The House of Little Sisters

In pre-World War II Singapore, Lim Mei Mei, a sixteen-year-old mui tsai, arrives at the home of Eminent Mister Lee. She discovers the plight of mui tsai and falls in love with Hassan Mohamed, an Indian-Muslim aspiring poet. Through a twist of fate, she finds a solution to keep them together while gaining agency and securing her own future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2022
Publisher: Penguin Random House SEA

A captivating tale that delves into the intricate details of a bygone era, 'The Polar Star' showcases Eva Wong Navas remarkable attention to historical accuracy and masterful storytelling abilities. Felix Cheong, the acclaimed author of 'Sprawl: A Graphic Novel,' praises the book as a testament to Wong Navas exceptional skills. He describes it as a "beautiful, haunting, visceral experience," where readers are transported to pre-World War II Singapore through vivid descriptions of sights, sounds, and aromas. The characters, portrayed with remarkable depth and richness, are akin to a delectable kueh lapis, each layer revealing a unique aspect of their lives. Cheong goes on to say that if this book were a dish, it would undoubtedly earn five Michelin stars.

Dave Seow, a renowned children's book author with over 45 titles to his name, also praises 'The Polar Star.' He calls it a "supernatural expose of a past system that still has a tight grip on contemporary Singapore and Malaysia." Set in 1931, the story follows sixteen-year-old Lim Mei Mei (Ah Mei), who arrives at the home of Eminent Mister Lee on the eve of the Hungry Ghost Month. She is sold to the family as a mui tsai, an indentured servant girl. At the Lee household, Ah Mei begins her life education and encounters the spirit of Ah Lian, a mui tsai who tragically paid the ultimate price for her mistake.

Through Ah Lian, Ah Mei learns about the struggles and vulnerabilities of mui tsai, who are simultaneously powerless and influential. She also uncovers a dark secret lurking within the shadows of the Lee house. In addition to her supernatural experiences, Ah Mei meets and falls in love with Hassan Mohamed, an Indian-Muslim and aspiring poet. Their love transcends societal boundaries and challenges the strict rules of love in 1930s British Malaya. Ah Mei becomes Hassan's guiding light, and the young lovers must find ways to stay together against all odds.

However, fate intervenes, and Ah Mei discovers a solution that not only keeps her and Hassan together but also grants her newfound agency and secures her future as an uneducated servant girl in British Malaya. 'The Polar Star' is a captivating tale that explores the complexities of a bygone era, offering a profound reflection on the enduring impact of history and the resilience of the human spirit. Eva Wong Navas masterful storytelling and meticulous research make this book a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, cultural exploration, or simply a compelling story that will leave a lasting impression.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 127 x 196 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789814882279