State of Emergency is an important and compelling novel about a period of time that I was previously completely ignorant about. Even though it is fiction, there were many references to real events. I was able to educate myself and do some research.

By the end of the book, the story arc comes full circle. I found this to be a skilful end to a story that spans decades. The use of a different narrator for each chapter was interesting, as it meant that the Emergency and its repercussions could be examined from multiple angles. I enjoyed each of these chapters equally as I learned something new from each viewpoint. The characterisation was also great as each narrator felt distinct in their own voice.

I liked the overall vibe of the prose, too. In quieter moments, the descriptions of places and foods were vivid. I could imagine the different locations while reading, which made me feel rooted in the story. I could tell that Jeremy Tiang put a lot of care and research into this book. This was an emotional read, with a strong emphasis on the interconnecting repercussions of tragedy.

Jeremy Tiang's debut novel, State of Emergency, takes readers on an unforgettable journey through a turbulent period in Southeast Asia’s history. The story spans decades, exploring the violent political struggles in Singapore and Malaysia during the mid-20th century, with a particular focus on the Emergency – a period of conflict and political turmoil in British-occupied Malaya.

The novel begins in Tiong Bahru, where Siew Li, a mother and wife, leaves her family behind to join the fight for freedom in the jungles of Malaya. Years later, the narrative shifts to a Malaysian journalist who returns to uncover the truth about a massacre committed during this time, while in Singapore, Siew Li's niece, Stella, is accused of being a Marxist conspirator.

Through these characters and multiple other narrators, Tiang reveals the deep political and social divides that characterised this violent era. Each perspective offers a different viewpoint on the events, pulling readers into a world of love, violence, family, and political strife. The interconnected lives of these characters serve to highlight how the very things that divide us can also be the threads that bind us together.

Tiang’s writing is both poignant and insightful, leading readers through this little-known chapter of history with nuance and depth. His portrayal of the struggles of individuals and families caught in the crossfire of political unrest makes State of Emergency a deeply moving and powerful read. This is a novel that educates, informs, and draws readers in with its engaging story and rich historical context.

If you’re looking for a novel that explores the complexities of political and familial ties against the backdrop of an intense historical moment, State of Emergency is an absolute must-read. It’s a book that’ll stay with you long after the final page.

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A complicated and thought provoking tale of protest and politics in Singapore and Malaysia in the 20th century. This book focuses on a young girl who becomes involved in the political turmoil at the expense of her personal and family life showing the wider impact on those around her.

This novel follows a family deeply affected by politics in Singapore over the post-independence period. It’s deeply researched and the author clearly cares a lot about this topic - according to the introduction this history is still not well known in Singapore today.

The first chapter of this book is terrible, the rest is pretty good. Each chapter follows a different character - the first one is pretty unsympathetic and you can tell from the writing the author doesn’t like this character either. I almost quit reading.

The rest of the chapters are much more interesting. It’s best to treat this book as historical first and novel second - the character work and plot, while not bad, are also clearly not the purpose of this work. I did learn something and was excited about reading this book, and I wouldn’t have read a nonfiction book even though a lot of my outstanding questions would have been answered by nonfic.

I’d recommend “Home” by Leila S Chudori for a southeast Asian political novel that is more serious about the novel part. This is still worth a read if you’re interested in Singaporean history.

This was my first foray into Malaysian and Singaporean history and literature, and State of Emergency left a profound impression. It’s a stunning book that cleverly weaves together the lives of its characters across intersecting timelines and connections, offering a nuanced portrait of a tumultuous period in history.

The book is largely narrative-driven, with minimal dialogue—a feature I didn’t consciously notice until another review pointed it out. On reflection, I realized how well this choice serves the story and its characters. The narration, intertwined with the characters’ inner thoughts, mirrors their situations perfectly.

For instance, Jason spends much of the novel in solitude, contemplating his life and grieving lost loved ones. The absence of dialogue amplifies his isolation. Similarly, Siew Li’s involvement in covert communist activities forces her to carefully guard her words and thoughts, underscoring the pervasive atmosphere of suspicion and danger. In this way, the scarcity of dialogue becomes a strength, immersing the reader in the characters’ realities.

Tiang’s writing is masterful, balancing character development and plot with rich historical context and atmosphere. State of Emergency is both a deeply personal and broadly resonant story, shedding light on a complex history while delving into themes of loyalty, identity, and sacrifice.

Overall, this is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that I highly recommend to anyone interested in history, literature, or simply a well-told story.