese/Hokkien and Tamil swear words in print. Very muhibbah.
P.S. - It's so refreshing to see Malay, Cantonese/Hokkien and Tamil swear words in print. Very muhibbah.
May 17, 2013
Captivating, funny, unputdownable. Brian Gomez is Malaysia's Elmore Leonard or Carl Hiassen. Highly entertaining and highly recommended.
August 6, 2013
Action.PoliticalConspiracy.AdrenalineRush.Serabut.Perfect.JustPerfect
January 30, 2016
Love the way it is written, it's a chase that may seem senseless, somehow it relates and ties to the Malaysian scene. It's the best book I've ever read.
October 27, 2016
funny, thrill, and more then i expect. this kind of book must be written by all fixi novo writer!
May 11, 2017
you rocks Brian you rocks the wall ~
July 15, 2019
This book gave me laugh and tears at the same time. Highly recommended.
May 6, 2013
Nice plot, beautifully presented characters. And good ending. Overall good book
May 27, 2020
I picked up this book for a weekend to get a taste of home (Malaysia) partly due to missing it after being away for almost a year and partly because the book had good rating. Well, it was an entertaining read and reminded me a lot about life back home. The overall plot is interesting enough to keep me engaged throughout the book. Terry and his associates find themselves caught in a political/criminal mess and the story is basically about how they navigate through this. There were many parts where I laughed hard and went "Oh, yes. That is so Malaysian." That being said, there were also things that made some of the reading experience unpleasant.
Devil's Place reads like a somewhat poorly written screenplay condensed into a single cohesive book to entertain readers shallowly. There was much, much more telling than showing, taking away the fun of reading a story for pleasure. The characters, though seem Malaysian enough, were not described in a way that makes the readers experience the story. But rather, it was always "X came", "X did", "X knew"... well, only telling and no showing. Better descriptions of characters' expressions, gestures, and actions would have made the book better. As an avid reader, one can't help in creating a mental image of all the characters and scenes as the story progresses. The writing somewhat hindered this process. One prominent example is Pak Jam. We are introduced to him with descriptions about what he does and did for a living but not how he looks like. With little to no description of his looks, the author throws in a sudden detail about how long Pak Jam's hair is almost 75% into the book to facilitate an action that he performs in the story.
There is also very liberal use of italics for emphasis in the book. Each page (on a Kindle) had about 2-3 italicized words for emphasis and these were found on almost every page of the story. That's a lot of emphases and most of those don't even serve many purposes as the sentences constructed clearly imply what is being highlighted. Hence, I found most of the emphasis to be annoying and hindering the reading experience. Too many ellipses are also used in dialogs to represent stutters, pauses, and other expressions that could have been expanded into better descriptions for a better reading experience because even in screenplays, it is commonly known to avoid using ellipsis liberally.
With this, Devil's Place could be a nice pick for a slow weekend as it is very entertaining, but there are things that a reader needs to tolerate if they'd like to keep going past 60% of the book.
Devil's Place reads like a somewhat poorly written screenplay condensed into a single cohesive book to entertain readers shallowly. There was much, much more telling than showing, taking away the fun of reading a story for pleasure. The characters, though seem Malaysian enough, were not described in a way that makes the readers experience the story. But rather, it was always "X came", "X did", "X knew"... well, only telling and no showing. Better descriptions of characters' expressions, gestures, and actions would have made the book better. As an avid reader, one can't help in creating a mental image of all the characters and scenes as the story progresses. The writing somewhat hindered this process. One prominent example is Pak Jam. We are introduced to him with descriptions about what he does and did for a living but not how he looks like. With little to no description of his looks, the author throws in a sudden detail about how long Pak Jam's hair is almost 75% into the book to facilitate an action that he performs in the story.
There is also very liberal use of italics for emphasis in the book. Each page (on a Kindle) had about 2-3 italicized words for emphasis and these were found on almost every page of the story. That's a lot of emphases and most of those don't even serve many purposes as the sentences constructed clearly imply what is being highlighted. Hence, I found most of the emphasis to be annoying and hindering the reading experience. Too many ellipses are also used in dialogs to represent stutters, pauses, and other expressions that could have been expanded into better descriptions for a better reading experience because even in screenplays, it is commonly known to avoid using ellipsis liberally.
With this, Devil's Place could be a nice pick for a slow weekend as it is very entertaining, but there are things that a reader needs to tolerate if they'd like to keep going past 60% of the book.
August 18, 2021
The Devil’s Place is about “terrorism, prostitution, politics and other funny stuff”.
So it said on the blurb, which is fine, except that none of the elements happened to be the things I look for in a book. Or so I thought. When I heard of #cucukbersamafixi, where I could claim a book for free after my vaccination, I went through all the titles online and dug deeper into each to decide which would be the one I’d be bringing home. Despite the description on the blurb, the book got an almost resounding ‘YES!’, judging based on the comments and ratings on Goodreads. This time, I let the majority decide for me and boy, I had no regrets!
Devil’s Place is about Terry, a failing musician who was about to quit his music to marry his girlfriend, the daughter of a very prominent Malaysian politician, no less. His closest friends decided to celebrate his coming marriage with a night of entertainment which involved Ning, a Thai prostitute. The night took a different turn when Terry and Ning got tangled up in a wild chase involving an Arab businessman, Chinese pimps, the cops and the CIA. Terry made a desperate attempt to figure out the predicament he was in, all the while running to save his life.
In my opinion, the story was constructed as if it was written for a movie. Short paragraphs flitted from a scene to another, back and forth between the many characters involved as Terry tried to outrun his pursuers. Even so, the plot was fast-paced that it was easy to get into, and I felt like I could imagine this turned into a movie so well. What I loved most about the book was how ‘so Malaysian’ it was, the characters were colourful and brilliantly portrayed Malaysians without trying too hard. The characters were so relatable that I could just imagine them in real life.
The lines too were funny, almost as if written in a satirical fashion to poke fun at the questionable things in Malaysia, but those we know too well to exist in real life. Corrupt politician, anyone?
Sure, the story was not perfect, especially the scenes at the police station and the rookie CIA agent. They were too convenient and would only happen in the movies or in this case, this book. But without them, the plot wouldn’t work and I still enjoyed reading it. This was a surprisingly pleasant find for me!
So it said on the blurb, which is fine, except that none of the elements happened to be the things I look for in a book. Or so I thought. When I heard of #cucukbersamafixi, where I could claim a book for free after my vaccination, I went through all the titles online and dug deeper into each to decide which would be the one I’d be bringing home. Despite the description on the blurb, the book got an almost resounding ‘YES!’, judging based on the comments and ratings on Goodreads. This time, I let the majority decide for me and boy, I had no regrets!
Devil’s Place is about Terry, a failing musician who was about to quit his music to marry his girlfriend, the daughter of a very prominent Malaysian politician, no less. His closest friends decided to celebrate his coming marriage with a night of entertainment which involved Ning, a Thai prostitute. The night took a different turn when Terry and Ning got tangled up in a wild chase involving an Arab businessman, Chinese pimps, the cops and the CIA. Terry made a desperate attempt to figure out the predicament he was in, all the while running to save his life.
In my opinion, the story was constructed as if it was written for a movie. Short paragraphs flitted from a scene to another, back and forth between the many characters involved as Terry tried to outrun his pursuers. Even so, the plot was fast-paced that it was easy to get into, and I felt like I could imagine this turned into a movie so well. What I loved most about the book was how ‘so Malaysian’ it was, the characters were colourful and brilliantly portrayed Malaysians without trying too hard. The characters were so relatable that I could just imagine them in real life.
The lines too were funny, almost as if written in a satirical fashion to poke fun at the questionable things in Malaysia, but those we know too well to exist in real life. Corrupt politician, anyone?
Sure, the story was not perfect, especially the scenes at the police station and the rookie CIA agent. They were too convenient and would only happen in the movies or in this case, this book. But without them, the plot wouldn’t work and I still enjoyed reading it. This was a surprisingly pleasant find for me!
May 15, 2018
I love this book! Really! I have to admit that I don’t really fall for it while reading the first four and a half pages in chapter The Grand. It kept me away from this book for a few months! But it takes a 360 degrees change beginning the second half of the page towards the end. It is truly enjoyable. Mixed feeling while reading. I felt as if the heavy messages were relayed using the most simple ways possible. I felt as horrified as the characters inside. The comedy, the conflict, the twist... everything placed best and memorable. I would want to re-read this book again. I’m having fun. End up I finish it within just few days due to time constraint. I barely move on from this book. Sadly, well yeah.. I have to start reading other books. Amazing piece. I wish I could read more.
September 17, 2020
MY SCORE: 8/10
First of all, the positive side of this novel is I love the way writer make every events like 'Domino Effect' where each of the characters interact with each other coincidentally and sometimes it leads into new events that makes Terry and Ning cases gone hell than ever. Another thing is that the characters are moderately memorable and resembles how Malaysians lifestyles even today like hookers and politics madness. Also, the ending kinda somber for me since all the characters going on their own path after these madness was done.
The part I didn't like about this novel is there's a lot of political conspiracy that makes me lost a little bit in middle of the story but overall I able to follow the plot perfectly.
First of all, the positive side of this novel is I love the way writer make every events like 'Domino Effect' where each of the characters interact with each other coincidentally and sometimes it leads into new events that makes Terry and Ning cases gone hell than ever. Another thing is that the characters are moderately memorable and resembles how Malaysians lifestyles even today like hookers and politics madness. Also, the ending kinda somber for me since all the characters going on their own path after these madness was done.
The part I didn't like about this novel is there's a lot of political conspiracy that makes me lost a little bit in middle of the story but overall I able to follow the plot perfectly.
November 28, 2021
Read this for my class and I have to say: genius. I'm not usually into any of the FIXI novels but this one, I just couldn't put down. It's so fast-paced and action-packed. The plot doesn't slow down but also not too crazy that you find yourself not knowing what was going on anymore. Gomez has a talent on keeping things very balanced. Speaking of balance, the book is also very plot-driven, not much info on the characters' background but just enough to know what led them to become who they are in the story. Overall, a good read if you don't like draggy plots (like me). It is very graphic though, as most FIXI novels are so I don't recommend this to be read by kids under 18.
February 16, 2020
This book give me adventure on each page i guess. Kind a hilarious, fast pacing with too many things happen in one time, but i still get what happen to every character cause its not that heavy reading kinda book. Its fun to read. Really.
My favorite part is the chasing part when they leave the grand hotel, its so funny yet very creative that the author set it like that. They way they escape the cops, oh man its such a way la, like they playing a games, that easy. The ending is a bit sad but i know thats a way it should be done.
Anyway i like the book cause its very asian kinda book, keep a the good work.
My favorite part is the chasing part when they leave the grand hotel, its so funny yet very creative that the author set it like that. They way they escape the cops, oh man its such a way la, like they playing a games, that easy. The ending is a bit sad but i know thats a way it should be done.
Anyway i like the book cause its very asian kinda book, keep a the good work.
December 19, 2021
A very good & funny story. I like the opening scene & the drama between Terry, Ning & Fellatio Lim. I wish more highlight on these three characters as they are funny & more realistic. As the story advances and the plot thickens, more side characters are introduced making everything very hectic and messy. The excitement flattens out towards the end as the writer tries to tie everything up. Overall, the story is breath-taking & logically hilarious.
July 9, 2022
Devil's Place is an easy read which is both interesting and thrilling. It is not draggy, filled with humour at the right places and actually imaginable like an actual movie. In fact, i kept imagining Ken Jeong as Chia (He fits the role perfectly imo).
This book tells the accidental adventure of several people who may be the unluckiest people in Malaysia to be entangled in a freak accident, murder and political conspiracy.
This book tells the accidental adventure of several people who may be the unluckiest people in Malaysia to be entangled in a freak accident, murder and political conspiracy.
September 6, 2023
A thoroughly entertaining pulp novel.
Half farce, half noir, set in a lovingly detailed Kuala Lumpur that perfectly captures its eclectic mix of religions, races, and politics.
None of the social commentary ever feels like social commentary, instead it's all just fuel for a - sometimes silly, sometimes tragic - tale of wrong identities, corrupt cops, sleazy back alleys, and heists gone wrong.
Very fun.
Half farce, half noir, set in a lovingly detailed Kuala Lumpur that perfectly captures its eclectic mix of religions, races, and politics.
None of the social commentary ever feels like social commentary, instead it's all just fuel for a - sometimes silly, sometimes tragic - tale of wrong identities, corrupt cops, sleazy back alleys, and heists gone wrong.
Very fun.
August 19, 2021
Okay this book best giler, a work of art! Manglish infused cuppa tea, brilliant piece. Wished it could go on and on. The publisher also level-headed, specialising in pulp fiction and democratising malaysian indie culture. To hell with Italics! Wohoo!
May 21, 2023
I initially bought this for my dad as a Christmas present. My parents took turns reading it and found it hilarious.
Gomez evidently enjoyed writing this book and definitely did not hold back with his take on Malaysia and its institutions.
Gomez evidently enjoyed writing this book and definitely did not hold back with his take on Malaysia and its institutions.
November 25, 2023
fast and funny, a little rough, a superb sense of place (malaysia is basically its own character in the book), and sweet enough to handle its own macho energy with clever awareness. I kinda wish Linda and Ning had been done better by, but only a little bit
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews