War-era Singapore family saga meets linguistic metamorphosis.
"Breaking the Tongue: A Novel" packs a punch with its vivid portrayal of a tumultuous time in Singapore's history, seen through the eyes of a relatable family. Its blend of the personal with the political is a literary dance that invites you into the deep-rooted conflicts and transformations of its characters. If you appreciate stories where the fabric of language is as pivotal as the plot itself, this evocative read will resonate with you long after the final page.
ISBN: 9780393326543
Authors:
Vyvyane Loh
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Date of Publication: 2005-03-17
Format: Paperback
Goodreads rating: 3.8
(rated by 416 readers)
Description
This brilliant novel chronicles the fall of Singapore to the Japanese in World War II. Central to the story is one Chinese family: Claude, raised to be more British than the British and ashamed of his own heritage; his father, Humphrey, whose Anglophilia blinds him to possible defeat and his wife's dalliances; and the redoubtable Grandma Siok, whose sage advice falls on deaf ears. Expatriates, spies, fifth columnists, and nationalists—including the elusive young woman Ling-Li—mingle in this exotic culture as the Japanese threat looms. Beset by the horror of war and betrayal and, finally, torture, Claude must embrace his true heritage. In the extraordinary final paragraphs of the novel, the language itself breaks into Chinese. With penetrating observation, Vyvyane Loh unfolds the coming-of-age story of a young man and a nation, a story that deals with myth, race, and class, with the ways language shapes perceptions, and with the intrigue and suffering of war. Reading group guide included.
Condition guide
Book Condition Guide
Books in Like New Condition
This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Books in Very Good Condition
This book has been used, but it is still in a clean condition. There should be no foxing or annotations of any kind on the inner pages, but a sparse amount may be present on the cover, title pages, or outside edges of the book. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be light crease marks on the spine.
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Books in Good Condition
We do our best to ensure the quality of our books, but there is no escaping the wear and tear that comes with time. Slight foxing and some annotations may be present on the pages and the cover. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be several crease marks on the spine.
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Books in Well Read Condition
This is a well-read book, which means that the previous owner probably really enjoyed it! The cover and pages may include moderate foxing and annotations, but the text is not obscured and still readable. Moderate cosmetic defects and minor water damage may be present on the edges of the book. For paperbacks, there may be multiple crease marks on the spine.
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
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War-era Singapore family saga meets linguistic metamorphosis.
"Breaking the Tongue: A Novel" packs a punch with its vivid portrayal of a tumultuous time in Singapore's history, seen through the eyes of a relatable family. Its blend of the personal with the political is a literary dance that invites you into the deep-rooted conflicts and transformations of its characters. If you appreciate stories where the fabric of language is as pivotal as the plot itself, this evocative read will resonate with you long after the final page.
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