HAVE I GOT SOMETHING TO TELL YOU by Malachi Edwin Vethamani


HAVE I GOT SOMETHING TO TELL YOU
Title : HAVE I GOT SOMETHING TO TELL YOU
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 9815144855
ISBN-10 : 9789815144857
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 244
Publication : Published April 30, 2024

‘Vethamani’s stories deal with the universal themes of love, loss, and cultural identity, rooted within the Malaysian social fabric.’— Mahesh Dattani‘These stories ripple with unsettling tensions often complicated by race, religion, expectations, fears and prejudices against the Other.’— Suchen Christine LimPoignant and provocative, a collection of stories that explore loneliness and longing, love and resolutionsWomen torn between their marriage and their emancipated livesA young boy’s memory of 13 May 1969 still flavoured with the slightly salted taste of cream crackersMixed-race couples divided by the walls of race and religionGay men’s love still incomprehensible to their familiesA sex-addict coming to terms with his own demonsA bumbling spirit complicating the attempt to fulfil a death wishTaking the reader from post-independent Malaysia to the early decades of the twenty-first century and the Covid-19 pandemic years, here are stories that delve into the complexities of family life, sexuality, and identity, conflicts that are typical in contemporary Asian societies, yet also so universal.

HAVE I GOT SOMETHING TO TELL YOU Reviews

  • Chloe

    What I enjoyed most about Have I Got Something to Tell You was how brave and honest the stories were. The Malaysian society as a whole is often hesitant to discuss sensitive or controversial topics, but Malachi shares these stories unflinchingly.

    The characters in these stories wrestle with things like trauma, racism, and homophobia. And we see how these big topics permeate their everyday life. I think Malachi handled these subjects elegantly and in a way that will resonate, particularly with an older Malaysian audience.

    Malachi also captures yearning and loneliness very well. Although I didn’t connect with all the stories, some of my top favourites were Drowning, The Dastardly Twin, and The Gift of Silence.

    Full review here:
    https://chloewritesthedust.wordpress....

  • Donna Tijo

    A collection of stories that deal with the themes of racism, love, sexuality. Although, what shines through in the book is not just the themes and the characters but also an Indian Malaysian voice, showing their stories from 1969 until the present.

  • Geeta

    A collection of twenty stories are packed into this paperback which grabs your attention with its intriguing title and captivating cover.
    There are tales of love and sorrow, of love lost and gained, of joy against tragedy, all set against the need to to do right when wrong seems clearly pleasurable.
    There is anguish and there is relief and that is the essence of this book which outlines human frailties and strengths.