War

If you're looking to immerse yourself in the vivid tapestry of Southeast Asian culture, "The Merlion and the Hibiscus" is a treasure trove waiting for you. Its pages offer a diverse anthology, each story unraveling complexities of ethnicity, generational changes, and the lingering echoes of colonialism through personal narratives that resonate with authentic voices. These short stories could become the window through which you view Singapore and Malaysia, not just as places, but as vibrant societies with rich, intertwining histories.

This book is a collection of micro-fiction that beautifully captures the essence of Asia through intimate stories of family and travel. Chew Kok Chang's elegant and spare writing style brings alive the complex emotions of husbands, wives, and children dealing with upheaval in their lives. The stories are filled with twists and turns, making you question what is real and what is not. If you want to immerse yourself in the cultural landscape of Asia and experience the profound changes taking place in the region, this book is a must-read.