A Malaysian Writer's Literary Compass: Five Beloved Books

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin (1956)

A recurring touchstone since university days, Baldwin's Parisian tale of young love and self-discovery resonates deeply. Packed within its slender frame is an exploration of desire, discrimination, and the struggle for belonging in a foreign land. It's the quintessential Paris novel, brimming with emotional intensity.

Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov (1898)

Chekhov's poignant play of thwarted ambition and familial tensions strikes a particularly personal chord. Despite the vastly different circumstances, the divide between urban and rural life, intellect and peasantry, mirrored echoes within the writer's own family, leaving a lasting impression.

The Lover by Marguerite Duras (1984)

Duras's autobiographical novel, an evocative account of a young girl's affair with an older man in colonial Vietnam, remains a subject of intense debate. Its unsettling portrayal of forbidden love and the blending of memoir and fiction offers a masterclass in narrative power.

Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987)

A haunting and searing exploration of racism, exclusion, and the sacrifices made for love and family, Morrison's novel prompted a profound reassessment of the very purpose and potential of writing itself. Its political resonance and emotional impact are undeniable.

The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst (2004)

An instant classic upon its release, Hollinghurst's novel navigates the complexities of class, sexuality, and capitalism in Thatcher's Britain. Its profound impact secures its position as one of the most significant English novels of our time.