The Earnest Mask offers a unique and touching perspective on Singapore's development. The collection of stories delves into the personal stories of individuals during the nation's growth. Each story provides a glimpse into the lives of different people dealing with personal and societal issues. The writing is poignant and witty, making the stories relatable and easy to read. Readers who are interested in understanding Singapore from a personal perspective will enjoy this book.

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translated by Howard Goldblatt and Sylvia Li-chun Lin

In this Singapore Literature Prize-winning collection of stories, an aging Japanese ex-soldier, ignorant about the horrors of the Japanese Occupation, returns to Singapore for a nostalgic visit; a young boy’s sole contact with his father consists of a weekly meeting at McDonald’s; and a hopeful employee tries to win over his tumour-stricken boss with traditional Chinese medicine. Set against the backdrop of Singapore’s rapid development from the 1980s to the early 2000s, the poignant and witty stories in The Earnest Mask peel back the veneer of official history, revealing flashes of the personal stories buried beneath.

Author: Xi Ni Er
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 208
Publisher: Epigram Books
Publication Date: 05 Apr 2013

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