Ripples and Other Stories: Impressions
I just finished reading Shih Li Kow’s Ripples and Other Stories. A collection of short stories, all of which feature very Malaysian characters and settings (well, except for one fantasy-infused tale), the book makes for thoughtful, intelligent reading. Shih Li’s economical prose paints scenes most Malaysians would be familiar with, but is explored with enough depth and sensitivity to bathe the scenes in new light.
What I especially liked was how characters in one story would appear in another, making us rethink the character and their lives. My favourites are “Hungry in Guangzhou” which has a young Chinese man realise he is more at home in Malaysia than where his ancestors come from, China; “My Mother’s Shadow”, a poignant piece written by an especially sensitive ten year old girl of her Mother; “Private Tuition” which recalls the 1969 incident and the individuals whose lives were forever changed; “Know My Name”, about an abused and love-deprived Chinese teen and his relationship with his parents’ night guard.
An excerpt from “My Mother’s Shadow”:
“I sleep with my shoes on. My father thinks it’s a naughty prank that became a habit. He thinks that I will soon forget all about it the way babies abandon their pacifiers when they decide that talking is more interesting. What he doesn’t know is that it’s dangerous to take our shoes off when we can’t watch over them. Some part of us can be stolen away along with the shoes. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Once tha tpiece of us is lost, we wil never be the same. I know. I saw it happen to my mother and she became a different person. Let me tell you.”
The book is a wonderful, quiet read, making you reflect deeper on Malaysian life, and on Malaysians. There are also quirky stories (including one very intersting ghost story!) to add variety to the collection. I look forward to more of Shih Li’s work.
*This book was shortlisted for the Frank O’Connor Short Story Prize.
