9789810736590 - The Earnest Mask by Xi Ni Er (1 results)

Soft cover. Condition: Good+. 1st Edition. Scarce paperback, viii + 196 pages, NOT ex-library. Translated from the Chinese by Howard Goldblatt and Sylvia Li-chun Lin. Signs of gentle wear. Book is clean and bright with unmarked text, free of inscriptions and stamps, firmly bound. Moderate rubbing to cover edges; partially removed retail sticker on the back. -- A compelling collection of short stories that delves into the complexities of identity, societal expectations, and the tension between personal freedom and public personas. Written by acclaimed Singaporean author Xi Ni Er, this collection explores the emotional depths and psychological intricacies of the human experience through stories that range from the intimate and personal to the symbolic and allegorical. The stories in The Earnest Mask often feature characters who are caught between their desires and the roles imposed on them by family, society, or culture. Xi Ni Er's precise and evocative prose captures the internal struggles of these characters as they navigate issues of conformity, individualism, and the masks they wear to survive in their world. With a focus on Singaporean settings and themes, this book is a reflection on modern life in the region, touching on topics such as multiculturalism, gender roles, and the quest for authenticity. This collection is perfect for readers interested in contemporary fiction that examines identity and the human condition, particularly within the context of Southeast Asian culture.