Book Review: Balik Kampung by Verena Tay
Balik Kampung is a compendium of short stories by Singaporean writers. They contain everyday tales of local scenes and flavours that we, as Singaporeans, may inadvertently overlook. Balik Kampung is able to generate feelings of solidarity among Singaporeans from all walks of life. In spite of the many differences between us, these narratives and histories about the Little Red Dot create a converging apex. Translated from Malay, Balik Kampung means “going home”. From these pieces of local literature, expect a slice of Singaporean life.
The eight stories within Balik Kampung are all based on places or aspects of Singapore that have disappeared over the course of modernisation, such as Nee Soon and Old Holland Road. Each story is followed by some information about its author, and his or her connection to the places from which he or she drew inspiration. In an attempt to record and recall the Singapore of the past, these short stories, though fictional, give a glimpse of Singapore in its founding years and the definitive features of the place and its people back then. As you take yourself through these recollections of Singapore, return to the days of living together with big families and the kampung spirit.
The most memorable story to us was Seven Views of Redhill by Dora Tan, writer of short stories, screenplays, and stage plays. As seven family members present their interlinking, multidimensional perspectives of Redhill, what previously seemed like a story about a quiet, old neighbourhood tucked in the heart of Singapore now becomes something extremely refreshing, human and raw. While Redhill has not completely disappeared from the face of Singapore’s map yet, the atmosphere of Redhill, as Tay remembers it, has drastically changed over the years.
Seven Views of Redhill details the story of a mother and six children - all of whom have a different story of Redhill to tell, both good and bad. Ju Peng, the eldest son, is terribly homesick for Redhill while studying abroad; but he returns only to find it akin to a ghost town. Kim Yin, the third child, recounts bad memories, such as her parents threatening to kill each other, and taking up multiple club activities to stay away from home as much as possible. Each perspective reflects an aspect of Singapore in the past - living in big families, the kampung spirit (and subsequent lack thereof), and modernisation.
“We had moved out almost 40 years ago and nothing was the same. I don’t want to go back. None of my children do.”
“I imagined what she could have been thinking: When will the rainy season end? Why does my back ache only when it’s cold? She would have stopped wondering why her children don’t come back.”
Even in the short span of fifty years, Singapore has undergone many changes. Today, we can hardly imagine living the life we lived so long ago. This book offers a glimpse into that different yet uniquely Singaporean past; so pick this good read up and balik kampung!