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Taikor
538 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2004
5 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Khoo Kheng-Hor
30 books6 followersKhoo Kheng-Hor is a Malaysian author and speaker on contemporary application of the 500 BC Chinese military treatise, The Art of War, by military strategist Sun Tzu. In the 1990s, Khoo was the first Sun Tzu student in South-east Asia to link and teach the general's principles in relation to business and management. To date, Khoo has written over 26 business and management books, most of which are based on Sun Tzu's Art of War as he made it his life's mission to "suntzunize" as many people as possible. In 1997, although a Malaysian citizen, he was appointed as honorary Assistant Superintendent of Police by the Singapore Police Force in recognition for his contribution as consultant-trainer to the police force of Singapore. His first novel, Taikor, was nominated by the National Library of Malaysia for the 2006 International Dublin Literary Award. Since 1999, Khoo has gone into retirement and occasionally travels in Malaysia and Singapore.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 3, 2017
I was recently in Malaysia (my fourth trip) and asked our contact there for a local historical fiction book, so I could get to know Malaysia a bit better (and enjoy the process). She recommended this book to me.
I found it to be a fascinating read. It essentially covers the years between 1922 and 1982. Starts in pre-war British ruled Malaya - goes up and through the world wars, then Malaysian independence, to the early eighties.
Told through a story of a boy/ man / grandparent - who runs a 'gang', but then gets out. But a bunch of different players as well.
It's probably 4.5 stars, really. The grammar is not great (and I understand probably some of that is on purpose, but some of it is just bad). And the stories take quite a while to intertwine - I think I would have preferred they come together sooner.
But I walk away with a lot more knowledge of Malaysia and am going to keep looking for books like this.
I found it to be a fascinating read. It essentially covers the years between 1922 and 1982. Starts in pre-war British ruled Malaya - goes up and through the world wars, then Malaysian independence, to the early eighties.
Told through a story of a boy/ man / grandparent - who runs a 'gang', but then gets out. But a bunch of different players as well.
It's probably 4.5 stars, really. The grammar is not great (and I understand probably some of that is on purpose, but some of it is just bad). And the stories take quite a while to intertwine - I think I would have preferred they come together sooner.
But I walk away with a lot more knowledge of Malaysia and am going to keep looking for books like this.
June 25, 2008
I have always searched for English fiction books written by Asian and local authors. One day, I can’t recall the exact date – maybe it was two years ago – I found Taikor by Khoo Kheng-Hor at one of the bookstores. Despite my busy schedule, I looked forward to reading the book, which I finished within a week.
A historical saga, Taikor brings back the past for those who can still remember and for the young (like me) who wish to know how things used to be in the years between 1932 and 1982. It certainly took me down memory lane to forgotten places. It also briefly explains the events leading to our country’s independence.
Thus, it is very suitable for those who aren’t fond of reading long-winded history books but are looking for something where historical facts are built into the story as part of the saga.
This is one of the very rare, well-written English works of fiction by a local author. No wonder it was nominated for the 2006 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.
Briefly, the story begins in pre-war British-ruled Malaya and is about the life of a boy as he grows to manhood. Ya Loong’s family migrates from South Thailand to Penang after his father passes away.
After his mother remarries, the young Ya Loong is sent away by his stepfather to live with a relative in Shanghai. His life is somewhat changed by events in that war-torn city. Upon his return, he faces a difficult situation as he has to find a way to earn a living and survive the bloody days of Japanese occupation.
After the war, he discovers his destiny by becoming a taikor – a term meaning “big brother” as accorded to a secret society’s chieftain – in Penang’s chaotic underworld. But after Malaya becomes an independent sovereign country, for the sake of his family, the taikor breaks away from his past involvement in triad activities and begins a new life.
The tale has very interesting plots and sub-plots that make it almost impossible or frustrating (as in my case) to put aside the book after you have started to read it. And, the author doesn’t try to impress anyone with bombastic English but writes in simple language.
I found it a breeze to read the book and enjoyed every moment of it and can’t wait for the next book by the author.
A historical saga, Taikor brings back the past for those who can still remember and for the young (like me) who wish to know how things used to be in the years between 1932 and 1982. It certainly took me down memory lane to forgotten places. It also briefly explains the events leading to our country’s independence.
Thus, it is very suitable for those who aren’t fond of reading long-winded history books but are looking for something where historical facts are built into the story as part of the saga.
This is one of the very rare, well-written English works of fiction by a local author. No wonder it was nominated for the 2006 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.
Briefly, the story begins in pre-war British-ruled Malaya and is about the life of a boy as he grows to manhood. Ya Loong’s family migrates from South Thailand to Penang after his father passes away.
After his mother remarries, the young Ya Loong is sent away by his stepfather to live with a relative in Shanghai. His life is somewhat changed by events in that war-torn city. Upon his return, he faces a difficult situation as he has to find a way to earn a living and survive the bloody days of Japanese occupation.
After the war, he discovers his destiny by becoming a taikor – a term meaning “big brother” as accorded to a secret society’s chieftain – in Penang’s chaotic underworld. But after Malaya becomes an independent sovereign country, for the sake of his family, the taikor breaks away from his past involvement in triad activities and begins a new life.
The tale has very interesting plots and sub-plots that make it almost impossible or frustrating (as in my case) to put aside the book after you have started to read it. And, the author doesn’t try to impress anyone with bombastic English but writes in simple language.
I found it a breeze to read the book and enjoyed every moment of it and can’t wait for the next book by the author.
July 29, 2012
Took merely four days to read. A surprisingly riveting saga about a bold, independent and (above all) prudently conservative boy who holds his friends and family above all else.
I read this when I was living in Kuala Lumpur, and it gave a fresh account of Malaysia's history as the story's context, from the perspectives of many of the country's ethnic groups, appropriate to Malaysia's multi-racial identity.
It was a real pleasure to read. 5/5 would recommend to anyone with an interest in Malaysia, southeast asian history from 1930s to the 1980s, organized crime sagas, or bildungsroman in general.
I read this when I was living in Kuala Lumpur, and it gave a fresh account of Malaysia's history as the story's context, from the perspectives of many of the country's ethnic groups, appropriate to Malaysia's multi-racial identity.
It was a real pleasure to read. 5/5 would recommend to anyone with an interest in Malaysia, southeast asian history from 1930s to the 1980s, organized crime sagas, or bildungsroman in general.
May 3, 2011
Reviewed at :Mama Kucing Books : Taikor by Khoo Kheng Hor
This is certainly a MUST Read sort of book
This is certainly a MUST Read sort of book
April 5, 2020
Still as good as the first reading but perhaps i regretted the ending. Wish it was different.
July 18, 2016
I have finished reading it, but still feels like reading it again and again. Khoo Kheng-Hor knows his place well to able to write this magnificent book.
Read
May 22, 2017Thumbs up! A good effort from a Malaysian writer !
May 9, 2019
One of those books that u cant seem to put down once you start.. Im out of my way to hunt down all his fiction books.
September 4, 2021
3.9/5⭐
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews