Atrocities are common during war. Thousands of Chinese people were killed by the Japanese military in Singapore in 1942 as WWII raged. The lives of a “comfort” woman, a Chinese collaborator, and a massacre survivor are portrayed in this novel. Success for some people can be measured in days and minutes of survival, living in meager settings, performing difficult work in unpleasant circumstances. These stories are not for the faint-hearted. Most of us in the Western world are unlikely to hear them.

I found this to be a thoughtful emotional read. It opened my eyes to an aspect of history that I knew nothing about. It was also underpinned with an endearing love story that ultimately touched all the main characters

World War II Singapore, many people went through so much suffering under the Japanese occupiers. An eye opening book for me, about this little known part of this world war. Ah Ding, Siew Chin and her husband, Tiong, are among the memorable characters in this well written historical novel.

I have decided not to post a review of this book on GoodReads, as I usually would, for the reason that it’s a difficult book to recommend although it’s a book that should be read by anyone interested in colonisation in all its many guises - old and neo versions. The writing is fluid, but not compelling. While it took me several chapters to really get into the story, even then, I kept going on to read other books in the in-between as the content of this novel is difficult. The ugliness of colonisation, long after its literal end, leaves one’s stomach roiling and this is one of the primary reasons that stops me from reviewing the book in a public space. This is a book that should be included in syllabi, and not taken on holiday!

"Lying Eyes" is a poignant and powerful novel set against the backdrop of World War II in Singapore, shedding light on the untold stories of individuals who endured unimaginable suffering during this tumultuous period. The narrative delves into the lives of Siew Chin, Tiong, and Ah Ding, intertwining their fates in a complex web of moral complexities and historical events.

The story's exploration of the plight of "comfort women" during World War II, a subject often overlooked in historical fiction, offers readers a chance to empathize with the harrowing experiences of those forced into such roles. Siew Chin's resilience and determination to find a new life after her traumatic past is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

The character of Ah Ding, who both collaborated with the Japanese occupiers and volunteered in a guerrilla unit, presents a compelling moral dilemma. His internal struggle, guilt, and shame make him a complex and multi-dimensional figure. As the narrative weaves together the past and the present, readers are offered a chance to witness Ah Ding's journey toward reconciliation and redemption.

The novel's focus on the lesser-known voices and untold stories of history adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. It serves as a reminder that amid the grand historical events, there are countless individuals who have been overlooked and whose experiences deserve to be heard.

The themes of guilt, redemption, and the enduring impact of history on individuals' lives are expertly explored in "Lying Eyes." The narrative is likely to evoke a range of emotions, from empathy for the characters' suffering to hope for their eventual healing.

Overall, "Lying Eyes" appears to be a compelling and emotionally charged novel that shines a light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history. It offers a unique perspective on the human capacity for resilience and the possibility of redemption in the face of overwhelming guilt and shame. Readers interested in historical fiction that delves into the complexities of war and its aftermath will find this book to be a thought-provoking and moving read.

Something of a surprise and an informative treat.

I have only ever read before of the Japanese invasion of Singapore from a British perspective in books about surrender with harsh imprisonment and from TV series like Tenko.

I am indebted to the author and the publishers of this moving story for enlightening me about the lives of ordinary citizens who endured these war years.

The book through its characters shows us there is no glamour in war. Neither is there scope for an apologist response to justify a victor’s cruelty and indiscriminate killing and certainly little chance to forgive and forget.

What I like about such books is both the authentic voice and the scope to resonate with modern times and more recent conflicts and wars.

Lying eyes is clever title and questions what we observe and remember. What different circumstances and social mores bring to our interactions. How we can bury and wall up the past but within our dreams, clarity of vision brings to remembrance things we’d like to purge and forget.

The fluidity in the text around who these people are; what the necessity to survive allowed them to become, means we find conflicted attitudes to actions taken in life and death situations. How can we judge? Is survival justified at the expense of others? If people can’t forgive themselves how can we understand and embrace their humanity.

The special aspect of the writing is, apart from revenge some participants demonstrate, the author takes an even handed approach to these dark events. They are revealed in a gentle way; the horrors are not masked or shared to gratify. The writer explains and informs with dignity. The terrible actions are hard to read but are presented within the context of this well crafted story.

It is a very reflective piece that will change those who read it. as perhaps should all good literature.

I was really excited to read this, from the description I thought this book was something I’d definitely buy if I’d seen it in a shop.

However, I really struggled to finish this. I found the characters boring and the writing was hard to follow.