Unrest

by Pway Ngon Yeng

When the fervour of revolution is gone, what remains? Four leftist teenagers in 1950s Malaya dedicate themselves to overthrowing colonialism and bringing about a better world. With time, their paths diverge — into capitalism, into adultery, into the dark heart of the Cultural Revolution. Disillusioned and middle-aged, they look back at their lives from the prosperous but soulless 1980s, wondering what has become of their dreams and ideals. Winner of the Singapore Literature Prize

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2017

Reviews

[A.K. Kulshreshth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a rather strange work that grew on me page by page. When I looked up the web to find out more about the writer, I learned that Mr. Yeng won the Singapore Literature Prize four times. That might explain the confidence with which he brushes aside all convention. He not only addresses the reader, but also has characters addresses the reader and commenting on the writer. While this is a giant spoiler, I think it's a good idea to pick up this book only if one is open to such innovations.

Incidentally, here is an interesting clip that features him. He died in January 2021.

I found Unrest especially valuable as a two-track novel that comments on life in the 1980s, and in post-WWII Singapore when a group of young people were first fired up by ideological (communist) zeal, and then forced to disperse into less political living.

It was interesting to learn that some young men an women left the then Third World Singapore for their "homeland".

The story is told from revolving points of view -- as mentioned, with some unusual interjections. Once I got used to the unique style, I found the development of character and the attention to detail very impressive.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unrest talks about the life of 4 friends from their early life in Singapore, rebelling against colonialism, and their later encounters in midlife. It mixes politics with the sexual lives of the protagonists, both taboo topics approached with a clear voice devoid of the romanticism of either love or idealism. It was a difficult read, with many backs and forths in the story line, each peeling away another layer of the same events in the characters' lives. It was also made difficult by the writer's style, playing the omnipotent narrator at times, then writing from the perspective of a character, then addressing the reader directly. An interesting style but to me it had the effect of "breaking the spell" when you were really getting into the story. Still, an enjoyable read overall and a great take on the choices we make in life, the relationships we build, and what remains in your memory after several years have passed.

[Gusti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a confusing opinion about this book, I must say. Let's start from the main conflict and premise this book try to convey. Communism is not as idyllic, or free from violence, as it may sounds? People who say they are loyal to the ideology but actually / somewhat are in spectrum? I'm in. It is very interesting (and sad) to see how life, politics, and idealism treated all the characters — there are more or less four of them. I like Yiqin and Weikang's story the most.

I also learned so many things, especially since this book speaks about political unrest not only at the border of Singapore and Malaysia (hence in those two countries) but also in China. How the cultural revolution unfolded and impacted (re: posing terror, intimidation, and violence) a lot of people, even the most loyal comrades of communist party. It really speaks that human greed, ego, prejudice, and atrocities are not limited to the ideology they are adhering to. I try to be careful: does Pway Ngon Yeng (may he rest in peace) somehow try to convince us that communism is bad? But I don't think it's his point, as he also elaborated how anti-communist project terrorising Weikang and Guoliang and change their life.

I love the overall plot and problems written by Pway Ngon Yeng . I love that he also tries to capture the everyday life of his characters. I love love love that Yiqin, who must navigated her husband's adultery and cowardice, break the third wall and write her narratives in one chapter about her "retaliation" (in fact, according to her narrative it's her reclaiming her worth and independence — finally!).

The confusing part is up until the end, I don't know if I should categorise Pway as a male writer who is not a mysogynist. There are a lot of sexual scenes and adultery in this book which tiptoeing between the rationalisation and condemnations of it. I feel like Pway wants us to know the internal conversation and justification of Daming (Yiqin's ex husband), but I am a bit troubled his perspective was given more space than he deserves in this book. #standwithYiqin lol

Anyway, recommended!! For my fellow SEAblings, this is a good read for those who want to delve into anti-communist events happening in our region :)

[ia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally finished it!!!!!! I WILL write a review. Please count on it hahaha.