Why Egypt?

Two of my favourite author's books were set in Egypt. One in the 1930's and another in 2000BC. One had a romantic setting onboard a Cruise ship, "Death on the Nile" and the other was set in Ancient Egypt, "Death Comes as the End".

It helped that Agatha Christie's second husband was an archeologist in the Middle East. The flavour of Egypt in both her novels was strong and decidedly delicious. They painted Egypt as a mysterious and dangerous place. Sweltering heat, shifting dust, rolling boulders, scheming tourists, conspiracies, dead concubines.

Which are reasons why I want to go there. ;)

Home

Statement # 1: The Purpose Driven Life is a really insightful book. I believe I grew up a lot spiritually reading that book in the 40 days as was recommended.

Statement # 2: Home by Daughtry is a damn good song. The words keep morphing into different significances since I first heard it last year.

So what do The Purpose Driven Life and Home have in common?

#1
Here is a summary from Chapter 6 of the book: “What on Earth Am I Here For?” We are here on Earth only as ambassadors. This world is not our ultimate home. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.

We may experience hardship, sadness, and rejection in this world. Some of God’s promises seem unfulfilled, some prayers seem unanswered, and some circumstances seem unfair. But this is not the end of the story of our life. We are not home yet. At death, we won’t leave home – we’ll go home. Home that is of a heavenly kind, where we can expect God’s promised reward in eternity for those who are faithful to Him.

#2
Which brings us to Daughtry. When Home came out last year, I thought it was such a beautiful song. It was so inspiring that it stuck in my mind as I made my way up Mount Kinabalu, determined to reach the top at all cost. (It must have been the words: “The miles are getting longer it seems, the closer I get to you.”)

And I always sing it whenever I miss my family back in Penang. Then there is also that aspect of a loved one who has strayed too far and coming back home. (“I’ve not always been the best man or friend for you, but your love remains true and I don’t know why, You always seem to give me another try.”)

#1 + #2:
So when I read The Purpose Driven Life a couple of months ago, the lyrics of the song leapt into my mind, but in a slightly different sense. (Home! Our eternal home!)

I’m going to the place where love
And feeling good don’t ever cost a thing,
And the pain you feel’s a different kind of pain.

Chorus: I’m going home, Back to the place where I belong, And where your love has always been enough for me.


Gosh, this sure gives a different meaning to the song, doesn’t it? I'd always thought Daughtry rocks! Now he rocks in a whole different sense as well.

Anyhoo, I've learnt that if life is getting you down, just remember to focus on God. Your time on earth is not the complete story. You must wait until home/heaven for the rest of the chapters. And like another Daughtry single: It’s Not Over!

Where to get "The Curse"?

Available at MPH branches, and MPH online.

Also available from the author herself, if you know her personally. ;)

The Star Review of The Curse

The Star reviewed my novel "The Curse" on Friday, 11th April. I must say it was a pretty balanced review. It made me laugh how the reviewer, some Alan Wong fella, said that the "script (was) from a typical Drama Minggu Ini". Interesting comment there since I don't watch Drama Minggu Ini. And yup, I did borrow from the Mahsuri legend - but that's the whole point. It's to present the legend with a whole new modern twist.

Still, I'm happy to add that he gave glowing comments about it being a good story; very readable and all. I especially like the last few paragraphs:

"Hints pointing to something sinister in Mahduri’s demise start falling like ripe durians about halfway through the story. Thankfully, they will all miss their mark, and we are thus spared from a predictable ending." (Yay, I've accomplished what I'd set out to do - a surprise ending is the best ending, I think.)

"Lack of originality aside, there aren’t a lot of issues with The Curse. Its small size is actually an advantage. It probably kept the author focused on telling the story without any added fluff – all the elements of one good story in one miniscule package. I’m still amazed at how the author pulled it off." (Thank you!)

"The Curse is further proof that the local literary scene is neither dead nor moribund. This edition is a nice comfortable read for everybody – especially those with short attention span – as opposed to that 700-odd page international award-winning bestseller. Plus, it’s actually readable." (Score!)


The Star Online Review of The Curse: Foul Play

"The Curse"

Here is an excerpt from my novel "The Curse".

When the boy who worked at the rubber plantation awoke late from his sleep, he did not expect that the morning would end in such a shocking manner. What were the odds of finding a dead body in this peaceful island village, let alone at the rubber estate?

But that was what happened. He had been whistling his favourite tune as he headed towards the tool shed to pick up his equipment. Before he could reach the place, however, he stumbled and fell over what he thought was an extremely large root.

He rubbed his bruised chin and pushed his torso up, kicking at the bothersome root at the same time. But it was no root. He stared at the body in horror and gave a startled scream. He scrambled to his feet, picked up his dropped cap and ran.

Copyright 2006
by Lee Su Ann