Impractical Uses of Cake

by Yeoh Jo-Ann

Winner of the 2018 Epigram Books Fiction Prize

Sukhin is a thirty-five-year-old teacher who lives alone. His life consists of reading, working and visiting his parents' house to rearrange his piles of "collectibles". He has only one friend, another teacher who has managed to force Sukhin into a friendship by sheer doggedness.

While on an errand one afternoon in Chinatown, he encounters a homeless person who recognises him. This chance reunion turns Sukhin's well-planned life upside down, and the pair learns about love and sacrifice over their shared fondness for cake.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Asia, Asian Literature, Novels, 21st Century, Romance

240 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2019

About the author

Yeoh Jo-Ann is the author of Impractical Uses of Cake, winner of the 2018 Epigram Books Fiction Prize. Formerly a features editor, she is currently eyebrows deep in digital media/marketing. Her fiction has been anthologised in We R Family, In Transit and Best New Singaporean Short Stories: Volume Three.

Reviews

[Xueting · Rating 2 out of 5]

The use of a cardboard cake is perfect for this novel, because it has a whimsical feel and, to me, it tries to be more than it ultimately delivered. At least for me! I wanted to read this novel because it won the 2019 Epigrams Books Fiction Prize in Singapore, where I live, and I saw quite a number of favourable reviews. But I couldn't get into both the story and the characters. It tries to be and tackle a lot of things - there's (supposed) romance, a little spotlight on the Singapore homeless community, commentary about our education system and how it's like being a literature teacher, and then an abrupt bit about mental illness. I didn't know about the Singapore homeless community (those who voluntarily left their homes and sleep on the streets) so that was interesting, and I like that the author didn't make it sensationalised nor pity them. The teacher parts were interesting too, and real, from what I remember as a student. The romance and mental illness parts, though, the novel could have done without.

The premise sounds like a romance: Sukhin is an anti-social literature teacher in his mid-thirties who finds his job very unfulfilling and a huge chore. One day he stumbles upon Jinn, his ex-girlfriend from junior college living in a makeshift cardboard house, and they reconnect over cake. But I say it's "supposed" romance because there's zero romantic development between them after their chance reunion. And I couldn't imagine that there was ever anything romantic between them because they don't talk or behave like they're close; it's like Sukhin is just pining for Jinn and it's an unrequited love.

The story doesn't really have a plot; it's more character-driven and based. Yet one of its two main characters was not fully developed. I wanted to know so much more about Jinn than the story gave. The Jinn arc - why she's homeless, how she suddenly turned up again in Sukhin's life - is basically created in service of Sukhin. The story is from his perspective, but it's still a third-person narrative that could have given us more about Jinn beyond how she affects Sukhin's life and personality. In the end, she felt flat and even what makes her interesting - her independence, which helped her to fend for herself and lead the homeless community after running away from her affluent family - became what makes her ~quirky~. She felt disappointingly like a manic pixie dream girl. We don't even find out why she chose to run away from home until nearing the end of the novel! And the revelation just dumps in something about mental illness that feels little-researched by the author and needed a LOT thoughtful more delving into. To me, Jinn's mental illness was pretty much treated like another of her quirks.

On the other end, Sukhin was much more developed but I struggled to connect to him. Our main protagonist is an irritable, always grumpy, misanthropic and anti-social person. He's unlikable, but that's not a problem. He's real - there are definitely Singaporean men out there like him - and relatable. But the author gives us too little to help me understand why he's unhappy, why he finds his job unfulfilling... and it's confusing especially because he clearly loves books and literature, and he has the power as the Head of Department to improve the syllabus but choose not to! As with the manic pixie dream girl trope, Jinn re-entering his life makes him open up a bit more, but the change doesn't get developed further or endure, which makes it seem superficial. It's so strange, because he goes to great lengths to do things for her he'd never do for other people, just to please her, yet he still scolds her "Damn this woman" inside his head... ugh, what?

Sorry this review kinda turned into a rant! I think the novel is a solid debut effort, one that I'm not surprised to know is a debut novel, but I'd still be interested in reading future works by the author. The writing is good and vivid most of the time, with many lines and moments that made me stop and re-read them to savour them again. I enjoyed reading about the homeless community and the teaching. However I wish the characters were stronger, the narrative less one-sided between the two main characters, and the overall tone of the novel more consistent. The whole novel felt a little bit too whimsical and quirky for me, especially when it's dealing with some serious and complex topics.

Thank you to Epigram Books for sending me copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Bevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up after a colleague recommended it in passing and finished it in one sitting. The tone is convincing, intimate and comforting. I disagree with one user’s review that it tries to do too much. I think the various issues - homelessness, education system, mental states, etc - were woven together nicely into a compelling story that I was glad to follow along with the two protagonists.

[Ernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I'm looking for- so strongly grounded in Singapore, relatable situations and sharp dialogue. If you forced me to put it in a genre it would be romance, but in a way it is just a book about life too. For the working adults here, or hell, even if you even took lit in JC, an unmissable read.

[Guacamole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up on a bit of a whim and boy, was this book a major disappointment. It was a struggle to finish this which has very little depth. Like reading a cardboard (see what I did there?). It paints an adequate picture of Singapore's homeless community but it could've been stretched out to something more imperative if the author had bothered to do her research. What nagged me the most with the book is the impractical decision to make Sukhin non-Chinese (especially judging/assuming the author herself is Chinese) with no significant impact on the book. I felt like it was tokenism on the author's end just like it was 'important' to have a flamboyant, gay character for representation sakes. If this book won the Epigram Books Fiction Prize, I won't be picking up books by this publication house ever again.

[Tan Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I've been thinking about whether I should stop. I'm not much of a teacher"
"Would not being a teacher make you a better human?"
"I don't know. I don't know what else I would do."
"Well, would not being a teacher make you want to be a better human?"
"I don't know."
"You must think carefully about this. If we don't try being better humans, we start becoming worse humans."

Extracted from "Impractical Uses of Cake" by Yeoh Jo-Ann

An existentialism tale, somewhat like Singapore's version of Lucky Jim, though milder.
Have a taste and enjoy.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply beautiful! One of the best books I've read this year. Quirky and heart-warming, words I would never expect to use about a book written by a Singaporean! Definitely add this to your reading list!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up on a bit of a whim, but ended up really enjoying it. The main character is both frustrating and so relatable. I laughed in recognition at several of his thoughts. And the book poses questions I enjoyed asking.

[Khin (storyatelier_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written without being too intelligently incomprehensible/intimidating. Sukhin and the homeless woman from his past (his ex-girlfriend, Jinn) become key points of contrast throughout the novel, as we see Sukhin’s materially fulfilled, stable “Singapore dream” life and how empty his life feels to him, who has to drag out a daily, isolated existence. In contrast, Jinn didn’t fall into bankruptcy and find herself on the streets, but made the conscious choice to live the way she does - yet her life seems more fulfilling that Sukhin’s. Several times in the book, we learn more and more about the “invisible” homeless network in Singapore, the ones who fall through the cracks because they aren’t meant to exist, all this done without dramatising or relying on “poverty porn.” I can’t coherently express what I loved about this book, but I finished it wondering what I could take away from it and its characters, finding a lot of myself in its trapped and disgruntled protagonist (funny how our names are similar), and wishing I too, could disappear from the world and experience life of anonymity, un-bogged-down by my past and expectations of normality. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.

[Hkscoutress · Rating 1 out of 5]

The narrative structure is quite interesting, although the voices of the characters are quite fake, unreal, artlessly trivialised, and the author cannot get into the psychological skin of the characters. I read about forty pages and give up. A third-rate novel.

[JoAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impractical Uses of Cake focuses on Sukhin, a grouchy 35-year-old Literature teacher who seems to dislike everyone around him and would rather have the company of his own books. One afternoon, he chances upon a homeless person who recognises him, and this unexpected encounter leads him to explore the lesser-known side of Singapore.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Impractical Uses of Cake. This book has a bit of the slice-of-life, easygoing feel to it while also asking us to think more deeply about what we want out of life—is following the 'Singaporean dream' of a steady job, career advancement and getting married by your 30s the only, singular way to go, or is there something else you have in mind? Sukhin as a character fully internalises this dilemma; although he outwardly appears to be decisive, opinionated and stubborn, he finds himself unable to truly break free from what society deems as 'wise, no-brainer' decisions.

Additionally, the book also introduces the topic of homelessness in Singapore, as well as the idea of mutual aid and solidarity through the people Sukhin meets, which was really heartening to read. I was afraid that there would be some kind of saviour trope going on because of the way the plot unfolded, but I'm glad there wasn't any of that.

As a whole, though Impractical Uses delves into these heavier topics, it still maintains a very light-hearted and at times, comical prose which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The book had a somewhat abrupt ending, but in retrospect, I liked that it ended off as a hopeful, open one. I highly recommend this if you're looking for a rather sweet and uplifting story.

[Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Singapore literature goes, one can definitely see why this won the 2018 Epigram Books Prize. It captures Singapore society well, where anyone can draw comparison to the characters from people in our own lives, dialogue is interesting enough and there is genuine unforced humor.

Yet the biggest drawback I may have is that there is very little development of the main two characters. Their relationship at the end is almost identical to how it started and although there is emphasis on the main character making a key decision that signals personal growth, taking a step back and evaluating him is quite unsatisfying.

Overall not bad, but would recommend reading Gimmie Lao and Ministry of Moral Panic as Sing Lit staples before this.

[Auntie Terror · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable novel about the power of affection - and cake. The characters are lovably honest to themselves, and it's such a tender story without being soppy or just focused on romance and romantic relationships.

[Cleve Arguelles · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s about Singapore as seen through the (in)visible cracks, a close encounter with Alfian Sa’at’s Merlion looking at its own reflection in the same water that it spews. Yeoh Jo-Ann’s Impractical Uses of Cake is a slow-moving but intriguing journey of finding the values of the impractical in— of all places— the ground zero of all things hyperpractical. But could also be just about baking & eating the most heavenly of cakes. 🐢🧜🏼‍♀️

[Kes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about being lost in Singapore - Sukhin runs into Jinn, and she provides him the meaning in his otherwise colourless life. Sukhin is basically the Department Head in school, and he doesn't like dealing with people. I do wonder why he just stays there, but it appears that he just... drifts through life. He's a filial son to his parents, he cleans, he likes things neat.

Then Jinn appears, and he just... follows her around. I suspect this is meant to be love or affection from his end, but it comes off as boring from mine. Jinn is basically leading her life as a homeless person - and this appears to be by choice (she just decided to leave her home - I've read other reviews saying it's mental illness, but I don't think the narrative points strongly enough to a definitive armchair diagnosis).

So Sukhin's life improves but eh... I liked it for the perspective of Singapore society, but I'm not that keen on the characters.

[Cheryl Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot remember the last time I laughed out loud so much while reading a novel. I would actually be sitting on my couch cackling.

The specificity of the experience is really well carved. The characters are rounded and carefully observed, the treatment of mental health is respectful but not overbearing. The depiction of the struggle to survive in Singapore is somehow unflinching but also calm and loving?

I love all the little vignettes of the side characters like the CNY decoration shopkeeper. SO FUNNY. And Sukhin's relationship to his students and other teachers. If you've ever felt like an awkward introvert who is a bit too clever to be widely accepted, this book is for you.

I think people who don't like the book maybe can't really relate because they don't identify with this kind of language and worldview, or don't go in for so much quirky flavour.

I really want to see the thing that Sukhin builds in the end.

[Jörg Dietzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerising (and thought-provoking).

A fascinating read that draws you in from the first page - the sights and sounds and smells of Singapore, the daily routines and challenges are so vividly described that you catch yourself nodding: yes, I’ve experienced that.

For a while, the descriptions of daily life and the challenges of being a teacher are enough to keep you going, but you also feel: there’s something more. A big disruption is coming.

The chance meeting that occurs changes the protagonist - suddenly he becomes a different person, leaving the-oh-so-comfortable zone of his typical Singapore life behind.

The same happens to us, the reader: we’re turning the page with anticipation, excited to find out what happens next. Excited and also a bit scared - because we feel that what changes the (anti-) hero’s life could change ours, too.

[Dhruv Doshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the book over a weekend and loved it! Couldn't put it down.

I hadn't read a lot of SingLit before and am glad that this was the first one that I picked. I thought the descriptions of life in Singapore were quite accurate - and really did appreciate that the author did bring up issues like mental health and homelessness - and well Otters!!

On the downside, I did feel the story was a bit rushed towards the end - and maybe there could have been more done towards the end but all in all - would recommend it!

[Gill Schell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite flashes of humour, this book left me feeling very sad. Although it looks at many global themes - choices, wealth, homelessness, relationships - it becomes more meaningful if you've actually grown-up / lived in Singapore, and seen/experienced society and its expectations there. Beautifully written.

[Francine Chu · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lukewarm read. I felt hard pressed to muster some empathy for the two protagonists who are under some existential crisis throughout the book. Always they have some clever elitist retort in almost every line they speak; which is quite irritating. However, Yeoh’s command of English is good and I did like some of the minor characters like Dennis.

[Jane Koh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Once I started, I couldn’t put the book down. As someone who is about to join the teaching profession, this gave me an insight into the life of a teacher. It was a simple and enjoyable read and one can’t help to fall in love with the characters in the story and also cake !

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking on what is really needed to live a happy life. The juxtaposition of Jinn’s homelessness and Sukhin’s predictable, mind-numbing life highlighted that they were both more content when connecting with others. Loved the Singaporean references to landmarks and the sprinkle of Singlish.

[Ziqin Ng · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book, only the ending felt a bit underwhelming. Sukhin was such a relatable character.

[Tony Alleven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quirky book. Enjoyed it though. A professor finds his girlfriend, who he thought died. She really just became homeless to go off grid and live a life worth living through service.

[Er Kuan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read about a HOD - English Lit, a homeless EX-girfriend and the dynamics of people in Singapore; is there a real definition of normal?

[Qiu Ting · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern day love story between two people bound with their own fair share of idiosyncrasies. I appreciate how honest the characters are!

[Mazter_of_Dizazter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witty. Whimsical. And very relatable. Devoured it in a single sitting.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sukhin is a 35 year old literature teacher in a junior college - head of the English literature department, in fact. He is single and lives alone; his parents are dying to have him married and settled down. One day, he runs into Jinn, who lives in a makeshift dwelling made of cardboxes in an alleyway in Chinatown and his staid, self-contained, orderly and selfish existence is turned upside-down.

This was a surprising book - I didn't quite expect the book to end up where it did and for most of the book, I wasn't quite sure where it was leading to. But it was a lovely read and I let myself be carried along, and had faith that I wouldn't be too disappointed by the journey.

It also felt like a very Singaporean book for me, from the reference to Advocakes and Solicitarts in Chapter One, to the meticulous (and somewhat snarky) descriptions of Singaporean scenes and places. Like:

"Duxton Plain Park...[w]hoever called this area a park of was either wildly ambitious or delusional...It isn't much more than a paved path under the cover of trees on both sides - but maybe it exceeded the quota trees for a pathway, or failed to obey a government-designated tree-to-pavement ratio, and had to be called a park or destroyed? But park or not, here, parallel to the chaos of the main roads, it is suddenly and surprisingly quiet."

Or:

"he rushes to his car and drives like a madman from Chinatown to Little India, feeling like he's starring in a spoof of a Singapore Tourism Board ad. If you ignore all considerations for safety and spare no thought for pedestrians, it is possible to see the one-hundred-and-eighty-six-year-old Jamae Mosque - note the combination of South Indian and neoclassical architectural styles - and the more recently constructed Buddha Tooth Relic Temple - see how the Tang style of this building departs from the dominant South Chinese typology of Singapore's Buddhist temples - in just under three minutes."

Though primarily about Sukhin and Jinn's relationship, Impractical Uses of Cake also offers us glimpses into the issues of poverty and homelessness in Singapore, mental illness and the price of conforming to "the right track".

[amber :) · Rating 1 out of 5]

i had higher hopes for this book after seeing its title and reading its synopsis, but unfortunately the reading experience was disappointing for me :/

i appreciated the familiarity of the book (most of it being in a jc setting) and the use of singlit references. however, i felt that the book didn’t particularly highlight the significance of cakes much.. and a lot of the dialogue was quite mundane and unnecessary to me (mostly focused on sukhin)

i wish that jinn’s backstory could have been fleshed out in more detail and i feel that the reason why she left home was also not very compelling. and while the book touched on issues like depression and homelessness, it did not do so delicately and instead painted a negative image of people who go through them :(

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts out quirky and laugh out loud funny, with an enjoyably misanthropic protagonist railing against modern society and the dullness of his own life. Later it becomes a little more sincere, as he has a sort of early midlife crisis. Some aspects felt perhaps a little underdeveloped, but it's original and has a good balance between sweet and sour.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay, but not really what I expected. I struggled to connect with the two main characters and this book was a lot more character based than plot driven, so that was a bit of a problem. I would of liked to hear more from Jinn’s perspective, as she was the most interesting character to me.