Singapore Noir (Akashic Noir)

by Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan
Singapore Noir (Akashic Noir) cover
Good Books rating 3.5
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  • ID: 3786
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
abebooks.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
compelling 4.00

Singapore Noir offers a compelling collection of stories that capture the essence of the city-state's diverse and complex culture. The anthology provides a unique perspective on Singapore's underbelly, showcasing the city's hidden narratives and lesser-known aspects.

Singapore Noir is a captivating anthology that delves into the darker, more intricate layers of Singapore's society. The stories are written by a mix of local and international authors, each bringing their unique voice and perspective to the collection. The anthology covers a wide range of themes, from crime and corruption to social issues and personal struggles. The stories are set against the backdrop of Singapore's urban landscape, providing a stark contrast to the city's polished exterior. The anthology is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and its ability to inspire creativity and storytelling. The stories are well-crafted and engaging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Singapore's culture and history.

Quick quotes

    Singapore Noir offers a unique perspective on the city-state's underbelly

    The anthology provides a compelling collection of stories that capture the essence of Singapore's diverse and complex culture

    The stories are well-crafted and engaging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Singapore's culture and history

booksrun.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
mixed 3.00

The reviewer found the biography of Pamela Harriman, 'Kingmaker' by Sonia Purnell, to be flawed due to the author's tendency to exaggerate Harriman's contributions and downplay her personal failings. Despite this, the reviewer acknowledges Purnell's writing skills and the intriguing life of Harriman, suggesting a more objective approach would have improved the book.

The reviewer begins by acknowledging the complex life of Pamela Harriman, a woman who lived through significant historical events and held influential positions. However, they criticize the biography for taking a overly favorable view of Harriman, exaggerating her contributions and downplaying her personal failings. The reviewer finds Purnell's writing engaging but feels that the author's perspective is skewed, particularly in the earlier sections of the book. They note that Purnell seems to recognize her bias midway through and becomes more objective, but by then, the reviewer's trust in the narrative has been compromised. The reviewer suggests that a more balanced approach, acknowledging Harriman's use of soft power while not inflating her importance, would have made for a more compelling read. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer appreciates Purnell's writing style and the intriguing subject matter, indicating that they would still read Purnell's other works.

Quick quotes

    Purnell far too often took the rosier view of Pamela and exaggerated her contributions in some egregious cases.

    I would still love to read a book about a person like this! However, I want the author to be as objective as possible.

    Purnell is a good writer and my dislike of this book comes down to the choice of perspective rather than ability.

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