All thanks to The Influencer Network, I manage to get my hands on the limited edition illustrated book "Singapore in the 60s" by James Suresh, a best-selling and co-creator of Mr. Kiasu.
"Singapore in the 60s" is a personal recollection of life in the sixties, illustrated wonderfully by the author's friend Syed.
It is an easy read. But it brought back lots of memories. Though I am not born in the 60s, I could relate to some of them - the recreation activities such as spider fights, five stones, skipping rope and many more which were definitely introduced to us by our parents and peers.
Written and illustrated in 217 pages, each illustration is accompanied by a paragraph or two of vivid descriptions. It kind of transports me back to the 1960s, trying to imagine how life was it then. Definitely not as advanced as today, but probably a kind of experience and some kind of joy that only those born then understand.
When I mention about the night soil collectors to my Mom, she told me of her story. It probably brought back the pleasant yet unpleasant memory of hers. :) I am sure many of those who grew up in that era will be smiling while going through this book. Having gone through the times then, this book is akin to taking a walk down memory lane.
I could relate to this!!! Kachang puteh! And where are these sellers now? Mr. Suresh got it all right that how I wish my boys get to experience it now. Time to read a few pages each time as the boys' bedtime stories, to let them imagine how life was then and to let them know that life then was not just like it is today.
Totally adore this illustration - our very own Singapore Botanic Gardens, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If the younger generation could not relate to anything else in this book, this, they will definitely will. And I am hoping that they will come to realize that some things in life are simple and remain unchanged - no matter whether they are in the 60s or now.
Easy to read, vivid descriptions, brilliant illustrations. B and I took about an hour each to read. Highly recommending it to the young for it tells of an era where life, though simple and innocent, can be of much fun too.
I am glad to know that 4500 out of the 5000 printed books will make their way to school libraries. Mr. Suresh intends to donate the remaining books to his former primary school, secondary school as well as other institutions where he pursued his studies. So, yup, they will not be available for sale in bookstores.
Though it is not available for sale, you may still be able to obtain one if you are really keen to read more about life in the sixties.
Because The Influencer Media is having a contest on their Facebook page. Find out more about it here and good luck!
Disclosure: We were given a copy of "Singapore in the 60s" for review purposes. No monetary compensation was received. Unless otherwise stated, all opinions and photos are true to my own.
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