KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1 — Malaysian writer Viji Krishnamoorthy’s debut novel — 912 Batu Road — has been longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award 2023.
The book tells the story of two Malayan families through World War II up till the early 2000s.
In a press release from her publisher Clarity Publishing, Viji says, “History isn’t only about war heroes and victors and losers. It is stories of the indomitable human spirit of ordinary people going about their everyday lives who contribute in small and yet significant ways.
“It is these human stories of empathy and kindness and love for one’s fellow people that really are the beacon on very dark and grim days. Their compassion softens the harsh and cruel realities of war.”
912 Batu Road — while a work of fiction — also features real Malaysian heroes like Sybil Kathigasu.
“Sybil Kathigasu was a nurse and her husband Dr Abdon Clement Kathigasu had a clinic on 74 Main Street, Papan, Perak where they nursed and supplied medical aid to the resistance fighters during the Japanese Occupation.
“Gurchan Singh was a policeman who distributed leaflets under the code name ‘Singa’ containing actual news of the war to counter the Japanese propaganda,” added Viji.
“Young Malaysians must know of the contribution of these unsung heroes as they are invisible in our history books today. It was important to shine a spotlight on them and acknowledge not just their contribution but patriotism and love for their country.”
Publisher Rosalind Chua said, “The interest and excitement over Viji’s novel has been amazing and despite the difficulties of publishing it during the MCO we’ve already reprinted the book twice.
“I hope that her nomination will spark more interest globally in Malaysian talent and also encourage more Malaysians to write. We have so many stories to share with the world and so many different perspectives to offer global readers.”
912 Batu Road is available at major bookstores.
