Review: An Interesting and Enjoyable Read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 30, 2012
I found this book by accident the way you do when you randomly click from one thing to the next. Because I did not read the full description, I was expecting an action novel. The beginning further cemented my incorrect assumption. When the book turned more expository and action didn't come, I almost put it down. I'm glad I didn't. Once I got my head around the fact that I was reading a memoir, it was very enjoyable.I really enjoyed the description in the book and learning more about life as a boy growing up in rural Malay. The author has a great sense of humor, and the tone of most of the book is very conversational. It is much like sitting in someone's living room, sipping a cup of coffee, and listening to their stories. The stories range from poignant to funny to informative. They are all interesting. The author has a candid wit and a joy of non sequiturs that caused some laugh-out-loud moments.The book has some faults, as most books do. The author could do more "showing" and less "telling", and more dialogue would allow the reader to experience the stories in a richer and more vivid way. Regardless, it is a pleasant read. If readers enjoy memoirs and are interested in southeast Asia and recent history, this book will add depth to their knowledge and understanding of Malaysia in the 60's and 70's, and of this author's life.