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Beauty Queens Of Bishan
A light-hearted story, Beauty Queens of Bishan centers around stereotypical rich Indian families in Singapore, yet it does not leave out other parts of the community and how they all come together in the beauty parlours of the average-class heartland of Bishan. In Bishan, the busiest suburb of Singapore, thirteen small beauty parlours co-exist quietly, offering haircuts, bikini waxes and facials at no-nonsense prices. All that changes when a swanky new salon opens. D’Asthetique (Beauty is Skin Deep) is run by April Chua, the stylist to the stars. April’s plan for Bishan includes controlling her competitors through a new society, NAILSO (Neighbourhood Alliance of Independent Lifestyle Service Operators). The only person who dares to protest is the chubby Gurpreet Kaur, owner of Monty Beauty Spa. Both have clients in the upcoming Grand Glam Singapore Beauty contest. Will April’s shoe-in Candy Kang prove yet again why she is Singapore’s sweetheart? Or will Gurpreet’s client, Tara Chopra, prove a star on stage as well as in court?
- GenresFictionContemporary
360 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2019
1 person is currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Akshita Nanda
4 books26 followersAkshita Nanda's first novel, Nimita's Place was shortlisted for the 2017 Epigram Books Fiction Prize for unpublished manuscripts, and the 2019 Singapore Book Awards for best literary work. It was adapted into a staged reading for TheatreWorks in 2019 (www.notordinarywork.com and https://www.facebook.com/tHEATREwORKS...).
Her second novel, Beauty Queens Of Bishan is published by Penguin Randomhouse SEA. She has worked as a lab researcher, as an educator and for 12 years as a journalist and critic for The Straits Times. She is currently studying at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore.
Her second novel, Beauty Queens Of Bishan is published by Penguin Randomhouse SEA. She has worked as a lab researcher, as an educator and for 12 years as a journalist and critic for The Straits Times. She is currently studying at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 8, 2020
I received this book from Times Reads in return of my honest review.
This was such an easy read. Though the alternating point of views between Gurpreet, April, Candy and Tara can be a bit confusing, it was a fun and light book to read.
The story is set in 2017 in Singapore – you get to experience the multi-racial culture. Singapore, being just about seven hours away from Kuala Lumpur, the culture is very similar. Nanda has captured the culture through her writing beautifully.
Everyone is pretty much family. An elderly person is always, aunty/uncle, grandma/grandpa, sister/brother. This book was so relatable in terms of slang used. Furthermore, the diversity of this book is something that needs applause. Just like Malaysia, Singapore is a multiracial and multicultural country and I love that it centres on every culture.
You will be spoilt for drama with this book. There are all sorts of drama within the 348 pages of this book.
I loved the diversity and inclusiveness Nanda showed in this book. She nailed the slangs in the right places and it wasn’t overused. She encaptured the Singapore culture beautifully.
Though the writing was easy to get into, the alternating chapters kinda confused me here and there; thus making the reading process slower than I expected it to be. Hey! I liked the storyline. It was fun, hip and capturing. It’s just that it felt like there were too many voices at one go that it felt a bit too much?
Also, as much as I enjoyed this book, I can’t say it’ll be a story that would stay close to my heart or something that I would remember.
Nevertheless, I suggest you guys read this book and be the judge for yourselves. I believe that no one reads the same book though, the title could be the same.
This book is available in all good bookstores, go get your hands on a copy.
This was such an easy read. Though the alternating point of views between Gurpreet, April, Candy and Tara can be a bit confusing, it was a fun and light book to read.
The story is set in 2017 in Singapore – you get to experience the multi-racial culture. Singapore, being just about seven hours away from Kuala Lumpur, the culture is very similar. Nanda has captured the culture through her writing beautifully.
Everyone is pretty much family. An elderly person is always, aunty/uncle, grandma/grandpa, sister/brother. This book was so relatable in terms of slang used. Furthermore, the diversity of this book is something that needs applause. Just like Malaysia, Singapore is a multiracial and multicultural country and I love that it centres on every culture.
You will be spoilt for drama with this book. There are all sorts of drama within the 348 pages of this book.
I loved the diversity and inclusiveness Nanda showed in this book. She nailed the slangs in the right places and it wasn’t overused. She encaptured the Singapore culture beautifully.
Though the writing was easy to get into, the alternating chapters kinda confused me here and there; thus making the reading process slower than I expected it to be. Hey! I liked the storyline. It was fun, hip and capturing. It’s just that it felt like there were too many voices at one go that it felt a bit too much?
Also, as much as I enjoyed this book, I can’t say it’ll be a story that would stay close to my heart or something that I would remember.
Nevertheless, I suggest you guys read this book and be the judge for yourselves. I believe that no one reads the same book though, the title could be the same.
This book is available in all good bookstores, go get your hands on a copy.
February 17, 2020
I haven’t read YA fiction in years, especially Singaporean YA. This was a quick read, I picked this up because I found the premise compelling — Indian ‘heartland’ beauty salons have a special place in my heart, as does Bishan. Right from the first pages the book brings to the fore the problematic colourism within the Indian (and wider) community — one of the protagonists, Gurpreet, offers ‘Fair & Lovely’ treatments to customers at her beauty salon. The cultural obsession with thinness, losing weight, and body shaming is also highlighted, but I didn’t feel like the novel dealt with this critically. As the novel progressed more and more sub plots were being added (and not all adequately addressed). There were many interesting side characters too who I would have loved to examine — such as Alison, the African-American ‘outsider’ who marries into the Indian ‘high society’ — but they just fell flat. The scenes were well-painted, the dialogue at times funny — but I felt like so much more could be done with this premise? A novel on beauty rituals has so much potential to be both fun and critical.
May 11, 2020
This was one of the most enjoyable read as nanda manged to write this book in a Singapore slang which was like everything and i hv not see anyone done that in this community.
I enjoyed the beauty of the story and the criticism of how people react to.
Please be aware of a plot twist in this book you will be shocked just like i did. Honestly i cannot take it our nanda did that so well. Highly recommend this!
I enjoyed the beauty of the story and the criticism of how people react to.
Please be aware of a plot twist in this book you will be shocked just like i did. Honestly i cannot take it our nanda did that so well. Highly recommend this!
December 26, 2024
The peaceful coexistence of several small beauty saloon owners in the suburbs of Singapore is threatened by the arrival of D’Asthetique by April Chua. Particularly, Gurpreet, who runs the Monty Spa, develops a rivalry with April Chua, the celebrity makeup artist. They once again lock horns when they style their respective customers participating in the beauty pageant The Glam Slam Singapore, and both of them fight for their place in the saloon society.
Set around the lives of affluent Indian families living in Singapore, the story aptly represents the place and its people. This book felt like a mix of Crazy Rich Asians with any Bollywood festive movie. The vibrant setting, the lighthearted narrative, the theme of beauty, and its depth were appreciable. But I felt its language was a bit weak, which the book also boasts as Singlish - colloquial Singaporean English. Though the language is representative of Singaporean identity, as an outsider, I felt it difficult to grasp certain words and the continuity was hampered to a great extent.
There is more drama in a typical Bollywood style, witty banter among the spa ladies, lessons to learn based on beauty standards, and a show of strength and resilience. But all said and done; I was sometimes lost among the sea of characters who showed up randomly at their will. There were so many backstories for each character and sub-character, and remembering them felt like a chore. Also, I felt the story was slightly lengthy and certainly repetitive in most places.
Since this book is based on the flashy lives of affluent Indians in Singapore, I couldn’t relate to the story as much as I expected. But still, this is a book that can be read for its humour and identity value, maybe once. And I am open to views from other readers who enjoyed reading it to see what I have missed.
Set around the lives of affluent Indian families living in Singapore, the story aptly represents the place and its people. This book felt like a mix of Crazy Rich Asians with any Bollywood festive movie. The vibrant setting, the lighthearted narrative, the theme of beauty, and its depth were appreciable. But I felt its language was a bit weak, which the book also boasts as Singlish - colloquial Singaporean English. Though the language is representative of Singaporean identity, as an outsider, I felt it difficult to grasp certain words and the continuity was hampered to a great extent.
There is more drama in a typical Bollywood style, witty banter among the spa ladies, lessons to learn based on beauty standards, and a show of strength and resilience. But all said and done; I was sometimes lost among the sea of characters who showed up randomly at their will. There were so many backstories for each character and sub-character, and remembering them felt like a chore. Also, I felt the story was slightly lengthy and certainly repetitive in most places.
Since this book is based on the flashy lives of affluent Indians in Singapore, I couldn’t relate to the story as much as I expected. But still, this is a book that can be read for its humour and identity value, maybe once. And I am open to views from other readers who enjoyed reading it to see what I have missed.
May 12, 2020
Beauty Queens of Bishan is a story that revolves around a group of beauty parlours in Bishan, one of Singapore’s busiest suburbs.
Filled with a large bunch of vivid and vibrant characters who come from different families and backgrounds, alongside the storyline that is chock-full of drama and dialogue, this is a colourful novel that culminates in a national beauty contest named Grand Glam Singapore.
The author, Akshita Nanda, wisely takes time in developing her group of characters at the start of the novel and we see this pay off at the second-half of the story when all the characters cross path at the beauty contest. As the competition gets closer to its finals, we become so invested in each character’s interest that we nervously await the announcement of the winner, the ultimate beauty queen.
Reading this book feels like watching an entertaining local drama set in the heartlands (at least to me), so I’d recommend this book to Singaporeans who want to be entertained by a story that feels close to home.
4/5
Filled with a large bunch of vivid and vibrant characters who come from different families and backgrounds, alongside the storyline that is chock-full of drama and dialogue, this is a colourful novel that culminates in a national beauty contest named Grand Glam Singapore.
The author, Akshita Nanda, wisely takes time in developing her group of characters at the start of the novel and we see this pay off at the second-half of the story when all the characters cross path at the beauty contest. As the competition gets closer to its finals, we become so invested in each character’s interest that we nervously await the announcement of the winner, the ultimate beauty queen.
Reading this book feels like watching an entertaining local drama set in the heartlands (at least to me), so I’d recommend this book to Singaporeans who want to be entertained by a story that feels close to home.
4/5
May 23, 2020
In this novel review, we will look at how cultural elements can play a role in the message of the author. We’ll also dive into the meat of Beauty Queens of Bishan by Akshita Nanda.
There are some novels that should have a cast of characters and how they’re related to the other characters at the very beginning. A family tree of sorts. This was one of those. I talk about this and more in the following novel review. Let me know in the comments if you think you’ll read this one!
A MATTER OF CULTURE
In a culture where people might go by their first name or last name or title of honor based on the circumstance, confusion is imminent in a story like Beauty Queens of Bishan, which takes place in Singapore. As a result, I didn’t know who was coming or going. After a while I could keep each character straight fairly well, but struggled throughout the entire book to remember who was who and what the relationships were. From one sentence to the next a character might be called by her first name and then her last name and then older sister in Malay!
Of course that’s just a surface issue, but it did complicate matters and created a stalling effect.
Beyond that, Beauty Queens of Bishan is a dive into the beauty culture at large and more specifically in Singapore. I read this book for one of my book clubs and was glad to have the opportunity to read a story by a local author that very much expressed the culture of everyday Singapore. In the vein of Crazy Rich Asians, this story takes us into the heart of some of the cultural nuances that create the foundation and heartbeat of Singapore.
I found it strange to read about locations and specific train lines that I frequent. I’m not sure if I’ve ever read such a “local” story before. But then I’ve never lived in such a big city before. I wonder if people feel the same if they live in New York City, for example, and read a story based there. Does it make it too close to home to enjoy as a fictional story? Are the lines too blurred?
BEAUTY COMPETITIONS IN SINGAPORE?
But I haven’t gotten to the heart of the story yet. This fun novel is about an area in Bishan where quite a few interesting salon owners have established beauty shops. We see the inner workings of the shops and their owners. And we also see a rich mommy who is trying to stay in the limelight despite growing older and having a baby.
The essence of the story takes place surrounding a beauty contest for Mrs. Grand Glam Singapore. We also see plenty of backstabbing but more often the coming together in unity and harmony, which is Singapore’s overarching message and goal.
There are several other issues that the author glosses over in the novel as well. They all dealt with beauty and image, but some seem thrown in there without enough fleshing out to do the topic justice. For example, we discover one of the teenage daughters has been starving herself and ends up in the hospital. However, it’s all over and dealt with very quickly. It just seems too big a topic and issue to gloss over. There are several items like this throughout that feel “thrown in”.
WHAT’S SHE REALLY TRYING TO SAY?
While the novel deals with body image in a swift manner, the topic of social media is heavily addressed throughout the book. However, none of us in our book club were completely clear as to whether the author had a negative or positive view of it. This seemed to be the consensus on several topics. What is her position exactly? The books ends without a clear answer.
It’s not always necessary for an author to spell out for their readers what their thoughts are on a topic. Perhaps they want the reader to decide, or the author isn’t decided, and therefore leaves the topic neutral while exploring it through the characters’ interactions with that topic.
Whatever the case may be, for this particular novel that often seemed to be heading in one direction and then quickly and often coasted into neutral, we wondered if the hesitancy came from worry that the government here might frown upon anything too bold and forthright. Singapore has worked tirelessly and diligently to secure racial and cultural harmony in this country. And it is not to be disturbed in any way.
While I love this aspect of living here and the safety it provides, I would hope that it wouldn’t cause an author to not be able to fully explore various and difficult topics in their books.
IN CONCLUSION…
Overall this was a lovely novel, and I hope you enjoyed my review. It was a fun read with a lot of sassy characters. If you’re looking to understand Singapore culture a bit better, Beauty Queens of Bishan might be a fun place to start. Just don’t expect to go too deeply into any particular topic.
There are some novels that should have a cast of characters and how they’re related to the other characters at the very beginning. A family tree of sorts. This was one of those. I talk about this and more in the following novel review. Let me know in the comments if you think you’ll read this one!
A MATTER OF CULTURE
In a culture where people might go by their first name or last name or title of honor based on the circumstance, confusion is imminent in a story like Beauty Queens of Bishan, which takes place in Singapore. As a result, I didn’t know who was coming or going. After a while I could keep each character straight fairly well, but struggled throughout the entire book to remember who was who and what the relationships were. From one sentence to the next a character might be called by her first name and then her last name and then older sister in Malay!
Of course that’s just a surface issue, but it did complicate matters and created a stalling effect.
Beyond that, Beauty Queens of Bishan is a dive into the beauty culture at large and more specifically in Singapore. I read this book for one of my book clubs and was glad to have the opportunity to read a story by a local author that very much expressed the culture of everyday Singapore. In the vein of Crazy Rich Asians, this story takes us into the heart of some of the cultural nuances that create the foundation and heartbeat of Singapore.
I found it strange to read about locations and specific train lines that I frequent. I’m not sure if I’ve ever read such a “local” story before. But then I’ve never lived in such a big city before. I wonder if people feel the same if they live in New York City, for example, and read a story based there. Does it make it too close to home to enjoy as a fictional story? Are the lines too blurred?
BEAUTY COMPETITIONS IN SINGAPORE?
But I haven’t gotten to the heart of the story yet. This fun novel is about an area in Bishan where quite a few interesting salon owners have established beauty shops. We see the inner workings of the shops and their owners. And we also see a rich mommy who is trying to stay in the limelight despite growing older and having a baby.
The essence of the story takes place surrounding a beauty contest for Mrs. Grand Glam Singapore. We also see plenty of backstabbing but more often the coming together in unity and harmony, which is Singapore’s overarching message and goal.
There are several other issues that the author glosses over in the novel as well. They all dealt with beauty and image, but some seem thrown in there without enough fleshing out to do the topic justice. For example, we discover one of the teenage daughters has been starving herself and ends up in the hospital. However, it’s all over and dealt with very quickly. It just seems too big a topic and issue to gloss over. There are several items like this throughout that feel “thrown in”.
WHAT’S SHE REALLY TRYING TO SAY?
While the novel deals with body image in a swift manner, the topic of social media is heavily addressed throughout the book. However, none of us in our book club were completely clear as to whether the author had a negative or positive view of it. This seemed to be the consensus on several topics. What is her position exactly? The books ends without a clear answer.
It’s not always necessary for an author to spell out for their readers what their thoughts are on a topic. Perhaps they want the reader to decide, or the author isn’t decided, and therefore leaves the topic neutral while exploring it through the characters’ interactions with that topic.
Whatever the case may be, for this particular novel that often seemed to be heading in one direction and then quickly and often coasted into neutral, we wondered if the hesitancy came from worry that the government here might frown upon anything too bold and forthright. Singapore has worked tirelessly and diligently to secure racial and cultural harmony in this country. And it is not to be disturbed in any way.
While I love this aspect of living here and the safety it provides, I would hope that it wouldn’t cause an author to not be able to fully explore various and difficult topics in their books.
IN CONCLUSION…
Overall this was a lovely novel, and I hope you enjoyed my review. It was a fun read with a lot of sassy characters. If you’re looking to understand Singapore culture a bit better, Beauty Queens of Bishan might be a fun place to start. Just don’t expect to go too deeply into any particular topic.
December 2, 2019
Oh wow, where do I start? This book speaks volumes about friends, family, love, and DRAMA. * fans myself * , phew, the amount of drama in this book is skyrocketing. What else can you expect from beauty pageants, society wives and beauty parlors? Dramaaaaaaaaaaaaa~
The story is set in Singapore! A neighboring country to Malaysia ( where I am from ), Singapore used to be part of Malaysia starting 1963, ending in 1965. Thus, the culture is very similar. We have similar slang and the concept of " everyone is family " in which everyone who is older than you is referred to as an Aunty or Uncle or Sister or Brother. I have to specifically applaud that this book felt like home to me. I find so many connections to my country in Singapore life painted on the pages by Akshita Nanda.
The diversity in this book is heartwarming. Singapore is a multiracial and multicultural country with a population of 76.2% Chinese, 15% Malays, and 7.4% Indians (7.4%). I love that it focuses on every culture. In the book, there are majorly point of views:
- Gurpreet Kaur, the owner of Monty Beauty Spa (Beauty from Within). She is a woman who is strongly in touch with her beauty community and she always has time for her friends and family. She gives her 100%. Gurpreet is a chubby woman whose business is about beauty. That says a lot about her ethics. Beauty is from within, not on the outside. She cares about her customer's well-being and she prefers natural treatment instead of using chemical products to treat hair and body. I really have to admire that she changed her best selling product which was catered to whitening skin to a product that emphasizes on brightening naturally dark skin, which was recommended by her customer, a black woman recently married to a Singaporean - Alison Brown.
- April Chua, the owner of D'Aesthetique ( Beauty is Skin Deep), she claims to be the stylist to the stars but in the book. She is a stylist to a star, Candy Kang. April is the new beauty guru who opened her shop in Bishan, the paradise of beauty parlors. Her place stands out in contrast to the decades of shops with old furniture and worn out walls. In the glossy interior of D'Aesthetique with top-notch equipment and imported products. April's beauty parlor is specifically targeted at those who are willing the spend ka-ching. April is a cutthroat competitor when she wants to be.
- Tara Chopra. Full-time mother, lawyer, a businesswoman of her own firm. This mother of twin daughters is a powerhouse. Inspired by her daughters' interest in the world of glamor and influences and her need for her daughters' attention, this soft-hearted mother decided to enter Grand Glam Singapore to take a shot at winning the crown. And maybe be a beauty Queen to feel like a woman again?
- Candy Kang. Phew, she's a piece of work, I'll give her that. Her temper is one thing. She can be a cunning two-faced vixen and a poetic mannered sweetheart when she wants to be. SHE BRINGS THE DRAMA TO THE PAGES. Married to a billionaire with a toddler son, this past pageant queen and TV star wants redemption at the big screen. Candy Kang, the name itself screams intensity. She knows how to give the audience what they want flawlessly. Good on camera but after those electrical devices turn off, there's another story to tell.
Overall, this book never stopped the excitement. Don't underestimate the number of pages, it will keep you wanting for more. Thank you to @times.reads for sending me a review copy. I highly recommend this book if you want to get a taste of Singapore's finest.
The story is set in Singapore! A neighboring country to Malaysia ( where I am from ), Singapore used to be part of Malaysia starting 1963, ending in 1965. Thus, the culture is very similar. We have similar slang and the concept of " everyone is family " in which everyone who is older than you is referred to as an Aunty or Uncle or Sister or Brother. I have to specifically applaud that this book felt like home to me. I find so many connections to my country in Singapore life painted on the pages by Akshita Nanda.
The diversity in this book is heartwarming. Singapore is a multiracial and multicultural country with a population of 76.2% Chinese, 15% Malays, and 7.4% Indians (7.4%). I love that it focuses on every culture. In the book, there are majorly point of views:
- Gurpreet Kaur, the owner of Monty Beauty Spa (Beauty from Within). She is a woman who is strongly in touch with her beauty community and she always has time for her friends and family. She gives her 100%. Gurpreet is a chubby woman whose business is about beauty. That says a lot about her ethics. Beauty is from within, not on the outside. She cares about her customer's well-being and she prefers natural treatment instead of using chemical products to treat hair and body. I really have to admire that she changed her best selling product which was catered to whitening skin to a product that emphasizes on brightening naturally dark skin, which was recommended by her customer, a black woman recently married to a Singaporean - Alison Brown.
- April Chua, the owner of D'Aesthetique ( Beauty is Skin Deep), she claims to be the stylist to the stars but in the book. She is a stylist to a star, Candy Kang. April is the new beauty guru who opened her shop in Bishan, the paradise of beauty parlors. Her place stands out in contrast to the decades of shops with old furniture and worn out walls. In the glossy interior of D'Aesthetique with top-notch equipment and imported products. April's beauty parlor is specifically targeted at those who are willing the spend ka-ching. April is a cutthroat competitor when she wants to be.
- Tara Chopra. Full-time mother, lawyer, a businesswoman of her own firm. This mother of twin daughters is a powerhouse. Inspired by her daughters' interest in the world of glamor and influences and her need for her daughters' attention, this soft-hearted mother decided to enter Grand Glam Singapore to take a shot at winning the crown. And maybe be a beauty Queen to feel like a woman again?
- Candy Kang. Phew, she's a piece of work, I'll give her that. Her temper is one thing. She can be a cunning two-faced vixen and a poetic mannered sweetheart when she wants to be. SHE BRINGS THE DRAMA TO THE PAGES. Married to a billionaire with a toddler son, this past pageant queen and TV star wants redemption at the big screen. Candy Kang, the name itself screams intensity. She knows how to give the audience what they want flawlessly. Good on camera but after those electrical devices turn off, there's another story to tell.
Overall, this book never stopped the excitement. Don't underestimate the number of pages, it will keep you wanting for more. Thank you to @times.reads for sending me a review copy. I highly recommend this book if you want to get a taste of Singapore's finest.
November 23, 2019
This book is a lot of things, most are positive and inspiring. Its about unity through passion, of a healthy competition to be the best beauty queen and that even despite the differences in race, religion and culture, they were all brought together as one.
I have one thing to pinpoint and that is REPRESENTATION!! The writer has depicted such an accurate potrayal of society in Singapore and that it is a multicultural and multiracial country. All the different ethnicities—Chinese, Indian and Malay were brought up really well throughout the story. This is the kind of book that you should definitely try to see Singapore in terms of the people who live in peace and harmony with one another.
This book was so interesting and so overwhelmingly fun. When I first heard about this and I searched about it, there was nothing to give me any information regarding it. There was only the title, author and book cover yet even that alone, I was enraptured and intrigued. I had this mind set that whatever happens, I will pick this book up and read it. I am so thankful that I get the chance to read this book early and shout it to the world for other readers out there to pick it up as well for an awe inspiring story of great women of Bishan.
At first, I was confused as each chapter is focused on different characters and different perspectives. We have Gurpreet of Monty Beauty Spa, April of D'asthetique, Candy Kang—celebrity actress and an online sensation and Tara Chopra, awkward lawyer but holds so much more inside her. And these are among some of the main characters, there were so many other supporting characters that makes this book complete. Each of them diverse, unique and beautiful in their own way.
I was really looking forward to the beauty contest part of the story and I'm so glad that when I reached it, I was immediately hooked and dread to finish this book. This book is so important and special with so many great messages that readers can come across. The most impactful to me would have to be how this story ends, ending rivalry and how that made everyone much more closer and even more understanding towards each other.
There's so little flaws that I could pinpoint for this story, Beauty Queens Of Bishan and some of them are easily passable. The greatness and beauty regards to so much more than its opposite that I really recommend this book to everyone to read it once it comes out soon. This is the book that you definitely shouldn't pass out on, its about amazing women who shine bright together set in the bustling Singapore and a story unlike any other.
I have one thing to pinpoint and that is REPRESENTATION!! The writer has depicted such an accurate potrayal of society in Singapore and that it is a multicultural and multiracial country. All the different ethnicities—Chinese, Indian and Malay were brought up really well throughout the story. This is the kind of book that you should definitely try to see Singapore in terms of the people who live in peace and harmony with one another.
This book was so interesting and so overwhelmingly fun. When I first heard about this and I searched about it, there was nothing to give me any information regarding it. There was only the title, author and book cover yet even that alone, I was enraptured and intrigued. I had this mind set that whatever happens, I will pick this book up and read it. I am so thankful that I get the chance to read this book early and shout it to the world for other readers out there to pick it up as well for an awe inspiring story of great women of Bishan.
At first, I was confused as each chapter is focused on different characters and different perspectives. We have Gurpreet of Monty Beauty Spa, April of D'asthetique, Candy Kang—celebrity actress and an online sensation and Tara Chopra, awkward lawyer but holds so much more inside her. And these are among some of the main characters, there were so many other supporting characters that makes this book complete. Each of them diverse, unique and beautiful in their own way.
I was really looking forward to the beauty contest part of the story and I'm so glad that when I reached it, I was immediately hooked and dread to finish this book. This book is so important and special with so many great messages that readers can come across. The most impactful to me would have to be how this story ends, ending rivalry and how that made everyone much more closer and even more understanding towards each other.
There's so little flaws that I could pinpoint for this story, Beauty Queens Of Bishan and some of them are easily passable. The greatness and beauty regards to so much more than its opposite that I really recommend this book to everyone to read it once it comes out soon. This is the book that you definitely shouldn't pass out on, its about amazing women who shine bright together set in the bustling Singapore and a story unlike any other.
June 1, 2022
I haven't read many books set in Singapore but out of what I have, both of Akshita Nanda's books have topped the list. Her most recent one, Beauty Queens of Bishan, where a cast of female characters take center stage, tackles a number of relevant topics in a light-hearted manner that makes for a really engaging and accessible read.
In the busy suburbs of Bishan is a string of small beauty parlours catering to those who can't afford to pay for services at the more fancy places. Their peaceful coexistence is threatened with the opening of the flashy new salon D'Asthetique, run by April Chua, the stylist to the stars. The drama only heightens as April end up at loggerheads with Gurpreet Kaur, the owner of Monty Beauty spa, over a series of misunderstandings and passive aggressive actions.
All this culminates in the two of them competing against the other as they each vie to have their respective client win the Grand Glam Singapore beauty contest. April's client is the famous Candy Kang, local social media celebrity, yummy mummy and the winner of many previous beauty pageants while Gurpreet handles Tara Chopra, a working mom who enters the contest in a desperate attempt to get closer to her teenage daughters.
Though it may sound like the plot revolves mainly around the beauty pageant, the actual contest only takes up the last quarter or so of the book. To get there, you need to navigate your way through social media drama, beauty parlour drama and family drama, all rolled together with healthy doses of humour and a series of astute observations. The first three-fourths of the book was the most enjoyable for me.
Though the story is narrated mainly from the points of view of the four women I've mentioned, there is a whole cast of female characters, both young and old, through whom the book showcases topics like eating disorders, body image, family dynamics and the behind-the-scenes workings of beauty pageants and social media stars. I like how the author tackles these topics and more in a light manner that nevertheless leaves you thinking.
I also like how the story represents the multicultural and multiracial aspects of Singapore. The familiar settings and the use of the local slang was a refreshing change as well. If you want to get a picture of life in Singapore, set aside Crazy Rich Asians and pick this one up!
In the busy suburbs of Bishan is a string of small beauty parlours catering to those who can't afford to pay for services at the more fancy places. Their peaceful coexistence is threatened with the opening of the flashy new salon D'Asthetique, run by April Chua, the stylist to the stars. The drama only heightens as April end up at loggerheads with Gurpreet Kaur, the owner of Monty Beauty spa, over a series of misunderstandings and passive aggressive actions.
All this culminates in the two of them competing against the other as they each vie to have their respective client win the Grand Glam Singapore beauty contest. April's client is the famous Candy Kang, local social media celebrity, yummy mummy and the winner of many previous beauty pageants while Gurpreet handles Tara Chopra, a working mom who enters the contest in a desperate attempt to get closer to her teenage daughters.
Though it may sound like the plot revolves mainly around the beauty pageant, the actual contest only takes up the last quarter or so of the book. To get there, you need to navigate your way through social media drama, beauty parlour drama and family drama, all rolled together with healthy doses of humour and a series of astute observations. The first three-fourths of the book was the most enjoyable for me.
Though the story is narrated mainly from the points of view of the four women I've mentioned, there is a whole cast of female characters, both young and old, through whom the book showcases topics like eating disorders, body image, family dynamics and the behind-the-scenes workings of beauty pageants and social media stars. I like how the author tackles these topics and more in a light manner that nevertheless leaves you thinking.
I also like how the story represents the multicultural and multiracial aspects of Singapore. The familiar settings and the use of the local slang was a refreshing change as well. If you want to get a picture of life in Singapore, set aside Crazy Rich Asians and pick this one up!
June 16, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
feel bad abt 2 starring a local author :( however the main issue with this book was too glaring to ignore.... I am baffled by the way the author keeps setting up themes of colourism, sexism, racism, classism, mother/daughter relationships and beauty standards only for it to either go nowhere or be resolved in one small scene. these observations end up reading as "well, Singaporeans hate interracial marriages, that's just how it be" which is just.... unsatisfying. (though I guess u could argue that's the state of singapore's activism scene rn just commentating that Thing Is Bad and not doing anything to fix the established hierarchy LMAO but that's another conversation)
another issue is that I just don't know whether the author wrote this book to celebrate beauty paegeants or criticise them.... the characters regularly involved in these contests all come off as shallow and airheaded, the most reasonable main character is a lawyer who usually doesn't partake in these things but also at the end she learns that these things can be good and it's important to celebrate her femininity ????
ALSO the plot point about the lady who was pregnant.... starved herself to look good for the paegeant.... ended up collapsing on stage endangering the baby (which she was likely intending to KEEP btw)... the author almost frames this as a controversial feminism issue... at one point the well-educated US born lawyer says smth like "well it's her body, her choice right?" like??????? starving urself for a paegeant while pregnant is not feminist 😭😭😭 was this supposed to be a nuanced discussion or something???
Oh yes and the pacing is another thing. the central plot point (Tara entering the paegeant) starts I think more than halfway into the book 😭😭😭 character intros and background did NOT need to be this long!!! felt very first-draft-y :(
i like many of the characters, the book just unfortunately feels like wasted potential. points for being painfully accurate to irl Singapore though, some of the dialogues actually made me cringe and laugh with how realistic they were. also the plot is fairly fast-paced so it was never truly boring though i was not as invested as I'd hope. gurpreet's daughter in the hospital was probably the best scene (because it actually made commentary abt eating disorders argghhghhfhfh)
feel bad abt 2 starring a local author :( however the main issue with this book was too glaring to ignore.... I am baffled by the way the author keeps setting up themes of colourism, sexism, racism, classism, mother/daughter relationships and beauty standards only for it to either go nowhere or be resolved in one small scene. these observations end up reading as "well, Singaporeans hate interracial marriages, that's just how it be" which is just.... unsatisfying. (though I guess u could argue that's the state of singapore's activism scene rn just commentating that Thing Is Bad and not doing anything to fix the established hierarchy LMAO but that's another conversation)
another issue is that I just don't know whether the author wrote this book to celebrate beauty paegeants or criticise them.... the characters regularly involved in these contests all come off as shallow and airheaded, the most reasonable main character is a lawyer who usually doesn't partake in these things but also at the end she learns that these things can be good and it's important to celebrate her femininity ????
ALSO the plot point about the lady who was pregnant.... starved herself to look good for the paegeant.... ended up collapsing on stage endangering the baby (which she was likely intending to KEEP btw)... the author almost frames this as a controversial feminism issue... at one point the well-educated US born lawyer says smth like "well it's her body, her choice right?" like??????? starving urself for a paegeant while pregnant is not feminist 😭😭😭 was this supposed to be a nuanced discussion or something???
Oh yes and the pacing is another thing. the central plot point (Tara entering the paegeant) starts I think more than halfway into the book 😭😭😭 character intros and background did NOT need to be this long!!! felt very first-draft-y :(
i like many of the characters, the book just unfortunately feels like wasted potential. points for being painfully accurate to irl Singapore though, some of the dialogues actually made me cringe and laugh with how realistic they were. also the plot is fairly fast-paced so it was never truly boring though i was not as invested as I'd hope. gurpreet's daughter in the hospital was probably the best scene (because it actually made commentary abt eating disorders argghhghhfhfh)
February 10, 2020
Beauty Queens of Bishan by Akshita Nanda
Finished this fun, drama-filled read over the weekend about a bunch of competitive beauty salon owners in the heartlands, wrestling to win the crown for a beauty pageant for mummies.
Akshita Nanda perfectly captures the typical Singaporean auntie (both Indian and Chinese) and Singapore humour, and adequately captures a racially diverse, multicultural cast of women from different socio-economic classes, representative of Singapore in a way that Crazy Rich Asians does not showcase. (My only minor gripes were (i) the overly repetitive use of “clucked her tongue”; (ii) the misconception of a mediator’s role in mediation (it’s not about lawyers presenting logical, persuasive arguments, but rather, assisting parties to see each other’s perspectives and to come to a voluntary, private settlement that is negotiated and decided by both individuals); (iii) the ending felt rushed and kind of unsatisfying; and (iv) at times I found this book a little confusing and triggering with so many characters, many of whom were flawed, fat-shaming dieters. I found that aspect (the fat-shaming, disordered eating) hard to enjoy. I also wish the book presented feminism and body empowerment with a little more conviction and rigour.)
Otherwise, this book makes for a good, light-hearted, entertaining beach read :) Would recommend if you enjoy Crazy Rich Asians, chick lit and/or #SingLit.
Thank you @times.reads for this review copy!
Finished this fun, drama-filled read over the weekend about a bunch of competitive beauty salon owners in the heartlands, wrestling to win the crown for a beauty pageant for mummies.
Akshita Nanda perfectly captures the typical Singaporean auntie (both Indian and Chinese) and Singapore humour, and adequately captures a racially diverse, multicultural cast of women from different socio-economic classes, representative of Singapore in a way that Crazy Rich Asians does not showcase. (My only minor gripes were (i) the overly repetitive use of “clucked her tongue”; (ii) the misconception of a mediator’s role in mediation (it’s not about lawyers presenting logical, persuasive arguments, but rather, assisting parties to see each other’s perspectives and to come to a voluntary, private settlement that is negotiated and decided by both individuals); (iii) the ending felt rushed and kind of unsatisfying; and (iv) at times I found this book a little confusing and triggering with so many characters, many of whom were flawed, fat-shaming dieters. I found that aspect (the fat-shaming, disordered eating) hard to enjoy. I also wish the book presented feminism and body empowerment with a little more conviction and rigour.)
Otherwise, this book makes for a good, light-hearted, entertaining beach read :) Would recommend if you enjoy Crazy Rich Asians, chick lit and/or #SingLit.
Thank you @times.reads for this review copy!
December 17, 2024
#plot
Thirteen beauty parlour's are operating in the Bishan Square. One of them is Gurpreet Kaur's 'Monty Beauty Spa'. Opposite to hers a new salon opens, D'Asthetique, run by April Chua. Compared to the humble Monty Beauty Spa, D'Asthetique is classy with expensive furniture. Gurpreet and April couldn't stand each other.
There is a Grand Glam Singapore contest where both have their clients participating in it. Both are determined to show that their respective client will win. April Chua betting on closing her salon if Gurpreet's client win. In the clash of Beauty who will win ??
The story is set in Singapore. It has elements like Beauty standards, losing weight, racism, privilege, diverse group of women characters, femininity, multicultural vibrancy of singapore etc. The author also uses Singlish language throughout the book which gives Singaporean vibes and feels, making the conversations fun to read. It was great reading about how the women ran the Parlour, balancing motherhood alongside and trying to make a name and place in the world.
I picked this book because the blurb sounded interesting but honestly the plot disappointed me. I was not able to figure out what the book actually focused on because the ending also didn't satisfy me. Only parts of book i enjoyed and some parts of it felt monotonous which made it slow paced for me.
Thirteen beauty parlour's are operating in the Bishan Square. One of them is Gurpreet Kaur's 'Monty Beauty Spa'. Opposite to hers a new salon opens, D'Asthetique, run by April Chua. Compared to the humble Monty Beauty Spa, D'Asthetique is classy with expensive furniture. Gurpreet and April couldn't stand each other.
There is a Grand Glam Singapore contest where both have their clients participating in it. Both are determined to show that their respective client will win. April Chua betting on closing her salon if Gurpreet's client win. In the clash of Beauty who will win ??
The story is set in Singapore. It has elements like Beauty standards, losing weight, racism, privilege, diverse group of women characters, femininity, multicultural vibrancy of singapore etc. The author also uses Singlish language throughout the book which gives Singaporean vibes and feels, making the conversations fun to read. It was great reading about how the women ran the Parlour, balancing motherhood alongside and trying to make a name and place in the world.
I picked this book because the blurb sounded interesting but honestly the plot disappointed me. I was not able to figure out what the book actually focused on because the ending also didn't satisfy me. Only parts of book i enjoyed and some parts of it felt monotonous which made it slow paced for me.
July 27, 2020
What I found refreshing about this book was the frequent and natural use of Singlish. But the book had so much potential that was not realised. Racism, elitism, the obsession with appearances in Singapore society, colourism, the Singapore system in itself...there were many passing remarks and suggestions on these topics but to be honest, I had no idea what the book was trying to focus on besides the amped up drama between characters. I hope there can be more books in Singapore that will be able to focus better on those important topics!
July 11, 2025
Fun and enjoyable read about beauty in Singapore.
There are 14 beauty salons in Bishan. A new one, run by April, opens. There is tension between Gurpreet (who was the first salon owner) and April.
In the meantime, we see other characters - Tara Chopra, a lawyer. She has twin daughters who are closer to her mother in law. Candy Kang is chasing fame while raising her son.
I liked the depiction of Singapore like. Fun, easy read - this isn’t going to make literary records, but it’s a fun book to read.
There are 14 beauty salons in Bishan. A new one, run by April, opens. There is tension between Gurpreet (who was the first salon owner) and April.
In the meantime, we see other characters - Tara Chopra, a lawyer. She has twin daughters who are closer to her mother in law. Candy Kang is chasing fame while raising her son.
I liked the depiction of Singapore like. Fun, easy read - this isn’t going to make literary records, but it’s a fun book to read.
January 7, 2020
Like the author’s first book, Nimita’s Place, I quite liked Beauty Queens of Bishan, too! Akshita Nanda’s style of writing is so engaging yet simple - it makes any read an easy one! I loved the attention to detail - and could visualise almost every scene!
January 28, 2020
I was rather disappointed with this book. The premise was promising and I was really hoping for an Indian twist to the genre popularized by Crazy Rich Asians. However , the sub-plots kept hopping from one to another and in the end , none of them felt complete.
December 28, 2020
Chose a fluffy book intentionally and this answered the brief.
Enjoyed it but it's a "forgotten after reading" type of book. Nothing wrong with such books but not for you if you're into "more substantial stuff".
Enjoyed it but it's a "forgotten after reading" type of book. Nothing wrong with such books but not for you if you're into "more substantial stuff".
December 25, 2021
4fun read :) was generally enjoyable, though im not totally sold on the characters/plot (though the singlish i wld say is quite well integrated). pretty salient and accurate depiction of singaporean beauty standards (and interactions regarding that) for the most part though
July 11, 2020
'Beauty Queens of Bishan' by Akshita Nanda was the perfect book to read in the pockets of free time during all the CNY visiting. The battle between two heartland beauty parlours in Bishan, both with clients in a glamorous beauty pageant, was funny, relatable and full of heart. I felt like the characters were people I recognised from real life and oh, I really wanted to eat a neighbourhood bakery waffle after I was done reading. 3.8 stars.
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