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Of comb, powder & rouge
498 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 2, 2022
Indeed, the first rhyme I learned was:
Cheeh how sehn, eang lau peh,
Cheeh chow wah, hor lung meh.
Raise a son to carry the father,
Raise a daughter to let others scold her.
- Of comb, Powder and Rouge by Yeap Joo Kim
.
.
This is one of those books that simultaneously made me want to go into rage mode or wrapped myself in a blanket then cried non stop - if anyone find this relatable, kindly comment what books made you go through this alternate mood swings. The book was narrated by Bebe, A nyonya girl that lived in Penang Island between 1928 to 1959. Bebe’s POV on the rigidity of Nyonya customs either based on superstition, patriarchal traditions and close knitted family values contributed to how well the plot was done. Bebe was reminded of her value not being a son or even measure up to the son that his father couldn’t have started when she was small . The internalised misogyny is much severe back then but lets not forget, it is still a problem now. She was given an education only to be denied of her own ambition, she wanted to be a teacher but ended up being a replacement wife for her brother’s in law since her sister died, she fell in love and wanted to marry her own love life but she has to make a sacrifice. Her father was an abusive husband, a useless father and on top of that, a notorious gambler yet both his wife and his concubine (Bebe’s mother) resigned to the fate that they have to accept it and make do. I get that it was a different time which women have to gracefully accept as they have no agency but it was so frustrating to read it. If i could summarise this book it would be ‘I am glad i was not Bebe’ or i would have just take a knife and stabbed myself to death. While i dislike most of the characters in the book, i actually like how the author managed to weave the political backdrop in the story. It was done effortlessly and you can see the purpose of it. Bebe’s family thrived during British time, suffered severely when Japanese takeover, barely survived when communist threat is heightened and filled with hope when Malaya gained its independence. Death is certain as years passing by, Bebe lost one by one of her family members started from her grandpa, sister then followed up with her father. Honestly, i couldn’t understand why she cried so much considering her father torment her so many times and she allowed it in exchange of getting his validation. If we are measuring by the modern standard, Bebe should have just left her family as considering the amount of emotional blackmail and how toxic her family can be towards her is enormous (But again, different time?). She should not have endured loveless marriage and ill treatment from her in laws just because her mother said that women are born to suffer. Once i finished it and i read some of the reviews that have read this book, i totally agree that it does have the same vibe of the 80s soap opera. Thank God for the happy ending as she finally reunited with the love of her life, Hooi. I would have been so mad if there’s no happy ending. Overall, it is laborious read of 500 pages and if you want to read it, read at your own risk.
Cheeh how sehn, eang lau peh,
Cheeh chow wah, hor lung meh.
Raise a son to carry the father,
Raise a daughter to let others scold her.
- Of comb, Powder and Rouge by Yeap Joo Kim
.
.
This is one of those books that simultaneously made me want to go into rage mode or wrapped myself in a blanket then cried non stop - if anyone find this relatable, kindly comment what books made you go through this alternate mood swings. The book was narrated by Bebe, A nyonya girl that lived in Penang Island between 1928 to 1959. Bebe’s POV on the rigidity of Nyonya customs either based on superstition, patriarchal traditions and close knitted family values contributed to how well the plot was done. Bebe was reminded of her value not being a son or even measure up to the son that his father couldn’t have started when she was small . The internalised misogyny is much severe back then but lets not forget, it is still a problem now. She was given an education only to be denied of her own ambition, she wanted to be a teacher but ended up being a replacement wife for her brother’s in law since her sister died, she fell in love and wanted to marry her own love life but she has to make a sacrifice. Her father was an abusive husband, a useless father and on top of that, a notorious gambler yet both his wife and his concubine (Bebe’s mother) resigned to the fate that they have to accept it and make do. I get that it was a different time which women have to gracefully accept as they have no agency but it was so frustrating to read it. If i could summarise this book it would be ‘I am glad i was not Bebe’ or i would have just take a knife and stabbed myself to death. While i dislike most of the characters in the book, i actually like how the author managed to weave the political backdrop in the story. It was done effortlessly and you can see the purpose of it. Bebe’s family thrived during British time, suffered severely when Japanese takeover, barely survived when communist threat is heightened and filled with hope when Malaya gained its independence. Death is certain as years passing by, Bebe lost one by one of her family members started from her grandpa, sister then followed up with her father. Honestly, i couldn’t understand why she cried so much considering her father torment her so many times and she allowed it in exchange of getting his validation. If we are measuring by the modern standard, Bebe should have just left her family as considering the amount of emotional blackmail and how toxic her family can be towards her is enormous (But again, different time?). She should not have endured loveless marriage and ill treatment from her in laws just because her mother said that women are born to suffer. Once i finished it and i read some of the reviews that have read this book, i totally agree that it does have the same vibe of the 80s soap opera. Thank God for the happy ending as she finally reunited with the love of her life, Hooi. I would have been so mad if there’s no happy ending. Overall, it is laborious read of 500 pages and if you want to read it, read at your own risk.
August 18, 2011
A good read, a book I can relate to in terms of places, culture, as the story is set during my grandparents and parents' era and it spans from pre-war and the Japanese occupation of Malaya until the British colonial rule, filled with emotions and descriptions of that ear's local culture and beliefs which are accurately descibed. Story has a sweet and classical happy ending. I am never tired of reading it over and over again. My Daughter also read it and lent it to her friends and their aunt, mother and I have to remind her to get it back, but it's missing from my book shelf again! Searching for it and thinking of getting another copy online, used but in good condition copy as I don't think there's any new publications anymore.
July 4, 2022
Well written. A little cliched. Storyline very similar to the hong kong tv melodrama series of the late 70s early 80s.
October 3, 2025
It is a good way to know how life was like during the period 1928- 1959 in Penang, Malaya through the hardship encountered by Bebe.
October 4, 2009
Set in the pre-war era. The descriptions of Penang and the people's hardship are so surprisingly accurate and very touching. Highly emotional.
One of the best books I've read. Not to miss.
One of the best books I've read. Not to miss.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews