Abraham's Promise

by Philip Jeyaretnam

Abraham Isaac, teacher of Latin, philosopher and father, has, after many years, a young pupil. Teaching pulls him back into his of Rose, his first love; Mercy, his stubborn sister; and most of all of Rani, his beloved wife. Of days of youth and promise, when he threw himself into the politics of Singapore in the 50s and 60s. Days when temperance and restraint gave way to action and desire. Days when the culture and society of Singapore were defined and molded. Days when he believed he had a valuable role to play as a proud citizen of a new country. Now he is old, and the burden of his years weighs on him heavily. Distanced from a present devoid of idealism and obsessed with power and money, Abraham is estranged from his strong, successful son. Descending into the past, Abraham is led from the promise of youth, through cynicism born of experience, to an understanding and reconciliation of his life and times hard-won in maturity. Prizewinning author Philip Jeyaretnam was declared Young Artist of the Year for 1993 by the Singapore National Arts Council. Abraham's Promise is his second novel.

Genres: Fiction, Politics

178 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 1995

Reviews

[Kirk D'Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Jeyaretnam has masterfully weaved a gripping tale of an old man reflecting on the arc of his imperfect but rich and meaningful life in 20th-century Singapore.

As the protagonist, a Latin teacher of Tamilian background, narrates the undulations of his life, a portrait emerges of an upright, principled man who has kept his dignity despite the tragedies and wrongs he has suffered. But there is much more nuance to this character's development, for the reader can't help but temper his admiration of this steadfast and sagacious man with scorn for his weakness and timidity in the face of adversity - which the protagonist recognises in himself. The soul-searching of the protagonist invites us to contemplate our own attitudes, values and ambitions in life, guided by the strength and virtue of a man who had lived his life with purpose, and buoyed by the possibility of redemption for past mistakes.

What I love most about this story is that it distils the intricate complexity of a turbulent life into simple lessons that we can all learn and cherish. This novel is a very refreshing breath in the stale air of mundanity that I believe characterises the lives of many Singaporeans today.

[Ann Tonks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been sitting on my shelf since a trip to Singapore a while back but I'm glad that I finally found time to read it.It's a story of love and regret, politics and Latin, race and history told through the eyes of Tamil teacher, brother, husband and father. It's not a story of success or well being but it is a story of man attempted to do good. One aches for Abraham Isaac's broken heart - broken by speaking out and failing to speak out. A poignant story that's worth exploring.

[Michael Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to read one chapter per day so that it would have time to sink in and for me to mull over the feelings on the pages. It is a very experiential book, pride, remorse, discipline, character. And a first-person review of Singapore's eventful last 80 years. Unique writing style, very accomplished author. Five stars well deserved.

[Ziqin Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished in one sitting. I started out feeling really annoyed at Abraham’s chauvinism but gradually grew to empathise with him as a flawed man. The reveals were masterfully done and the prose was lovely. Strangely the passage I identified with the most was the one on page 140 (start of chapter 18) where Abraham first notices his receding gums.

[Sol · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting exploration of a man's follies and mistakes. I liked how the protagonist developed over the course of the story - he was definitely an unreliable narrator but his self-righteousness held hope for redemption.

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Older man reflects on family life and the choices faced in growing up.

[Crystal Calleja · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow