Category: Literature
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Triple Review: Docile by Hyeseung Song, Shanghai Dolls at Kiln Theatre and Love Hurts starring Ke Huy Quan
In this first of future triple reviews, I lend my thoughts on Docile – Memoirs of a Not-So-Perfect Asian Girl by Hyeseung Song, the play Shanghai Dolls at Kiln Theatre and the film Love Hurts starring Ke Huy Quan.
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The Six Chinese Titanic survivors: Uncovering hidden British history with Voice ESEA’s ECHO exhibition
History author Steven Schwankert’s new book “The Six” uncovers the hidden and forgotten stories of the Titanic’s six Chinese survivors more than 100 years ago. Coinciding with the fateful anniversary and released as a companion to “The Six” documentary from 2021, this eye-opening book is surprisingly detailed and thought-provoking, and…
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Exclusive Preview: “Dear Ricky” by Choon Young Tan
It’s early 2020. The world is in disarray. And so is Young’s life when family tragedy strikes and everything goes a bit topsy-turvy as well. Will he pull through ok on the other side? With his old friend “Ricky” to confide all in, Young can only hope. Based on many…
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Book Review: Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
Sher Lee’s debut YA romcom novel “Fake Dates and Mooncakes” offers LGBTQ and ESEA representation as well as cultural education, whilst allowing fluffy escapism from reality. Read my full review here.
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Asian representation vs. the Model Minority Myth and the media
ESEA (East and Southeast Asian) representation has slowly improved in the US over the years, but still needs major improvement in the UK. How can this be turned around so Model Minority and other stereotypical characters and storylines are challenged and avoided, giving ESEA talent and creatives the opportunities to…
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Book Review: “Boy Like Me” by Simon James Green
Renowned queer YA author Simon James Green’s latest and most personal novel “Boy Like Me” is a must-read for those who want a politically-charged and emotional story that highlights the realities of living through the Section 28 era.
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ESEA Heritage Month: a poem
September is ESEA (East and Southeast Asian) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honour ESEA people and communities across the UK, their heritage and cultures and their contributions to British society. That’s why I wrote this poem which is my 100th post on this blog!
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Book Review: “Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu” by Maisie Chan
British-Chinese children’s author Maisie Chan’s second children’s novel “Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu” is a heartwarming and uplifting story about family ties and finding the fun in life again. Read my full review here.
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Pride Month: “Sorry, Nenek” – a short story
“Sorry, Nenek” is another short story written by myself about a British-born half-Malaysian and half-Chinese gay man returning to Malaysia with his boyfriend. But how will his Malay grandma react to their visit? This short story is the first of two I will be posting here on Tan’s Topics this…
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