[MPOV] Once Upon A Kamcheng

My rating: 3/5
Goodreads rating: 3.25/5
Published: January 1, 2020
Author: Lillian Tong
Genre: Asian Lit, Cultural

The Straits Chinese Babas and Nyonyas are ordinary people in extraordinary times. Their courage, sense of adventure, innate resilience and resourcefulness stood them in good stead through displacement and diaspora as they are buoyed along through centuries of dynamic and transitory history of the world.

The significance of persons and families as agents of history in affecting and causing the development of alternative history makes up the kaleidoscope of the memoirs and stories of Baba Nyonya life and experiences in this book.

We invite and welcome you to delve beyond gilded lattice screens, behind embroidered silk curtains, and immerse yourself in their eccentric and extravagant, if curious, strange, and wonderful world!

This is a compilation of true short stories pertaining the Baba Nyonya and Peranakan culture from way back then. It has been retold from the view of their children and grandchildren, reliving the glory days. It was an interesting reading though it wasn't as engaging since it's more of a retelling from their own experiences. It was also more of an enlightening read for me as I learn more of the culture, especially since my paternal grandma was a little bit Nyonya. If you are looking for an educational cultural read, then go ahead and pick this up.