A rich, gutsy collection of 8 short stories that continue where Lee’s first two books ended, immersing the reader into the vivid, multi-hued world of the Peranakans. Mixing memory and desire, the tales feature the exploits of fiery females who seek release from the grip of tradition, trying to locate an individual identity compatible with a sense of belonging to the community, within a unique cultural heritage facing the challenges of modern times. Like a delicate pair of beaded nonya slippers, each story glimmers like a tiny ball of coloured glass, beautifully wrought and fashioned by a master. The stories are accented with photographs peppered throughout – of gorgeous vintage sarongs, bejewelled adornments, gilded artefacts from private collections and of course, twinkling, sparkling manek-encrusted accessories.

Lee Su Kim is the author of ten books including three bestsellers. She is a full-time writer and language consultant. Formerly Associate Professor of English at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Su Kim’s research interests are in language, culture and identity. She holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Houston and a Masters degree from the University of Malaya. She has presented papers at international conferences in Europe, the USA and Asia and published widely on language and identity issues. She is the founding President of the Peranakan Baba Nyonya Association of Kuala Lumpur & Selangor. She was a speaker at the Ubud Writers Festival, 2010, and a previous columnist with The Star.