Malaysian-authored books to add to your reading list

Add them to your reading list, not just your nightstand.

With everything going on in the world right now, a bit of an escape from Malaysian authors would be a welcome respite for most, and it doesn’t hurt to #supportlocal. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of books by Malaysian authors, for your reading pleasure.

Scroll down below for a brief rundown of each.

8 incredible books by Malaysian authors:

A Malaysian Restaurant in London by Tunku Halim

Fans of horror writing would likely have been introduced to the works of Tunku Halim, who was also a lawyer. Having written a myriad of horror stories as well as novels. Here, he explains how a previously failing London-based restaurant begins to thrive after the introduction of a mysterious new Malaysian dish.

Aneeta Sundararaj’s Age of Smiling Secrets

Having trained as a lawyer before deciding to pursue a career in writing, the founder of the How to Tell a Great Story site has contributed to numerous organizations, including contributing articles for news portals and publications. magazines. In her latest novel, she explores the complex conflict of Syariah and civil law through the experiences of a family.

Brian Gomez’s Devil’s Place

A supporter of the local art scene, Brian Gomez and his wife are the founders of Merdekarya – a center for the local art scene; young singer-songwriters, poets, bands and writers have used the place for concerts, book launches and even poetry slams. In his own first novel, he recounts how a Thai woman gave up working on the streets of Thailand and came to KL instead.

Escape Happy Place by Jai Patel

Hailing from the east coast state of Kelantan, Jai Patel focuses on mysteries and thrillers that revolve around ordinary people placed in extraordinary situations. In her first novel, we find ourselves in the bowels of KL, with a masseuse on the run fleeing for her life.

Little Basket 2017: New Malaysian Writing by various authors

A Basket of Mixed Stories, this is the second (and possibly the last) book in a planned annual anthology. The works include fiction, non-fiction, poetry as well as a comic book and a photographic essay. It’s a tasty assortment of what Malaysians write and think about while playing with our rich linguistic landscape.

The Siege of Geetha Krishnan

Having studied in Australia, Geetha Krishnan, now also director of K&K Comms Production, Geetha shows us around the city of KL, while discussing politics in her first novel. Join Satya as he embarks on a journey of Segambut memories – which have left strong imprints and some dark shadows.

Soulless: Inspector Mislan and Rozlan Mohd Noor’s Faceless Daughter

Part of the Inspector Mislan series, many may not know that Rozlan Mohd Noor was actually a police officer in his past life as well; could it be inspired by real cases? Follow Inspector Mislan on his adventures after the discovery of the body of a woman whose features are erased beyond recognition.

We the survivors by Tash Aw

Many would have heard of Tash Aw’s narrative prowess before, thanks to his previous works such as Five-star billionaire. In his latest book, which is set in Malaysia, he tells the story of an ordinary and uneducated man born in a Malaysian fishing village and now trying to make his way through a country that promises wealth and security to all, which then takes a dark turn.

(All images from respective publishers or authors)

This story first appeared on Augustman Malaysia.