Seventeen

Richard Young With-No-Chinese-Name finds refuge in his college darkroom and his friends, but his life unravels when a mysterious Chinese flute player enters their lives. This title is being reissued under the new Marshall Cavendish Classics: Literary Fiction series.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2022
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Pte Ltd

Richard Young, who goes by the name With-No-Chinese-Name, finds solace in his college darkroom and the companionship of his friends. Among them are ZZ, a shutterbug with a passion for photography; Samantha, a seemingly unattainable girl; Janice, a gung-ho individual; and Jacqueline, a laid-back personality. Seventeen appears to be an ideal age to embrace a lifelong journey. However, their lives are unexpectedly disrupted when a mysterious Chinese flute player enters their midst. Gradually, and tragically, Richard's life begins to unravel.

This title, which is being reissued under the new Marshall Cavendish Classics: Literary Fiction series, aims to introduce some of the finest works of Singapore literature to a new generation of readers. While some of these titles have remained timeless classics over the years, others have been unjustly overlooked. The series seeks to rectify this by presenting these remarkable works to a broader audience, allowing them to appreciate the rich literary heritage of Singapore.

Richard's journey is a poignant portrayal of the complexities of identity and the search for belonging. He grapples with the challenges of being a second-language learner and the distance it creates between him and his family. The darkroom becomes his sanctuary, a place where he can express himself through photography and find solace in the company of his friends.

However, when the Chinese flute player enters their lives, Richard's world is turned upside down. The flute player's presence brings a sense of mystery and intrigue, but it also introduces a tragic undertone to their lives. Richard's fascination with the flute player leads him down a path of self-discovery, but it also puts him at risk of losing the people he cares about most.

The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. It sheds light on the struggles faced by immigrants and the challenges they encounter in adapting to a new culture. Through Richard's journey, the reader is invited to reflect on the importance of family, friendship, and the pursuit of one's dreams.

The Marshall Cavendish Classics: Literary Fiction series is a testament to the enduring quality of Singapore literature. By reissuing these titles, the series aims to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Singapore to a global audience. Richard Young's With-No-Chinese-Name is a poignant and powerful story that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Weight: 106g
Dimension: 117 x 178 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789814974516
Edition number: 2 ed