War

An epic and engrossing novel set at the beginning of the twentieth century, THE ODESSANS is the story of three families from Odessa in the Ukraine: the Russian Petrovs, the Jewish Geibers, and the Teslenkos, who are of Ukrainian and Polish descent. Throughout years of war, famine, political struggle and incredible hardship, their deep friendships sustain each of the families. Their lives are rent by tragedy; some friends are hounded by anti-Semites, while others join opposite sides in the Civil War or are forced to flee to Odessa. But through it all, their characteristic good humour and faith in each other enable their close circle to survive.

"Joss and Gold" is an excellent read for those interested in exploring the complexities of societal expectations and personal desire. Shirley Lim's lush portrayal of Li An's inner conflict, set against the backdrop of political turmoil in 1960s Kuala Lumpur, is both captivating and nuanced. The novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of gender roles, social mores, and the struggle to find one's true self.

Reasons to read: - This book takes the epic fantasy genre to a whole new level with its intricate plot and well-developed characters. - The political intrigue and power struggles will keep you on the edge of your seat. - The intense battles and conflicts will leave you breathless and craving for more. - George R.R. Martin's storytelling is captivating, making it hard to put the book down.

"The Opium Toffee" isn't just a tale of unexpected reunions; it's a deep dive into the complexities of a past that shapes the present. If you're looking for a read that blends personal struggle with broader social issues like drug abuse and political unrest, all while exploring the resilience of love, this book offers that journey through the lens of two fascinating characters set against the backdrop of a transforming India.

Daughter of the Tigris explores the human cost of war and how violence can twist people beyond recognition. Muhsin Al-Ramli pens a gripping portrait of Qisma as she makes her way through the chaos of war-torn Iraq to find her father's remains. This novel teaches us that even in the midst of violence, love and mercy can still survive.

This book could be a good read for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and culture of Singapore. Through the lens of the Sembawang community, the author brilliantly captures the essence of resilience and transformation. The vivid descriptions and authentic characters make it an engaging and enlightening read, transporting the reader to a bygone era.

The eccentric Mr Hare – as he was known to Sophia, the first wife of Singapore founder Thomas Stamford Raffles – and his Asian harem are brought vividly to life in this work of historical fiction set in Southeast Asia. Arthur Grimsby is an ageing expat in 1960s Singapore. Museum curator, ornithologist, freshly bereaved, he fears Singapore's looming independence and his redundancy and tries to complete one final piece of the life story of an eccentric 19th-century Englishman called Alexander Hare. Hare was a trader and slave-owner in the East and a friend of Thomas Stamford Raffles, Lieutenant Governor of Java and the founder of Singapore, but Hare's chief claim to fame is as the creator of an Asian harem, including in his collection women from Java, Bali, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Borneo, the Malay Peninsula, China, India and Africa. Hare's love of women and his assembling of a harem, initially in Borneo and then on an uninhabited atoll that would become the Cocos-Keeling Islands, made him an object of guilty male fantasies and of strident female resentments, the epitome of masculine, colonial exploitation. But Arthur Grimsby's paths are no straighter than Alexander Hare's and the two grow together as their destinies intertwine.

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.

Chronicles the joys and sorrows of the four March sisters as they grow into young ladies in nineteenth-century New England.