Lat: My Life and Cartoons

by Lat (Illustrator), Syed Nadzri Syed Harun (Editor)

Lat is Malaysia's top cartoonist. In Lat: my Life and Cartoons he tells in his own words the revealing story of his life and work and shares photographs and illustrations from his personal archives

Genres: Biography, Art, Nonfiction

232 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2016

Reviews

[Simon Yoong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lat is the original true Malaysian.

I cannot put into words how much he has influenced me and my family in our formative years. Starting from his strip in NST, we also bought every single one of his books.

This biography treads much of what he has shared before in his other books, but it also sheds some new light on this colourful life. For instance, I learnt that he took some liberty in writing both Kampung Boy and Town Boy.

[Tufriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading Lat's comics since I was a kid - first explained by an uncle who was a fan and had all the books, then exploring them on my own. I didn't quite understand some of the comics back then, especially not being in touch with Malaysian politics. Having read the book, I feel I've gained a better understanding of the cartoons he drew and am looking forward to trawling through his cartoons once more. I even recognised some of the cartoon characters from the pictures in the book!

[Lyana Khairuddin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While one may think that Malaysians already know Lat through his iconic cartoons, this autobiography provided a more elaborate insight. Chronicling his life, it is a story of perseverance, of a kampung boy with big dreams. Truly inspiring.

Note: the book could do with another round of editing as there are typos and grammatical errors in certain parts.

[Hann Min · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was great to read about the stories behind his comics.
Learnt a lot.
The writing itself is straightforward and to the point, and sometimes feel like reading off a list of facts rather than the stirring deep down in your soul when you read books like Mat Som.

[Veronica Liew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, entertaining read about Lat's dedication to his craft, his art and a man who is deeply proud to be Malaysian, and be a Kampung Boy. A loving tribute to life and the friends that maketh a man.

[Francine Chu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read on my fave Malaysian comic artist. I also learnt that Matt Groening reads Lat comics way before he came up with the Simpsons.

[Sirhana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in less 48 hours. The narrative was quite messy/jumpy but interesting nevertheless.

[Azmir Ismail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Membaca buku ini adalah wajib bagi peminat2 kartunis Lat. Kisah hidup beliau khususnya perjalanan kartunis, memberi si pembaca kefahaman tentang siapa beliau dan inspirasi untuk apa yang beliau lakukan selama ini. Habis membaca buku ini, kita menghargai siapa tuan Lat dan sumbangan beliau kepada dunia seni negara.