In One Word: Powerful
A Beautiful Sentence: “Looking out at the lighted squares of other flats, the rows of streetlights and the lights of the cars hurrying to their destinations, she knew that she lived her life in too much of a rush, too readily accepting the lash of the whip that sought to drive her on, blindly, like a horse in blinkers.”
The Plot: Ambition drives the characters in this fast-paced tale set in Singapore’s financial district, where love and deception intertwine. As they navigate the high stakes of corporate life and social expectations, their choices reveal the emotional cost of success and survival.
This book was a big surprise. Throughout the story, I thought I knew exactly how it would end. The plot twist at the end completely caught me off guard. I never expected Connie to have it in her (without giving too much away…).
Moreover, I love how the book explores the tension of dating above or below your social level. It captures that delicate balance beautifully without tipping into melodrama. The relationships feel authentic and reliable. For example, I could clearly see Vincent and Connie go for dinner at her parents every Thursday evening.
Additionally, the author does a great job illustrating life in the 1980s Singapore. The references to the 1980’s connectivity and handphones are hilarious. He also highlights that relentless drive for success and the idea that happiness depends on earning more and more. It is fascinating to realise how little that mindset seems to have changed over the decades.
However, some points felt slighty unrealistic, like the affair with the legal secretary happening right next to the office. You’d expect people to be more careful, especially in such a public space as Raffles Place.
Finally, the book also explores the tension of getting people together to pursue shared goals, which ties into the larger theme of the “Singaporean dream”. Singapore is sometimes described as the “New York of the East”, and this story offers a perfect reflection of that ambition.
And speaking of the ending, Connie! 🙂
Takeaway:
A fantastic exploration of relationships, ambition, and Singapore’s heartbeat in the 1980s. While some elements felt unrealistic and the ending left me wanting more, this is a great read.