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And the Award Goes to Sally Bong!
Co-Winner of the 2021 Epigram Books Fiction Prize
Sally Bong is the typical do-gooder. But her journey as an exemplary citizen of Singapore is put into question when she meets people on the margins, upending everything she has learned in school. In a follow-up to the hilarious Let’s Give It Up for Gimme Lao!, Sebastian Sim delves deeper into a nation’s psyche with more shrewd humour than ever before.
Sally Bong is the typical do-gooder. But her journey as an exemplary citizen of Singapore is put into question when she meets people on the margins, upending everything she has learned in school. In a follow-up to the hilarious Let’s Give It Up for Gimme Lao!, Sebastian Sim delves deeper into a nation’s psyche with more shrewd humour than ever before.
312 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2021
About the author
Sebastian Sim
3 books22 followersSebastian Sim grew up in a two-room HDB flat with parents who were part of the pioneer generation of independent Singapore. Not one to shy away from the road less taken, he has travelled around the world to soak up different experiences and cultures, and tried his hand in diverse industries: a bartender at Boat Quay, an assistant outlet manager at McDonald’s, an insurance salesman, a prison officer in a maximum security prison, and a croupier in a casino.
He published three Chinese wuxia novels between 2004 and 2012, and his first English-language novel, Let’s Give It Up for Gimme Lao! (2016), was shortlisted for the 2015 Epigram Books Fiction Prize. The Riot Act won the 2017 Epigram Books Fiction Prize.
He published three Chinese wuxia novels between 2004 and 2012, and his first English-language novel, Let’s Give It Up for Gimme Lao! (2016), was shortlisted for the 2015 Epigram Books Fiction Prize. The Riot Act won the 2017 Epigram Books Fiction Prize.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 28, 2022
Having read Sebastian Sim's Gimme Lao series, I find Sally Bong a great follow-up and enjoyed reading about the poster child of Singapore, Sally Bong. The references to various events in Singapore, notably our uneasy grappling with the LGBTQ issue, our awkward navigation of race matters, make for thought-provoking reading. I end up liking Sally Bong too!
June 2, 2026
Bought this with my sg culture pass because the blue & pink cover was cute - and also because I’d been reading nonfiction a lot more the past few years and wanted to dip my toes in and dive back into the love for fiction I had in my younger years, while also show some love and support towards local writers & the singlit scene. However, this book left me utterly disappointed! It felt remarkably “SJW”!!!! there was a lot of **important** themes that cloud our SG political and social scene that appeared and were recognised in the book, yet their gravity was diluted because of how little or shallowly it was delved into and explored. It felt a bit like a laundry list of issues in sg to address, rather than choosing a few to address in a storytelling manner headfirst. The main character (Sally Bong) was also extremely unlikeable. I don’t know if the author is deliberately portraying Bong as a flawed character who makes mistakes but grows from them, but to me, she just seems like another privileged Singaporean Chinese saviour. It was distasteful, and also made it seem as though the author themself was an SJW, and lacked depth and real critical analysis towards the social issues in Singapore. This could have been enhanced with more research - both primary and secondary, to really get a feel of similar situations, and personas that were expressed in the book.
As someone who likes to finish books in one sitting, this took me over a month to get through because of how confusing the storyline and the main messaging of the book was — when i reached chapter 7 i was like what am i even reading anymore? Every time I opened the book I had to trace back the entire chapter, because frankly, it lacked substance and memorability to the extent I couldn’t even remember what happened earlier (even if I had just read it a day before). Some storylines felt unfinished, and it was unclear which plot-lines were to build up on Bong’s character, where the climax was, and what I was meant to take away from the book. A flow was lacking, and this also created boredom and stagnation in the storyline. What was the intention of each chapter? Intention of each character? I’m left confused. The jumping of time frames was also unsettling, and left me confused.
Another thing, or the most important thing I’d like to highlight, is the writing style. This is an acquired taste, and while some may enjoy it and appreciate the structured clean writing, to me it was a bore. It felt like a composition, and an extended version of something out of a primary or secondary school compo assessment book. Once again, this may have been a deliberate choice, given the target audience is Singaporean, but helllll, it was difficult to get through. It was amateur, and a drag. There was a lot of unnecessary similes, metaphors, and just felt like an overload rather than natural. I found myself furrowing or raising my eyebrow a lot reading, even though there was no one else in the room. I would love to name examples - but once again, the lack of memorability makes it difficult. I remember just the main character (Bong) observing something, and then making some completely unrelated, absurd conclusion following it. These conclusions always felt rooted in performative social activism or some hinting at justice themes; yet as i mentioned earlier, they never properly materialised. Nevermind, I remember one. When she helped an Indian boy learn Chinese in an SAP school. What a ridiculous situation that reeks of saviour complex, and was complimented and flashed on news channels. Jeez. Shouldn’t the real conversation be diverted towards the daftness behind the very concept of a SAP school?
The writing was awful, and was lacking variation. I’d love a more “show, don’t tell” writing style that isn’t so focused on loading literary devices or sounding pretentious. It should be natural, and the writing should not distract me from the main story but rather amplify the visual of the story. I didn’t find myself able to visualize anything in the book thusfar. The dialogue was lacking as well…
I don’t want to use this to judge or create a prejudice against the Singlit genre as a whole — and will remain open minded! I hope i find less academic and congested reads soon.
As someone who likes to finish books in one sitting, this took me over a month to get through because of how confusing the storyline and the main messaging of the book was — when i reached chapter 7 i was like what am i even reading anymore? Every time I opened the book I had to trace back the entire chapter, because frankly, it lacked substance and memorability to the extent I couldn’t even remember what happened earlier (even if I had just read it a day before). Some storylines felt unfinished, and it was unclear which plot-lines were to build up on Bong’s character, where the climax was, and what I was meant to take away from the book. A flow was lacking, and this also created boredom and stagnation in the storyline. What was the intention of each chapter? Intention of each character? I’m left confused. The jumping of time frames was also unsettling, and left me confused.
Another thing, or the most important thing I’d like to highlight, is the writing style. This is an acquired taste, and while some may enjoy it and appreciate the structured clean writing, to me it was a bore. It felt like a composition, and an extended version of something out of a primary or secondary school compo assessment book. Once again, this may have been a deliberate choice, given the target audience is Singaporean, but helllll, it was difficult to get through. It was amateur, and a drag. There was a lot of unnecessary similes, metaphors, and just felt like an overload rather than natural. I found myself furrowing or raising my eyebrow a lot reading, even though there was no one else in the room. I would love to name examples - but once again, the lack of memorability makes it difficult. I remember just the main character (Bong) observing something, and then making some completely unrelated, absurd conclusion following it. These conclusions always felt rooted in performative social activism or some hinting at justice themes; yet as i mentioned earlier, they never properly materialised. Nevermind, I remember one. When she helped an Indian boy learn Chinese in an SAP school. What a ridiculous situation that reeks of saviour complex, and was complimented and flashed on news channels. Jeez. Shouldn’t the real conversation be diverted towards the daftness behind the very concept of a SAP school?
The writing was awful, and was lacking variation. I’d love a more “show, don’t tell” writing style that isn’t so focused on loading literary devices or sounding pretentious. It should be natural, and the writing should not distract me from the main story but rather amplify the visual of the story. I didn’t find myself able to visualize anything in the book thusfar. The dialogue was lacking as well…
I don’t want to use this to judge or create a prejudice against the Singlit genre as a whole — and will remain open minded! I hope i find less academic and congested reads soon.
November 27, 2021
Set against the author's literary SGEU (Singapore Extended Universe), the focus is now placed on SG's "silent majority" represented by protagonist Sally Bong. Where does she stand on various topics and issues? What is her attitude towards other fellow Singaporeans? It's great that SGEU has Sally Bong, it's great that in SG we have each other.
March 16, 2022
Didn’t know Singlit can be this good, wow. The writing was okay, and the dialogue sometimes felt too impeccable and atas and unlike the way Singaporeans speak, but obviously we can’t have the whole book full of singlish. But that’s all okay, cos I really loved how the characters were built, the journeys they go through, the references to so many Singaporean elements. Felt exactly like a parallel life I could have led. Very very very relatable. Probably will reread.
I felt like there were a lot of issues covered, and maybe a bit too much about LGBTQ stuff? There was a wide range of characters portrayed, especially those from marginalised groups in Singapore, and I thought it was pretty well done, it’s a bit like This Is What Inequality Looks Like, except in a story form, which makes it more poignant and touching. Does remind me of my privilege.
Also made me think about what are the important things in life, a scene I remember quite strongly was JP mentioning to Sally the hexagon of success including health, wealth, career, family, spiritual, influence, while Sally felt really bad cos she had nothing, while JP as the well-paid IT professional seemed to be much more successful in life. Yet clearly, Sally being such a compassionate person that has improved the lives of many people around her directly, is clearly the character we are rooting for. Haish, JP really represents the typical Singaporean path of success I guess, and slowly being trapped in his own success and marking everyone else as losers…
Think I should reread this again.
I felt like there were a lot of issues covered, and maybe a bit too much about LGBTQ stuff? There was a wide range of characters portrayed, especially those from marginalised groups in Singapore, and I thought it was pretty well done, it’s a bit like This Is What Inequality Looks Like, except in a story form, which makes it more poignant and touching. Does remind me of my privilege.
Also made me think about what are the important things in life, a scene I remember quite strongly was JP mentioning to Sally the hexagon of success including health, wealth, career, family, spiritual, influence, while Sally felt really bad cos she had nothing, while JP as the well-paid IT professional seemed to be much more successful in life. Yet clearly, Sally being such a compassionate person that has improved the lives of many people around her directly, is clearly the character we are rooting for. Haish, JP really represents the typical Singaporean path of success I guess, and slowly being trapped in his own success and marking everyone else as losers…
Think I should reread this again.
January 8, 2026
Sally Bong is indefatigable and someone I’d feel inclined to cheer on. This was another encouraging read to return to during a tough week. It reminisces aspects of the evolution of a Singapore society, and is relevant because that is ongoing, The past can rear itself once again, even if we’ve progressed. So it’s good to be aware and to discuss the issues, which is how a book can contribute.
I’m recommending this to my book clubs. Best read alongside Sebastian Sim’s Gimme Lao (2016) book. This was a print book from the Book Bar.
I’m recommending this to my book clubs. Best read alongside Sebastian Sim’s Gimme Lao (2016) book. This was a print book from the Book Bar.
May 20, 2022
Sally Bong. Such an ordinary name. Indeed, the entire novel follows Sally’s extraordinary ordinary life from 10 years old to her 50s (in present day SG, with the casual mention of Covid-19, thrown in for context).
Sally is an ordinary girl with a kind heart; “an earth-bound Angel who only gets to spread her wings when she have someone to care for.” The novel opens with Sally accidentally being the poster child for racial harmony and national identity in 1977, while coaching her Indian classmate in Chinese. Over the years, her do-gooder and proactive actions also made her the accidental ambassador of the Yellow Ribbon Project.
Throughout the novel, Sally represents the average Singaporean female who feels trapped by societal norms, comparing herself to her peers, questioning where she fell short or if she should strive harder to achieve the accepted symbols of success.
At times, I got a bit impatient with the novel. Not that it got boring but reading the novel felt like an exclusive peek into a neighbour’s life.
I’ve grown to enjoy SingLit in recent year, mostly because of the relatable context and Sebastian Sim did an excellent job with his cast of familiar characters and local stereotypes. I would read and go “yes I definitely know someone like this”. Key moments of Singapore’s history are also cleverly woven into the novel and even with one of the unexpected characters running for a position in the Opposition Party.
Two of the key issues that were predominantly featured in the novel were Race and “Same-sex attraction”. I was hesitant to include this statement as I won’t want anyone to form any preclusions before reading this book. But I can say Sebastian Sim dealt with these issues in a humorous and clever manner that was quite easy to read.
Sally is an ordinary girl with a kind heart; “an earth-bound Angel who only gets to spread her wings when she have someone to care for.” The novel opens with Sally accidentally being the poster child for racial harmony and national identity in 1977, while coaching her Indian classmate in Chinese. Over the years, her do-gooder and proactive actions also made her the accidental ambassador of the Yellow Ribbon Project.
Throughout the novel, Sally represents the average Singaporean female who feels trapped by societal norms, comparing herself to her peers, questioning where she fell short or if she should strive harder to achieve the accepted symbols of success.
At times, I got a bit impatient with the novel. Not that it got boring but reading the novel felt like an exclusive peek into a neighbour’s life.
I’ve grown to enjoy SingLit in recent year, mostly because of the relatable context and Sebastian Sim did an excellent job with his cast of familiar characters and local stereotypes. I would read and go “yes I definitely know someone like this”. Key moments of Singapore’s history are also cleverly woven into the novel and even with one of the unexpected characters running for a position in the Opposition Party.
Two of the key issues that were predominantly featured in the novel were Race and “Same-sex attraction”. I was hesitant to include this statement as I won’t want anyone to form any preclusions before reading this book. But I can say Sebastian Sim dealt with these issues in a humorous and clever manner that was quite easy to read.
February 24, 2026
There is a genre of Singlit writers who coincide their fiction with turning points in Singapore’s history, and I’ve never seen someone who it better than Sebastian Sim.
Sim writes with lightheartedness and brevity, putting across his astute insights elegantly. From a throwback on the pencil cases we used to own as children — he surprised her with a lime green pencil box, which had layered compartments that could be pulled out like those of a handyman’s toolbox, to reveal secret little slots in which one could stash an eraser — to the matter-of-fact observations that sound funny to those in the know: Six months had barely gone by when the Racial Harmony Campaign had to make way for the Courtesy Campaign. At school, posters of Singapore the Courtesy Lion reminding everyone to say “please” and “thank you” were plastered all along the corridors. The titular character Sally Bong is likeable and tenacious, but not a perfect character. Gimme Lao reappears in this book and I think I could live in the Sebastian Sim Fictional Universe.
Excerpts
Willy and Sally Bong took charge of the funeral and cremation arrangements. The two made the necessary trips to the neighbourhood police post, Singapore Casket, Mount Vernon Columbarium, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Central Provident Fund Building, Housing and Development Board, and the banks.
"How is Gimme doing?"
"Busy," Mary Lao said. "He's deputy head at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Communicable Disease Division. Plus vice-chair on the Bukit Panjang Community Club Management Committee, and chairman on the Community Emergency and Engagement Committee. I hardly see him nowadays."
Sally Bong thought that a simple "busy" would have sufficed.
Sim writes with lightheartedness and brevity, putting across his astute insights elegantly. From a throwback on the pencil cases we used to own as children — he surprised her with a lime green pencil box, which had layered compartments that could be pulled out like those of a handyman’s toolbox, to reveal secret little slots in which one could stash an eraser — to the matter-of-fact observations that sound funny to those in the know: Six months had barely gone by when the Racial Harmony Campaign had to make way for the Courtesy Campaign. At school, posters of Singapore the Courtesy Lion reminding everyone to say “please” and “thank you” were plastered all along the corridors. The titular character Sally Bong is likeable and tenacious, but not a perfect character. Gimme Lao reappears in this book and I think I could live in the Sebastian Sim Fictional Universe.
Excerpts
Willy and Sally Bong took charge of the funeral and cremation arrangements. The two made the necessary trips to the neighbourhood police post, Singapore Casket, Mount Vernon Columbarium, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Central Provident Fund Building, Housing and Development Board, and the banks.
"How is Gimme doing?"
"Busy," Mary Lao said. "He's deputy head at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Communicable Disease Division. Plus vice-chair on the Bukit Panjang Community Club Management Committee, and chairman on the Community Emergency and Engagement Committee. I hardly see him nowadays."
Sally Bong thought that a simple "busy" would have sufficed.
April 25, 2023
Menarik sih baca tentang dinamika kehidupan di negeri tetangga tapi gue struggle nyelesein karena jalan ceritanya berasa random dan disjointed.
Bukunya diawalin dengan isu dinamika ras dan kelas di Singapura: inequality, prejudice, etc tapi penuturannya witty, gak kerasa menasihati.
Tapi makin ke belakang, ketika makin banyak cerita tentang “potret” kehidupan orang di sekitar Sally — yang kena grooming lah, teman yang down syndrome lah, yang jadi single mom lah— rasanya buku ini kayak ngelempar cerita random tentang orang di sekitar Sally aja karena dia do-gooders, ga bikin gue care sama karakternya dan penasaran untuk lanjut.
Bukunya diawalin dengan isu dinamika ras dan kelas di Singapura: inequality, prejudice, etc tapi penuturannya witty, gak kerasa menasihati.
Tapi makin ke belakang, ketika makin banyak cerita tentang “potret” kehidupan orang di sekitar Sally — yang kena grooming lah, teman yang down syndrome lah, yang jadi single mom lah— rasanya buku ini kayak ngelempar cerita random tentang orang di sekitar Sally aja karena dia do-gooders, ga bikin gue care sama karakternya dan penasaran untuk lanjut.
September 24, 2025
Picked up this book to support Singlit, I guess?
The good:
- Sally bong feels like real character and I enjoyed her growth
- Moments of wit - enjoyed the last chapter quite a bit.
The not so good:
- writing is a little stilted, all other characters feel like caricatures
- It covers a lot of singaporean history and weaves in current affairs (racist rap by the Indian teenager, operation cold store) but it reads like it’s being jammed in there rather than it being useful for the story or the characters.
- The description of the space / actions or the dialogue, doesn’t feel very smooth. Not sure how to put it but the writing comes off amatuerish (not that I can do better, haha).
The good:
- Sally bong feels like real character and I enjoyed her growth
- Moments of wit - enjoyed the last chapter quite a bit.
The not so good:
- writing is a little stilted, all other characters feel like caricatures
- It covers a lot of singaporean history and weaves in current affairs (racist rap by the Indian teenager, operation cold store) but it reads like it’s being jammed in there rather than it being useful for the story or the characters.
- The description of the space / actions or the dialogue, doesn’t feel very smooth. Not sure how to put it but the writing comes off amatuerish (not that I can do better, haha).
April 25, 2026
while i appreciated how this book tried to explore many societal issues in singapore, i felt that it tried to have something to say for too many topics and ended up not saying enough for all. there were several chapters that had really good build up and i had wanted more from, only for the next chapter to completely switch gears.
but regardless, i liked that one of the main internal struggles faced by the protagonist was her shame of being“unremarkable” by the standards of the rat race in singapore. i enjoyed reading about her journey of finding herself again and learning not to let life just happen to her
but regardless, i liked that one of the main internal struggles faced by the protagonist was her shame of being“unremarkable” by the standards of the rat race in singapore. i enjoyed reading about her journey of finding herself again and learning not to let life just happen to her
October 5, 2025
Initially wasn’t pleased with the writing style and the explicit nature of certain characters, but after a few chapters it mellowed out. I even found Sally quite relatable at times and was interested in reading more. This book is essentially a social commentary about Singapore over the decades, discussing the various stereotypes different communities face, struggles they encounter and overcome. It’s not particularly fast-moving, though it can be quite an eye opener especially for the younger generation.
October 11, 2025
I initially found Sally annoying, especially when she was pushing for all Brains are Equal and did not seem to get that people are not buying into the idea but she was still pushing for it. But as the story continues, I can’t help but feel that it’ll be nice if all of us have a little bit of Sally Bong in us- try to do something to make things better either in our surroundings or in our country. Then maybe, our people can be less angry and apathetic and our country can continue to change for the better.
April 15, 2023
Sally Bong is charming as fuck. It's a wonderful story weaving moments from Singapore's history into the life of a single, seemingly ordinary, woman. Sebastian captures Sally's personality beautifully, and doesn't shy away from issues often swept under the rug in terms of an outsider trying to get a perspective on Singapore. Ultimately, And The Award Goes to Sally Bong! is about what makes Singapore great - its people, its practices.
May 7, 2026
Love the story of Sally Bong, the protagonist in the story. Through the story, the author brings out his sense of social justice, in the Singaporean society. The volunteer social work that Sally Bong reflects the society's need to work towards supporting the minority (race, LGBTQ, gender), the poor, the disabled, the have-nots live and be independent contributing citizens. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book.
June 4, 2024
Found this less enjoyable than the author's previous two books. The broad sweep of the overly plotted story, stuffed with almost sensationalistic, tabloid-like references to all manners of injustices in Singapore history, spreads things too thin and dilutes the humour. The do-gooder protagonist is a bit of a bland cipher, and large chunks of the book are pretty much tension-free.
August 19, 2024
Epic crossover from let's give it up for gimme lao. Main focuses are on differential racial treatment (unconscious biasness), same-sex marriages and chasing the singaporean dream. However am little disappointed at the end, because of the time-skip ending. Hope to see expansions from this series of books.
November 14, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the Gimme Lao one. Perhaps because Sally is a much less hate-able character and her story was much more easy to follow. I liked that she was not as flat a character as Gimme, and it’s refreshing to see how her perspectives change as she matured and interacted with people she happen to cross paths with
January 15, 2022
Easy read, especially for Singaporeans and peppered with some local context. Surprised by the breath and diversity of topics touched on in the book - could not really stop midway because I wondered where Sally Bong would end up in the end.
April 9, 2026
I think between this and Let's give it up for Gimme Lao, the latter was more entertaining and fresher. This has a lot more controversial takes and isn't as neutral in talking about certain local political issues. Still a page turner.
September 28, 2021
Why so many gay and lesbian characters?
December 29, 2021
Immensely enjoyable. Sebastian Sim weaves quite current topic in his third outing as well. One of the top 10? 15? local fiction I've read this year. Will be looking out for his 4th.
February 28, 2022
An enjoyable book but may only be truly appreciated by fellow Singaporeans. Sally Bong is likeable and relatable; despite her cringy name.
August 20, 2022
if you have read gimme lao before this, sally bong will most likely be underwhelming for you. it is still a good book, except gimme lao raised my expectations for sebastian sim too high.
May 29, 2023
3,5/5
August 6, 2024
Long and a bit preachy but OK lah good social issues brought up and I ended up hating Sally less and less
I did finish it so I guess I was actually quite invested hahaha
I did finish it so I guess I was actually quite invested hahaha
October 1, 2024
My second favorite of Sim's novels. I love his stories and characters. The writing goes down easy, and I'm always entertained.
February 23, 2025
Fun and uplifting, but ending felt weirdly abrupt.
July 30, 2026
Dialogue is a little artificial but enjoyable fast read
May 29, 2024
Co-winner of the Epigram Books Fiction Prize 2021, Sebastian Sim’s And the Award Goes to Sally Bong! is a story about the eponymous protagonist trying to live her life in Singapore as exceptionally as possible. The challenging thing about this is that an exceptional life means different things to different people. 🇸🇬
Sim has always been interested in depicting and critiquing the Singapore society, and in this novel, Sally Bong is the lens through which we navigate the country. Through marginalised characters, issues from LGBTQ, to religion, systemic discrimination, politics and even public housing policies are discussed, almost like the ticking of a checklist of Singaporean hot topics. 🏳️🌈⛪️👨⚖️🏡
Yet, this provides rich fodder to discuss and recalibrate our ideals as citizens of Singapore, and Sally Bong is definitely as inspiring character who tries to do good even when it is a very hard thing to do! 🎖️
4/5
Sim has always been interested in depicting and critiquing the Singapore society, and in this novel, Sally Bong is the lens through which we navigate the country. Through marginalised characters, issues from LGBTQ, to religion, systemic discrimination, politics and even public housing policies are discussed, almost like the ticking of a checklist of Singaporean hot topics. 🏳️🌈⛪️👨⚖️🏡
Yet, this provides rich fodder to discuss and recalibrate our ideals as citizens of Singapore, and Sally Bong is definitely as inspiring character who tries to do good even when it is a very hard thing to do! 🎖️
4/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews