Notes from an Even Smaller Island

By Neil Humphreys

Knowing nothing of Singapore in the 1990s, a young Englishman, Neil Humphreys, arrives in the land of "air-conned" shopping centres and Lee Kuan Yew. From the aunties in the hawker centres to expats... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9812321764
• ISBN13: 9789812321763
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Times Books International
• Length: 232 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Absolutely fantastic!

As a loud arrogant ang moh (a.k.a. an American, this is Neil's pleasant desciption of us...ha, ha, ha...) living in Singapore, I can attest to many of the wonderful idiosyncracies that Neil talks about in the book. Like the other reviewers, I bought the book on a whim on Orchard Road on a Saturday night, and was done with it by Sunday night. Shiok, man! I couldn't put the book down...even while I was cooking! It made me laugh over and over, and even more importantly, reminded me of what a wonderful and unique country Singapore really is! I can't wait to read the follow up! Aiya...getting too kiasu lah...

Absolutely fantastic!!!

As a loud and arrogant ang moh (a.k.a. American, as Neil so eloquently describes us...ha, ha, ha...) living in Singapore, I can attest to the many of the wonderful idiosyncracies tht Neil describes in this wondeful book. I bought it on a whim on Orchard Road on a Saturday night, and finished it by Sunday night! Shiok, man! I couldn't put it down...even while I was cooking! It made me laugh over and over...but even more importantly, reminded me of what a wonderful and unique country Singapore really is! I can't wait to read the sequel! Aiya, getting too kiasu lah... ;-)

Totally hilarious...

The stories about his life seems hard to believe, with funerals being held around apartment buildings, to just simply very very loud ladies talking at the top of their lungs as a common day scenarios until you visit Singapore. Instead of the typical Merlions (aka Effiel Towel of Paris, or Leaning Tower in Pisa), trips to "abroad" Sentosa (its connected to bridge which takes an average of 30 - 45mins of travelling time from anywhere in Singapore), or boring tourist spots, Neil Humphreys tell a hilarous way of the everyday Singapore life, and it is very easy to relate certain parts of the book that also occurs in many of the readers' lives. Many of my collegues and friends can attest to that! I'm just really fortunate to hear that no one can relate to living with his landlady, Saudita. This book is a popular hit back in Singapore! I didn't imagine that they'll sell well over here. Well, of course it would! After meeting the man himself during his little autograph session downtown, you could easily relate the person in the book with the person introducing his book in the store. This guy puts notes of seriousnous in affairs of the country mixing it with humour to lighten the whole situation. I can't wait to read his latest book that's been release a month back. Its been selling like hotcakes over here. But if you think the cover is hideous, wait till you see the new book. They've got the Esplanade also known to us as durian/porcupine/bug eyes, with a much closer picture of him sans his scruffy beard in a ridiculously bright shirt. Just be beware and try not to read this book in public places, you'll have people thinking that you're a nutcase by laughing crazying to yourself in buses and getting kicked out of the libraries too.

Great book!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, from the 1st page, I became totally engrossed in it. Neil Humphreys can find humor in anything, a very endearing trait that makes you want to keep reading. Regardless of where you are from, it is hilarious look at the world we live in, you'll find yourself roaring with laughter. When reading the book, it is not essential that you've ever been to Singapore or UK, because the author has a very engaging writing style that crosses all continents and he speaks as a very seasoned traveler, and insightful observationist. Particularly enjoyed the memories of his family, growing up in Dagenham, and his humorous comaparisons of Queen Elizabeth with his own mother. Also found interesting the author's description of the socio-economic and political atmosphere of Singapore, as his objective writing reveals the positives and the downfalls of the many issues that are inherent there. Neil Humphreys is the sort of person you'd like to sit down with and just listen to all the experiences of his travels. Highly recommend this book to all, especially those not familiar with Singaporean life. A+++++++++

Singapore Smash!

This book is highly recommended. It took me only one day to read it as I could not put it down. It is both insightful and hysterical. Anyone that has visited Singapore or Dagenham (the author's home town) will find it even more appealing. However whether you know the places or not, Neil Humphreys's eloquent descriptions of both will make you feel like you do. It certainly makes you feel a little more endeared to both places and their people in a strange way. A laugh on every page - read this smashing book for yourselves.