As usual, our last stop was Kinokuniya, our favourite bookstore.
After we made our purchase of a few books, we heard an announcement that our very own Malaysia author, Mr Tan Twan Eng would be there at 7.30pm. I was delighted and quickly made our way to the mezzanine floor on time.
Mr Tan Twan Eng has made Malaysia proud by winning The Man Asian Literary Prize 2012 on his second book, The Garden of Evening Mists. The book was also being shortlisted for last year's Booker Prize. His debut book, The Gift of Rain was longlisted for 2007 Man Booker Prize. Both novels are set during the occupation of Japanese in the then Malaya.
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| Our duly signed copy. |
In person, Mr Tan is a very friendly and humble man in his early forty. He was born in Penang. By profession, he was a lawyer. When someone asked how is he going to spend his winning prize of $30,000, about RM100k, he jokingly said he would use it to make a downpayment for a Kancil. He is now resides in Cape Town which he said he likes very much.
To be honest, I have not read his book before. However, I have come across his books in the bookstores. Knowing that there would be a signing session, I bought the book on the spot and got it signed duly by Mr Tan. And so the Garden of Evening Mists will be next on my reading list , not forgetting The Gift Of Rain.
Signing on our copy.
I have this book as well. Very beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteKok Keon, Thank you for dropping by.
DeleteIt's a shame that I only managed to read half of the book. Too many books to read. Will try to finish it soon.