Here i go again. Went back and looked at my earlier blogs, one which i noted how important a story should flower, so that we can truly enjoy it.

So is Aw's a blossom? in a way, i think. Not a hothouse variety, i think. Nor the type which i really love, with light fragrances like a salad rose. Could be an orchid, i don't care for those, much.

The other day, a sort of discussion cropped up about the importance of Map of Invisible World and Tash Aw. Does it have a Malaysian voice? As for me, what is a Malaysian voice, first? Hmmm..., do you need to comment about social or political issues? Add in Malay words? Set it in Malaysia? Be Malaysian (this one probably)? This, somehow got a little too deep for me, being not used to this sort of literary discussions. However, the thought still remains in a certain conscious part of my mind.

Yesterday, one single word hit me. Relevance. Perhaps, being a Malaysian voice, means the story does speak to the Malaysian reader, in a different level and some issues are relevant to us in a personal and local way, but presented in a roundabout way. Relevant because somehow we feel that we can relate. Also, because we can relate, it is contemporary. Okokokok. My lack of experience and practice in discussing such things are very obvious. Hah! This would never have come about, though if not for that damned book.

So still, i persevere. On page 187 now.

SONG FOR A MOOD
Who is this/Jea-si-sui - Kelly Chan. Bought the cassette when i was in the crazy about Pal phase. I'm still crazy a bit about his songs. Took too long deciding if i should get the CD and only recently found some brains to look for it at the Sunday flea mart. Kelly Chan has never been one of my favourites, although she has some songs which i lurve. (Am still looking for the soundtrack to that first movie of hers) I think Pal did true justice to her voice, she does not sound as 'tested' as the ones Mark Lui wrote for her.