Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Harmony Silk Factory by Tash Aw


What would you do if your father was a cold-blooded murderer? In Jasper’s case, write a book and tell the world. The Harmony Silk Factory is a 3 part narrative of an almost legend named Johnny Lim as seen through the eyes of his son Jasper, his wife Snow and his best friend Peter.

Basic synopsis

The book regales the story of how an ordinary boy named Johnny Lim came to be one of the most feared and revered men in Kinta Valley. The story is set mainly pre- Japanese invasion of Malaya.


Best thing about the book

I rarely read Asian books (not that I’m being discriminative, but I just haven’t had the opportunity), so it was quite refreshing to read a story interspersed with familiar local colloquialisms. Plus it was easy to identify with the events that happened. Much like a refresher class in Malaysian history.


Worst thing about the book

The pace was a bit slow. In the end I began to skim instead of read, just to reach the ending faster.


A quote I liked from the book

“He’s not his father’s son for nothing” ~after Jasper managed to single-handedly save his father from certain death~


You will enjoy this book IF

  • You like books with local flavour

  • You like books which repeat the storyline a few times , each time revealing a different perspective or angle

Awards

The Whitbread First Novel Award Winner 2005

Rating: 3/5


5 comments:

smallkucing said...

I have read the book a few years ago. Ya I love local flavour. But still a bit puzzle about the ending on whose son is it.

Cik Lily Putih said...

i love to read, but buku ini blom penah baca lagi lah

Hidayah Ismawi said...

smallkucing: ahaha.. i thought i was the only who was confused because I skipped a few pages at the end.. hehe.. my best guess is... PETER!

CikLilyPutih: The book was ok.. I guess if I had more time.. i would have enjoyed it better

smallkucing said...

Still puzzled lah...

He have new book but havent buy yet..hoping might find it in BX kakaka...

Hidayah Ismawi said...

Smallkucing: ahaha.. hopefully it's there.. can't wait to read what u think of it :)

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