Longlisted for the 2022 Epigram Books Fiction Prize
Three students meet and bond over anti-government protests at university. Min Chan is a budding playwright, Martin is first in his family to reach higher learning, and Shu Peng is destined for politics. Following graduation and for decades afterward, their friendship is threatened by political harassment and intimidation, even as each of them pushes back to try and shape a better future for themselves and the country.
Wong Souk Yee, 57, is a playwright and former political detainee, who contested the 2015 General Election as a member of the Singapore Democratic Party. An adjunct lecturer at the National University of Singapore, she co-founded the now-defunct theatre group Third Stage. In 1987, she was detained for allegedly taking part in a Marxist conspiracy against the government. She co-directed and co-wrote the play Square Moon, staged in 2013, about detention without trial.
Wong holds a PhD in Creative Writing and Literature from the University of New South Wales, Sydney; a Master of Arts (Honours) in Creative Writing from the University of Western Sydney; and a Bachelor of Accountancy from the then University of Singapore.
A riveting introspection on the political landscape in Singapore along with an exploration of the complexities and conflicts present in human relationships.
This book centres a fight for change in Singapore that seems hopeless. Yet, the human spirit is steadfast, and the characters refuse to give up their morals or principles.
The characters are real, reflecting the ordinary and privileged people of Singapore. This book is a great insight into the politics of this small country. If we fight, what cost do we pay?