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A review by slightlyliterary
Impractical Uses of Cake by Yeoh Jo-Ann
4.0
Impractical Uses of Cake focuses on Sukhin, a grouchy 35-year-old Literature teacher who seems to dislike everyone around him and would rather have the company of his own books. One afternoon, he chances upon a homeless person who recognises him, and this unexpected encounter leads him to explore the lesser-known side of Singapore.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Impractical Uses of Cake. This book has a bit of the slice-of-life, easygoing feel to it while also asking us to think more deeply about what we want out of life—is following the 'Singaporean dream' of a steady job, career advancement and getting married by your 30s the only, singular way to go, or is there something else you have in mind? Sukhin as a character fully internalises this dilemma; although he outwardly appears to be decisive, opinionated and stubborn, he finds himself unable to truly break free from what society deems as 'wise, no-brainer' decisions.
Additionally, the book also introduces the topic of homelessness in Singapore, as well as the idea of mutual aid and solidarity through the people Sukhin meets, which was really heartening to read. I was afraid that there would be some kind of saviour trope going on because of the way the plot unfolded, but I'm glad there wasn't any of that.
As a whole, though Impractical Uses delves into these heavier topics, it still maintains a very light-hearted and at times, comical prose which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The book had a somewhat abrupt ending, but in retrospect, I liked that it ended off as a hopeful, open one. I highly recommend this if you're looking for a rather sweet and uplifting story.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Impractical Uses of Cake. This book has a bit of the slice-of-life, easygoing feel to it while also asking us to think more deeply about what we want out of life—is following the 'Singaporean dream' of a steady job, career advancement and getting married by your 30s the only, singular way to go, or is there something else you have in mind? Sukhin as a character fully internalises this dilemma; although he outwardly appears to be decisive, opinionated and stubborn, he finds himself unable to truly break free from what society deems as 'wise, no-brainer' decisions.
Additionally, the book also introduces the topic of homelessness in Singapore, as well as the idea of mutual aid and solidarity through the people Sukhin meets, which was really heartening to read. I was afraid that there would be some kind of saviour trope going on because of the way the plot unfolded, but I'm glad there wasn't any of that.
As a whole, though Impractical Uses delves into these heavier topics, it still maintains a very light-hearted and at times, comical prose which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The book had a somewhat abrupt ending, but in retrospect, I liked that it ended off as a hopeful, open one. I highly recommend this if you're looking for a rather sweet and uplifting story.