Telltale: 11 Stories
Gwee Li Sui (ed.)
Singapore: Ethos Books, 2010
ISBN: 9789810861520

This anthology of short fiction presents six distinct electrifying voices from Singapore: Alfian bin Sa’at, Wena Poon, Jeffrey Lim, Tan Mei Ching, Claire Tham, and Dave Chua. The modern tales they tell are graphic, gritty, striking, and evocative. They describe experiences marked by short happiness and haunting memories, from the death of a loved one to the menacing forces of nature.

The eleven stories showcased here examine the lives of an array of complex characters. These individuals are tormented by dilemmas that nonetheless go on to shape and direct them. Telltale is an artfully sequenced collection that also includes explanatory notes and a study guide. It stands out as an informative and enriching edition that will speak to a broad range of readers today.