Fistful of Colours

Suwen faces molestation and betrayal, which drives her to paint a controversial picture, and to leave Singapore for the small Malaysian town where her dream of becoming an artist first took root.

Nica defies her father in pursuing art rather than medicine. In her quest to be her own person, she chooses to live with her companion, and expresses herself through her paintings and sketches.

Janice seeks a destiny rooted in Singapore, and in doing so, rejects her father's firmly held beliefs and values. She leaves home to marry a Malay journalist, breaking away from her father's influence.

Through family histories, the novel weaves a rich tapestry which celebrates the multiethnicity of Singapore and the socio-political milieu of her early immigrants.

Fistful of Colours is an elegant, multi-layered reflection of what it means to be Singaporean, through a single day in the life of Suwen, a young teacher struggling to define herself as a person and as an artist.

In her search, she examines the rich history of her stepfather's family, and uncovers the many hopes and trials of Singapore's early immigrant community - from Chinese coolies and Malay waiters to Indian doctors, nobody is spared the consequences of changing times.

Against this backdrop, Suwen's friends explore the themes of art, love, freedom and betrayal. Through Suchen Christine Lim's masterful storytelling and vibrant language, the Singapore of yesterday and today converge.