A Mosque in the Jungle

by Othman Wok, Ng Yi-Sheng (Editor)

Othman Wok left an indelible mark on Singaporean politics and society, and was “steadfast and unwavering in believing in a multiracial, multi-religious, meritocratic Singapore” (in the words of PM Lee Hsien Loong). In addition, he pioneered the writing of ghost stories and horror fiction in Malay while working as a young reporter in the 1950s. These stories made him a household name in the Malay-speaking world, years before his political career took off. In fact, these tales were arguably the first examples of horror fiction in either Singapore or Malaysia, in any language.

A Mosque in the Jungle assembles two dozen of the best stories from his three fiction collections in English: Malayan Horror (1991), The Disused Well (1995) and Unseen Occupants (2006). Curated by award-winning poet and fictionist Ng Yi-Sheng, this book provides an entry point into Othman’s fiction, and a window into the work of a “literary genius” (Farouk A. Peru, Malay Mail Online).

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Fiction, Asia, Anthologies, Audiobook, Mystery

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2021

About the author

Othman Wok was Singapore's first Minister for Social Affairs, serving from October 1963 to June 1977. He was also Singapore's ambassador to Indonesia and served on the boards of the Singapore Tourism Board and Sentosa Development Corporation. For his political, economic and social contributions to the nation-building of Singapore, he was awarded the Order of Nila Utama (2nd Class) in 1983 by President Devan Nair.

After retiring from politics in 1981, Othman was able to devote more time to writing, and became a regular writer of horror tales for a Malaysian weekend newspaper, Mingguan Malaysia. He published his biography, Never in My Wildest Dreams, in 2000, a project he agreed to in 1994 at the suggestion of his daughter, Lily. Othman also began compiling the short stories that he had written for various newspapers and magazines over the years. Some of his short story collections include Malayan Horror: Macabre Tales from Singapore and Malaya (1991), Kisah-kisah Seram dan Misteri (1995) and Unseen Occupants and Other Chilling Tales (2006).

Othman passed away on 17 April 2017 at the age of 92.

Reviews

[ikram · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always drawn to read books about myths, folklore, and superstitions of Southeast Asian countries, so when someone shared Othman Wok’s works on Twitter, I knew I needed to read this book–and I didn’t regret that!

A Mosque in the Jungle is an anthology of horror stories that are influenced by Malay and neighboring area’s folklore written by Othman Wok curated by Ng Yi Sheng. Some of the stories were also influenced by the crime Othman Wok witnessed during his time as a journalist as well.

Reading this book through Indonesian lenses, I prepared myself for some creepy and chilling stories because of the shared cultures and myths we have as Southeast Asian. Sure enough, they gave me goosebumps and I wasn’t brave enough to read this during nighttime. The first half of the stories are like those ghost stories you’ve heard from friends or families; the one that feels close to you and you probably have experienced it yourself. The second half feels like an old urban legend that was passed within generations. What makes his stories unique is Othman Wok didn’t mention the name of the ghost explicitly, instead he wrote the details subtly so when you’re already familiar with the ghost, you can guess it already. For example, the appearance of pontianak in Among the Gravestones and Under the Banyan Tree.

As a whole, I enjoyed A Mosque in the Jungle and was hooked from the very first story. Oddly enough, I found A Mosque in the Jungle as a nostalgic book that brings me back to my childhood. Nevertheless, here are some stories that stood up the most for me:

- The Mystery of SS Juita: This one is brilliant. This ghost-ship tale is the reimagined of SS Ourang Medan legend, but what if Ourang Medan is not the ghost ship? What if it’s SS Juita that shared its fate? What if Ourang Medan was the one who made the rescue attempt?

- Under the Banyan Tree: The scariest of them all but also it was heartbreaking. While the story is terrifying in a way, I can feel Jamilah’s longing for freedom. I hope every Jamilah-like ghost out there finds peace soon.

-The Anklets: This is something that comes straight out of horror-crime movies. I’m glad the unnamed woman did her revenge, you go girl!

- Si Hitam’s Curse: This one is also about women taking revenge, so I don’t need to say more. Kinda reminds me of Intan Paramaditha’s story titled The Queen in Apple and Knife.

[h · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like recalling childhood memories when ppl around were talking about the ghosts, but make it in english version.

[aqilahreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

a collection of local short horror fiction stories. 👻

rounding this up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. i would probably not say this is like horror HORROR stories bc its kinda falls under the predictable kind where you sort of can foresee what would happen in most of the stories - but i really did enjoyed!! brings back so much memories?? esp spent my time reading singapore ghost stories by russell lee/malay mustika magazines back in the days. :")

and i just found out that the late othman wok worked as a young reporter for mustika magazine so that says it!! 😱 i think readers would have to be aware & expect that these were written back in the days too so the setting/descriptive is mostly set in the past. by reading the stories; knowing that they fall under classic horror, i think readers would be able to appreciate them more. personally not really into the genre but it definitely makes quite an evocative read if you have been reading horror fiction in your childhood. ✨

[melmarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been meaning to read more Southeast Asian literature starting from this year, so this book was one from four I picked up from my visit to Singapore last May. I read so many good reviews about it and I was curious.

Reading horror stories set in SEA (particularly in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia) feels different from the Western or Japanese horror stories I'm used to. It feels familiar and close XD.. Othman Wok, who was Singapore's first Minister for Social Affairs and also served as Singapore's ambassador to Indonesia, wrote these stories in a rather straightforward way and often left the mystery unsolved. They are still entertaining and will send chills down your spine.

Some of my favourites:

The Sound in the Wall -- a dead body in the wall, reminds me of a scene from Lockwood & Co. This one has a happy ending, which can't be said for many (almost all?) of the other stories in this book.

The Anklets -- I dubbed this one "Jane Toe"

Si Hitam's Curse -- a classic black cat story

The Mad Artist -- one of the most shocking stories, and horrifyingly GORYYYYY

Visitor from the Coffin -- the story is simple, but then I came to the realization that this could very well happen in real life (:

The Golden Lantern -- Capital C CURSEDDDDD

The Guardian -- Dayak black magic slash Indiana Jones vibes

The Mystery of SS Juita -- there are many repetitions of the mysterious unseen claiming lives throughout the book, and this story is the one most tense and engrossing IMO.

I also really like the closing sentence from the introduction: "So please, enjoy these stories. May they terrify and charm you. In their darkness, may you find light."

[Bren | Wordwanderlust · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mosque in the Jungle is a compilation of the best ghost stories and horror fiction written by Othman Wok and curated by Ng Yi Sheng. Before he became a politician in Singapore, Othman Wok was a pioneer in the business of writing horror fiction, and this book serves as a fascinating overview of his fiction-writing legacy.

When I first started the book, I was initially a little skeptical as some of the stories were not as engaging as I hoped it would be, it seemed to be lacking a little in bringing forth the horror elements of the story. However as I read on, the stories started to grow more in depth, as the creativity of the plot & the horror elements were more stark to me. Out of the stories, I especially enjoyed "The Golden Lantern', 'The Guardian', 'The Skulls of Kuala Banat', and 'Si Hitam's curse'.

As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed reading these stories, as I found myself getting increasingly captivated as I read further. I personally think that this novel is exemplary of Singapore horror literature. I urge everyone (especially my fellow SG people) to give this book a try! You won't regret it 😽

[Paulina Raduchowska · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read, these stories felt like gems from a far-away and yet somehow familiar land, strung on a string. Each one is unique, and yet together they form a necklace - their own little world and genuine literary treasure suspended in time. If you've ever enjoyed the likes of Edgar Allan Poe, you might like these as well.
I initially picked up this volume not so much out of a fondness for gothic macabre, but rather because they were from Singapore and the Malay Peninsula at a time long gone, which I was curious for a peek into. I was pulled in immediately, and the very brief form of the stories meant, I could read for hours on end (most happily in the bath, that setting feeling best for this type of literature) but equally one at a time, at odd times during the day, whenever I felt deserving of a little pleasurable distraction. I would recommend not to skip the editor's introduction, as it helped me (at least) to gain some context and insight into what this volume is and what makes it so very special.

[ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have a fascination with myths, folklore, and superstitions from SEA countries, so when i stumbled upon a recommendation for this book on twitter, i knew i had to give it a read. the book is a collection of short stories, each with its unique plot and style. as i delved into the pages, i couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity with the ghosts and spirits depicted in the stories, almost as if they were similar to those found in my own country. while the horror element wasn't exactly spine-tingling for me, and i have to admit, some stories didn't capture my attention as much as others, despite that, the writing was easy to follow, and i still found myself thoroughly entertained.

[Varsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nostalgic and entertaining read, Othman Wok's A Mosque In the Jungle brings you back to old Singapore and the various kinds of beliefs, superstitions and other creepies during the time.

It was kind of fascinating to try an imagine Othman coming up with such stories during that time. When did he write it? How did he write it? Did anything creepy happen to him while writing these stories? At the same time, reading this brought me back to my childhood where I absolutely devoured Singapore horror stories by Russell Lee.

This wasnt as scary or as spine chilling as I hope but I might regret saying this. More people need to read this!

[Nadia Masood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short (not-too-scary) horror stories perfect for readers like me who get easily spooked and avoid horror books in general. Some of the stories are even entertaining!

What I enjoyed most about these stories was their distinctive Malay cultural and religious touch. They reminded me of winter nights spent with cousins scaring each other with horror stories until none of us could go to the next room alone!

I suggest reading the introduction first. You’ll be able to appreciate these classic ghost stories better.

[Wen · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting settings with cultural references to singapore and south east asia context. some stories also had the horror vibes well-written but i felt that since they were all short stories, there weren't enough build up to be fully invested in the story. a lot of them felt like it ended abruptly but i guess that might be the point too - those unexplainable endings. overall still a nice quick read!

[dranavs · Rating 4 out of 5]

first of all, menurutku buku ini ngga newbie-friendly. aku pribadi awal-awal menelusuri literatur Inggris dan nemu buku ini,berhenti baca di seperempat halaman, karena banyak kata yg bikin bingung, bahasa Inggris yg asing, jarang dipakai, padahal artinya sederhana. tapi ceritanya oke, isinya tentang urban legend gitu ya, kumpulan cerita pendek. cerita seram berlatar antara Malaysia - Singapura - Indonesia. hiii!

[tappy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, fun, and engaging ghost stories 👻 My favorites were:

1. Si Hitam’s Curse - A cat gets revenge

2. Under the Banyan Tree - A really eerie tale that reminded me of every childhood story about haunted balete trees

3. Sweet Suriati - We all love the ghost of a prostitute gone crazyyy

4. Tengku Ripin’s Wife - It’s giving Blank Space except spooky version

5. The Golden Lantern - I love curses!!!!!!

[Tasya · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok- I love the familiarity and nostalgic feelings many stories brought to me, but many of the stories don't have clear background or resolution. And I just like my mystery/thriller to have exciting buildup and (somewhat) clear resolution, so due to this preference many of the stories don't work for me personally 😭

[Muchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baca buku ini, entah kenapa rasanya hantu2nya relate sama hantu di negara sendiri hahaha
Cuman emang horornya kurang bikin deg deg an sih buat aku, tapi ceritanya seru..
Jadi kayak kumpulan cerpen gitu ceritanya beda2, bahasanya enak juga ga belibet 👍🏻

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

the horror stories are very familiar with what i use to hear growing up here in Indonesia. i have fav and i also have some that just mid for me. still, i love the writing styles and the selection of the stories.

[Puterica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book instantly when i read the first story. The stories are simple, yet it captivating me with such terror (that i underestimated at first lol)

[Clesias · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected! Love the way stories are told and framed, felt really refreshing and different from contemporary horror.

[Fern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun spinetingling collection of horror stories with the inevitable long-haired female that haunts the Asian imagination. Many tales are short and snappy.

[☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short horror stories, what's not to like? Actually there is one: I wish I read this in... Melayunese? The stories are similar to those shared by me and my friends when we tell ghost tales late night in Pramuka camps, sleepovers, break time at school, but the English... doesn't really convey the eerie-ness of Southeast Asia ghosts, it fell flat. Nonetheless, these are stories that we, SEA kids, have close connection with. And as weird as it sounds, reading this collection makes me nostalgic.

[Maya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well if there is a genre called cozy Asian horror then this book fits the bill perfectly.

I enjoyed the book as it has extremely well behaved ghosts and paranormal beings . They did their things without too much blood and gore.

Most of the stories have an open ending, but it’s ok.

I liked the title story and the stories to wards the end .

This book goes to my read the world challenge and it represents Singapore as the Othman was Singaporean . Though the stories are sometimes based in Malaysia. Seems like pre independence of Singapore

[Apollos Michio · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mosque in the Jungle compiles some of Othman Wok’s best horror stories written in the 1950s and 1980s. Most well-known as a politician in Singapore, this collection presents to us a window into his writing.

The stories here are really scary and chilling, with some of them so grisly they’re hard to forget.

I particularly enjoyed how these stories are set in the historical settings of Malaya/Singapore/Indonesia (and even London) in the earlier half of the 20th century and cover a time period of Singapore’s history that is not often depicted in other local literary works. Perhaps this is why there is a sense of nostalgia and cultural appeal in the stories.

Also interesting is the opening essay by Ng Yi-Sheng introducing Othman Wok and how he got into fiction writing.

I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy horror stories!

4/5

[Mutia Novianti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mosque In The Jungle; tells us a various classic horror stories by Othman Wok who is pioneered the ghost stories writing in Malay. Most of The stories where influenced by Malay-Singapore's folklore curated by Ng Yi Sheng.

For someone who didn't read any horror fiction stories, this definitely raised the bar for the first time. This might be a fast-paced twenty four short stories where you could feel that the myth, the conversations between characters, the plot stories were very culturally-thick (is that even a word) even you're reading through Indonesian lenses. I mean for Southeast Asian some of out culture where overlapped one another, from foods, culture, and I don't surprised if even horror stories could overlapped in a terms of "yes, this could happened in my neighborhood". Othman Wok's stories is very very "folklore/fable" to me because you could sense that this kind of stories were the one that your old cousins or parents tells you when you were a kid; the one that felt close to you and maybe you could experienced some yourself.

I believe what makes Othman Wok's stories were brilliant is that he didn't show the ghost itself just like Some of the horror stories such as "Pocong", "Kuntilanak" or etc. instead showing the apperance of the ghost, he shows the descriptive of the setting, the conversations between the main character who lead us to portrayed the ghost in a very subtle way instead. We know that SEA's stories would also included some culture and religion touch, and the clever of Him was the stories did not make you scare about going to pray in the night just as some of the stories we know.

With twenty four short stories that curated, there were some of stories that left me surprised; not only by the stories but the writing style itself.

- Mosque In The Jungle: what a way to hooked a reader especially when you're in a reading slump. the nostalgia itself, the religion touch without scaring you to not pray in the night? hell yes.

- The Sound In The Wall: with this story I believe that is why some of the NEW house in SEA especially muslim would do a pray together not only to be grateful having rizq to have a house maybe it was meant to respect all of the unseen creatures hahaha. But aside from it, I sense with the ghost in the wall might spark an inspiration for Kak Jah to do a revenge female rage character arc (if you want to stretch the stories)

- Si Hitam Curse: "The good shall be rewarded, and the evil shall face punishment. The day shall come when the malicious tastes retribution." I loooove about female rage taking a revenge, especially in horror setting. I don't need any explanation.

- Witri's Vengeance: ANOTHER FEMALE REVENGE? YESSSSSS. Johan is just like every mid male we know. even on "Jaman Penjajah" all men was same lol, but even if Witri's doing way more worse and cruel, I could say, "he deserved it, witri."

[Ayu Ratna Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ada yang suka baca cerita misteri tapi ga mau kebawa takut terus-terusan seperti saya? Jika iya maka kumpulan cerita hantu ini mungkin akan menjadi favorit kamu juga.

A Mosque in The Jungle adalah kumpulan cerita hantu karya Othman Wok, seorang penulis asal Singapura yang sudah terkenal dengan kumpulan cerita hantunya. Ada 24 cerita di dalam buku ini dengan latar cerita di Singapura, Malaysia, dan Indonesia. Ide-ide cerita hantu yang ditulis othman menurut saya sangat menarik dan unik. Setiap cerita selalu memancing rasa penasaran untuk dibaca hingga selesai, namun di sisi lain cerita-cerita itu tidak terlalu membuat merinding dan overthinking sendiri. Bagi penyuka kisah seram mungkin ini dirasa kurang menggigit, tapi bagi saya tipe cerita seperti ini sangatlah cocok. Selain itu karena latar cerita masih di Asia Tenggara maka ada banyak cerita yang terasa relate dengan kita di Indonesia.

Saya suka semua cerita dalam A Mosque in The Jungle tapi ada beberapa cerita yang sangat berkesan bagi saya, terutama cerita-cerita di paruh kedua buku.

Dalam The Guardian, sekelompok peneliti dikejar oleh potongan tangan mumi seorang ksatria dayak penjaga sebuah makam kuno di Kalimantan. Dalam The Skulls of Kuala Banat, sekelompok pendatang yang dikirim oleh pemerintah Inggris untuk menetap di Kuala Banat (sebuah wilayah kosong di tengah hutan dengan reruntuhan peradaban dan tengkorak kuno) meninggal serentak tanpa diketahui apa penyebabnya. Dalam Witri's Vengeance, seorang pria Inggris pemilik perkebunan di Sumatera Utara dihantui oleh arwah kekasih gelapnya yang meninggal dan ia tinggalkan dalam keadaan hamil dan berlumuran darah.

Sedangkan cerita yang paling seram menurut saya adalah Among The Gravestones, The Old House, dan Witri's Vengeance.

Hal yang saya tidak suka dari buku ini adalah ada 2 cerita yang terlalu sadis, terutama pada kucing. Yang tentunya bagi saya pencinta kucing sangat tidak nyaman untuk dibaca sehingga banyak saya skip saat membaca.

A Mosque in The Jungle dapat dibaca di aplikasi Scribd.

[Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wok's A Mosque in the Jungle is a chilling collection of short stories that delve into the heart of Malayan folklore and the complexities of a society undergoing rapid transformation. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing Singapore, the stories offer a haunting exploration of tradition, superstition and the enduring power of the supernatural.

Wok's stories are masterfully crafted, weaving together elements of horror, suspense, and social commentary. The juxtaposition of the serene mosque, a symbol of Islamic faith and community, with the untamed jungle, a realm of the unknown and sinister, creates a potent atmosphere of unease. The mosque becomes a microcosm of the characters' internal struggles as they grapple with the tensions between old and new, tradition and progress.

Through his vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue, Wok offers readers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Malayan culture. The stories are imbued with local color, featuring familiar settings, characters, and superstitions. This cultural authenticity enhances the reader's immersion in the world of the stories and contributes to their overall impact.

The supernatural elements in A Mosque in the Jungle are not merely devices for scares but serve as powerful metaphors for the unseen forces that shape human lives. Ghosts, spirits, and otherworldly beings are used to explore themes of guilt, retribution, and the consequences of ignoring traditional beliefs. Wok's skillful use of these elements creates a sense of dread and unease that lingers long after the stories have ended.

A Mosque in the Jungle has secured its place as a cornerstone of Singaporean horror literature. Wok's ability to blend the familiar with the frightening has resonated with readers for generations. The stories continue to captivate and disturb, serving as a testament to the enduring power of the human imagination and the enduring appeal of the supernatural. Wok's masterful storytelling and vivid imagery create a haunting and unforgettable reading experience.

[ywanderingreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this one for my next Spooktober. I can’t leave out Southeast Asian horror this spooky season. I also have Singa Pura Pura lined up for this month but we’ll see if I can make it! Been in a bit of a book slump lately 🙈

This is a compilation of ghost stories written by the late Othman Wok and curated by Ng Yi Sheng. I love the introduction of Othman Wok in the beginning of the book on how he came to write these stories and an overview of his life. It is so fascinating that he is a writer of horror fiction who also became a politician! Most of these stories were translated from Malay to English and it’s so nice to see the translators being mentioned at the end of the book.

If you are looking for a scary horror that will shake your wits, you won’t find it here. Instead, you will find most of the stories nostalgic as the setting of these stories are set in the past. It feels like having a grandparent telling you a story from their time. Most of these stories are predictable but not in a bad way and they more or less have moral meanings behind their stories.

Here are some of the stories that I particularly enjoyed:

- The Sound in the Wall
- The Anklets (This one did spook me!)
- Si Hitam’s Curse
- Visitor from The Coffin (This one was quite sad!)
- The Golden Lantern
- Witri’s Vengeance

I enjoyed reading this overall and for those who enjoyed reading Russell Lee’s Singapore Ghost Stories will definitely enjoy this as well. I also love the beliefs and superstitions that were added in some of the stories because I’ve heard some of them before from my family and friends which makes me wonder if they are true…What are some spooky superstitions and beliefs that you know?

[Nurul Najihah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The collection consists of 24 stories, each delving into different facets of horror. From the supernatural to psychological, Wok's storytelling prowess shines through as he masterfully crafts eerie atmospheres and chilling scenarios. One of the highlights of the collection is Wok's ability to draw readers into his narratives from the very first sentence. Whether it's a cursed artifact or a haunted house, the author's attention to detail and descriptive prose effortlessly create a sense of impending dread.

What sets Othman Wok's horror stories apart is his exploration of cultural elements. Drawing inspiration from local folklore and urban legends, Wok infuses his tales with a distinct Southeast Asian flavor. This cultural infusion adds depth and authenticity to the narratives, making them both relatable and uniquely captivating. Readers familiar with the region's myths will appreciate the subtle nods, while newcomers will find themselves immersed in a world of unfamiliar horrors.

While the collection excels in creating an atmosphere of fear, it occasionally stumbles in its pacing. Some stories feel rushed, missing opportunities for more profound character development and extended suspense. Additionally, a couple of the tales conclude abruptly, leaving readers yearning for a more satisfying resolution. However, these minor shortcomings don't detract significantly from the overall experience.

Fans of horror, especially those seeking a fresh perspective from a Southeast Asian context, will find this collection an enjoyable journey into the realm of the unknown. Though a touch uneven in execution, Wok's storytelling prowess shines through, leaving readers with lingering echoes of spine-tingling tales long after the final page is turned.

[Khairun Atika · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Now all alone in his room, he could not help feeling quite uneasy. He did not believe in the supernatural, but that did not make what he had just seen any less real and frightening." - The Anklets, from A Mosque in the Jungle: Classic Ghost Stories by Othman Wok

Classic ghost stories indeed. I grew up reading lots of ghost and horror stories, especially by Anthony Horowitz. I remember reading Malayan Horror: Macabre Tales from Singapore and Malaysia in the 50s by Othman Wok in ny youth, and was fascinated by ghost stories. Othman Wok was a true icon in Singapore's political landscape, but I was always in awe of his horror fiction. This collection of his best ghost stories is definitely a must-read for fans of the genre.

The stories are brimming with sensation, nostalgia and true horror. From the narrative of women haunting the cemeteries, to lost spirits leading the living to their doom, and of vengeful spirits seeking redemption, this is the sort of stories that thrive during the Malay community's movie renaissance in the 50s. This was a thriving era, and my parents were fans of movies such as Hantu Kubur, Sumpah Orang Minyak and many other gems of the Malayan cinematic history.

There is a familiarity in the stories. Mainly set in Singapore, Malaya, Indonesia and even in Holland and the United Kingdom, there are close ties and references to Singapore's history. It alludes to the Japanese Occupation and Singapore's merger and eventual separation from Malaysia. The description of the macabre and of the supernatural are stories we grew up with, and never get bored of. It is an excellent example of local horror and suspensful prose, paving the way for a new generation to discover Othman Wok's literary genius.

[Randy Sofyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t remember the last time I read horror story (or did I ever?), so this book kinda a new experience.
An anthology of spooky short stories that spread across Malaya and neighborhood land. I found some stories can give me goosebumps, especially when I read at night. Some others, just creepy enough. Also most of the stories ended in a peculiar way, I guess. The superstition, mystical premises, are familiar because the shared culture and tradition of SEA. Yet, I thought horror stories could be more haunting if they written and told in mother language (I’m Indonesian and I haven’t brave enough to read Indonesian horror story). But, this book is a good opening to genre that I would like to explore more in the future. Here’s some of the stories that made me keep my light on through the night:

The Sound in the Wall: It’s daunting, but also a beautifully painful love/mystery story.

The Anklets: Not gonna lie, this one is creeping me out. I ended up sleep with blanket covers from head to toe.

Dollah returns: Always believe that every school has a dark secret within it.

Si Hitam’s Curse: A nightmare for a cat lover.

[Keval · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the spooky tales in this collection. Some of them aren’t exactly ghost stories but it doesn’t mean they weren’t creepy. I can’t decide which ones are my favourite, but if I had to choose, The Sound in the Wall, Visitor from the Coffin and The Skulls of Kuala Banat did the trick for me.

The stories here are from the 1950s and a couple from the 1980s. I didn’t grow up in the 1950s, but they brought about intense feelings of nostalgia for a Singapore that is long forgotten. I think what adds to their appeal is that they could have taken place anywhere in Singapore, Malaysia or Indonesia, unless a specific geographical reference was made in each tale.

Up until I heard about this book, I have to admit the only thing I knew about Othman Wok was that he passed in 2017. I’m so glad he wrote these stories when he did, and that they have been resurrected for our reading pleasure.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fresh read! It's so fascinating to see a book character in a horror situation and them saying phrases such as "Ya Allah!" and "Astaghfirullah!" The stories are intriguing as well, such a page-turner even though some of it left me hanging, but then again I'm not complaining since it's basically horror short stories and not everything have to get a crystal clear ending. In fact, it is much better to close some chapters with a statement that 'no one knows what happened with/to' because it adds so much flavor to the mystery, I guess. Overall, this was a really fun read! Some chapters really did spook me out.

This book will definitely sit in my mind for quite some time... It's hauntingly, terrifyingly beautiful.