Gift from the gods

by Suchen Christine Lim

Set in Malaysia and Singapore, Gift From The Gods is an earthy novel dealing with the lives and values of three women from three generations of the same family: grandmother Tai-ku, adopted daughter Yoke-lin, and granddaughter Yenti. Having given birth to a "worthless" girl, Yoke-lin is thrown out of the marital home and forced to work as a dance hostess to support her daughter. Later, she becomes the mistress of a businessman who needs a son to claim his share of the family inheritance. To retain her hold on him, Yoke-lin seeks the help of the medium of the Eight Immortals.

The climax of the story of the story takes place on isolated Ping Shan, where Yoke-lin undergoes a rigorous ritual of seduction in order to conceive a coveted son and heir - her gift from the gods.

213 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1990

About the author

Born in Malaysia in 1948, grew up on both sides of the causeway that separates Malaysia from Singapore. Came to Singapore at age 14, studied in the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus schools, and the National University of Singapore. Taught in a junior college and worked as a curriculum specialist in the Ministry of Education. Resigned in 2003 to write full time.