ETHOS BOOKS
Novel: One Earth
(2008, $19.26 with GST)
Author: Isa Kamari, translated from Malay by Sukmawati Sirat
The Singaporean architect and writer, 47, is a Southeast Asian Writers Award and Cultural Medallion honoree, and the translator is his wife. One Earth, originally titled Satu Bumi, is the first English translation of his work. About a Chinese girl adopted by a Malay family, it spans the period from the Japanese Occupation to Singapore's independence.
FIRSTFRUITS
PUBLICATIONS
Novel: Velouria
(2007, $14.98 with GST)
Author: Daren Shiau
The Singaporean lawyer and writer, 36, is perhaps best known for his debut novel, Heartland (1999). Velouria is not actually a novel but a collection of micro-fiction, or very short stories. Though the prize is for novels, publisher Enoch Ng says that he will submit it anyway 'just to try'.
MONSOON BOOKS
Novel: The Red
Thread (2007, $25.15 with GST)
Author: Dawn Farnham
The author, 59, was born in England, grew up in Perth and has lived in China, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan with her journalist husband. They now live in Singapore. Her debut novel is set in 1830s Singapore and tells the love story of a Chinese man and a Scotswoman.
All books are available at Books Kinokuniya