The Singapore born-America based, short story writer and novelist, Wena Poon will perform from her collection of short stories called, The Proper Care of Foxes and published by Ethos Books, at the alluring Books Actually bookshop in Singapore at an exclusive solo event, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm on Thursday, November 18th. (Venue: No. 86 Club Street Singapore 069454).
The event will combine an entertaining performance, an author signing and book sales. If you're in Singapore, don't miss out as it doesn't take much to tell a reader today, that Wena Poon is a brilliant writer.
Personal Thoughts:
Initially, I did not care for Poon's early published offering, which proved to be a collection of contemporary Singapore stories, gathered from various literary publications and titled, Lions in Winter. I felt that with the exception of a few glorious stories ie. one about the elderly Singaporean parent at an ATM teller machine in a foreign country; the book turned up partly, as a learning curve for its author.
Later, with The Proper Care of Foxes, Poon appeared to find her way and her stories, shone. I absolutely loved her first UK novel, Alex y Robert, which dealt with a series of multiple hesitations and ambitions, provided by two young and highly-talented Spanish matadors, while in the throes of an electrifying friendship.
The novel, produced by Salt Publishing was turned by BBC 4 into a 10-episode Radio 4 worldwide series.
Perhaps it was because, one of my own fashion assignments, while working as a full-time magazine journalist, for Female Magazine Singapore/Malaysia, had included trips to Barcelona and later Seville. These wonderful sojourns were sponsored for me by Louis Vuitton. I was taken to visit a bull farm, for a whole day, picnicked and partied with other international journalists , in a luxurious villa, got to know its owners and watched matadors in training.
Naturally, the scenes which Poon so cleverly sketched out for her ingenious plot, would summon all the right vivid memories, that still commanded the ability to sparkle.
Now, Poon is a prolific writer, has written heaps and is talented also in a multi-faceted way. I stay inspired by her creative vibrance. I believe she loves her science fiction. Here are some exciting links you might find helpful.
Wena Poon's Alex y Robert, the novel.
Wena Poon's Proper Care of Foxes.
An Interview with Wena Poon at the Red Room.
By the way, the stylish featured photograph of Books Actually is from Time Out Singapore. I thought it to be one of the more charming pictures of the modern independent Asian bookstore yet. Do find out more about the bookshop, by clicking on the above link.
