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nbren's review
4.0
The Keeper of Secrets is another classic Singlit i’ve had the pleasure of reading this year, and all I have to say is that it was an intriguing & fulfilling read from the very beginning to the end. The story follows a single father who brought his two young children to live in a tiny mystical village on the shores of Changi Beach amongst the Anai Bumi (children of the earth) in an attempt to protect them from danger. A mesmerising tale filled with meaningful lessons to be learnt, Keeper of Secrets retells the power of stories in keeping the multi-cultural spirit of Singapore alive.
As a novel that represents the different racial groups in Singapore, I appreciated the author’s efforts to weave the different voices together throughout the course of the novel. His ability to draw the reader in with his simple use of literary language was one that I adored in this novel, as I found it relatively easy to follow through. Most importantly, the brilliant mix of mythology and folktales, as well as the subsequent transitions to reality was my favourite aspect of the novel, especially as someone who adores mythological retellings. However, I felt that the ending could have been explored a little bit more, especially with the sudden pirate attacks and the subsequent death of the Anak Bumi. I would have liked for the novel to have explored the alternate possibilities, as it would have been great to see the survival of the village despite the threats of civilisation. Nevertheless, the author was able to expertly weave in a wide tapestry of multicultural stories with the central concerns with reality, which I commend him for.
As a novel that represents the different racial groups in Singapore, I appreciated the author’s efforts to weave the different voices together throughout the course of the novel. His ability to draw the reader in with his simple use of literary language was one that I adored in this novel, as I found it relatively easy to follow through. Most importantly, the brilliant mix of mythology and folktales, as well as the subsequent transitions to reality was my favourite aspect of the novel, especially as someone who adores mythological retellings. However, I felt that the ending could have been explored a little bit more, especially with the sudden pirate attacks and the subsequent death of the Anak Bumi. I would have liked for the novel to have explored the alternate possibilities, as it would have been great to see the survival of the village despite the threats of civilisation. Nevertheless, the author was able to expertly weave in a wide tapestry of multicultural stories with the central concerns with reality, which I commend him for.
khairun_atika's review
3.0
"We live in a world where a man is expected to meet a set of ideals imposed on him by society, more so than a man is expected to be the best he can be." - The Keepers of Stories by Suffian Hakim
Filled with warmth, intrigue and the power of kinship, this is a compelling story. What's interesting is the foundation and importance of stories that drives this tale forward, making it a truly unique storytelling experience in Singapore literature.
Sujakon and his two children, Hakeem and Zulaika were driven out of their own home after Sujakon's past came to hunt them. Desperate to stay alive, Sujakon sought refuge in the elusive and mysterious Anak Bumi community, the discreet inhabitants of Changi Beach.
Living far from the luxuries of the city, they thrive on island survival while also guarding the patronage of Wayang Singa. They keep their legacies alive by keeping the stories of those who came before them. While fearing that Sujakon's past would beckon again, Hakeem and Zulaika learnt to live in the community, while also trying to guard themselves from the forces that threaten the survival of the community.
The Keeper of Stories pay homage to the folk tales and myths of Asia, while also alluding to the different aspects of Singapore's history. Intriguing yet compelling, it is a story of two siblings who are trying to make sense of their own past while worrying about their future. I enjoyed reading about the many references to Singapore, the Malay community and even the lessons about Islam.
There is also an ounce of familiarity in the way the locations and cultural references are weaved into the story. In all, it is truly a delightful experience to enjoy a story that truly pays homage to our local culture and history.
Filled with warmth, intrigue and the power of kinship, this is a compelling story. What's interesting is the foundation and importance of stories that drives this tale forward, making it a truly unique storytelling experience in Singapore literature.
Sujakon and his two children, Hakeem and Zulaika were driven out of their own home after Sujakon's past came to hunt them. Desperate to stay alive, Sujakon sought refuge in the elusive and mysterious Anak Bumi community, the discreet inhabitants of Changi Beach.
Living far from the luxuries of the city, they thrive on island survival while also guarding the patronage of Wayang Singa. They keep their legacies alive by keeping the stories of those who came before them. While fearing that Sujakon's past would beckon again, Hakeem and Zulaika learnt to live in the community, while also trying to guard themselves from the forces that threaten the survival of the community.
The Keeper of Stories pay homage to the folk tales and myths of Asia, while also alluding to the different aspects of Singapore's history. Intriguing yet compelling, it is a story of two siblings who are trying to make sense of their own past while worrying about their future. I enjoyed reading about the many references to Singapore, the Malay community and even the lessons about Islam.
There is also an ounce of familiarity in the way the locations and cultural references are weaved into the story. In all, it is truly a delightful experience to enjoy a story that truly pays homage to our local culture and history.
suwilliams's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
aqilahreads's review
4.0
felt like i was taken to another world as i was reading this :") interestingly got me hooked omg i couldnt put this down easily!!! shall round this up to 4/5.
its about a father who brought his two children to a place called anak bumi in order to keep them safe from danger while he disappears to settle the problems getting in their way. in anak bumi, the community practices a storytelling ritual called wayang singa - and most of the chapters break away to tell the stories being represented in this ritual.
its also so interesting to know that this was also written based on the author's childhood experiences, where he shared a room with his grandma and she would tell him stories.
honestly im not really into folklores/myths but this really caught me by surprise when i found it quite an enjoyable read overall. also!!! its easy to understand and follow through which i really appreciate. however, just felt like the stories told kinda break the story flow in certain parts but understand that its also the point of the story, which i probably might need more time to get used to this kind of format.
also felt like there was so much heart to write this book like idk why but i also kinda felt emotional???? it really makes me start to appreciate more books that touch on sacrifices and the importance of family
its about a father who brought his two children to a place called anak bumi in order to keep them safe from danger while he disappears to settle the problems getting in their way. in anak bumi, the community practices a storytelling ritual called wayang singa - and most of the chapters break away to tell the stories being represented in this ritual.
its also so interesting to know that this was also written based on the author's childhood experiences, where he shared a room with his grandma and she would tell him stories.
honestly im not really into folklores/myths but this really caught me by surprise when i found it quite an enjoyable read overall. also!!! its easy to understand and follow through which i really appreciate. however, just felt like the stories told kinda break the story flow in certain parts but understand that its also the point of the story, which i probably might need more time to get used to this kind of format.
also felt like there was so much heart to write this book like idk why but i also kinda felt emotional???? it really makes me start to appreciate more books that touch on sacrifices and the importance of family
tabbs's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
biscuitjacobs's review
5.0
I truly enjoy reading this book. This is my first time reading a book surrounding the topic of 'Anak Bumi', so I have to admit that this is a foreign area for me. But I'm telling you, I do not regret getting this book on impulse.
I don't like writing long summary because I'm scared that I might spoil it, unconsciously. However, as someone who just begin to falling in love with books again, I would recommend this book to beginners. Especially if you enjoy mythology.
I don't like writing long summary because I'm scared that I might spoil it, unconsciously. However, as someone who just begin to falling in love with books again, I would recommend this book to beginners. Especially if you enjoy mythology.
athirah_idrus's review
4.0
To be honest, I did not know what to expect prior to reading other than the fact that it was a fantasy book written by a Singaporean author. Before long, I found myself deep within the mystical Anak Bumi community whose existence on Changi Beach was distinct and separate from the modern capital.
The story centred around two siblings, Hakeem and Zuzu, whose lives were rudely uprooted from their flat on Haig Road in the dead of the night when their father Sujakon announced that they needed to go on the run, or the bad guys would take them.
Sujakon took them to Anak Bumi where they found shelter and forced to accustom to a new way of living. I enjoyed the stories within the story where the Anak Bumi regaled stories from various cultural fantasies; hybrids of historical legends and myths during their nightly storytelling known as Wayang Singa. Not to mention, the book felt unapologetically Singaporean; embedded in the characters, colourful stories and languages used, which I appreciate.
If you enjoyed Daryl Kho’s Mist-Bound, then you might like this.
The story centred around two siblings, Hakeem and Zuzu, whose lives were rudely uprooted from their flat on Haig Road in the dead of the night when their father Sujakon announced that they needed to go on the run, or the bad guys would take them.
Sujakon took them to Anak Bumi where they found shelter and forced to accustom to a new way of living. I enjoyed the stories within the story where the Anak Bumi regaled stories from various cultural fantasies; hybrids of historical legends and myths during their nightly storytelling known as Wayang Singa. Not to mention, the book felt unapologetically Singaporean; embedded in the characters, colourful stories and languages used, which I appreciate.
If you enjoyed Daryl Kho’s Mist-Bound, then you might like this.
candiemarsh's review
5.0
This started out as a coming-of-age story which I found unable to relate to much, until I reached the "stories". I absolutely loved the blend of mythology and humour into a direct plot of morality and humanity. The characters invoked a variety of emotions, with an adequate balance of heartwarming and tragic circumstances. Very enjoyable read!