Peculiar Chris

By Johann S. Lee

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9810035578
• ISBN13: 9789810035570
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Cannon International
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.

Customer Reviews

An interesting insight of a young man's coming of age...

'Peculiar Chris', surprised me pleasantly. An interesting and perceptive account of a young man's life dealing with contemporay issues, at the time, of life in Singapore. Beautifully written, poignant and reminicent of a time, which meant much to the writer. All young gay men from around the world can relate to this book. It is a book for romantics. Although some issues in the novel are dealt with innocently and naiively, it is part and parcel of the charm of this young writers understanding,at the time, which makes this novel so much more heartfelt. Although many issues have changed over the years, we learn to appreciate the influences the writer was under at the time, and not only learn about his characters, which are colourful and diverse, but we gain a small insight to the writer himself. Johann S. Lee, let your fans rejoice once again, its time for your great pen to meet paper once more!

An outstanding insight into being gay in Singapore

Johann (Joe) Lee was 20 years old when this book was published. He wrote the book while carrying out his national service in Singapore at the age of 19. For that age it is a exceptionally mature piece of work. The first openly gay novel published in Singapore takes us through the life and loves of Chris and his adorebale partner Samuel. Perhaps the handling of HIV and AIDS could have been dealt with in a more informed fashion but what kind of detailed information was available to a youth in the Singapore army in the early nineties. This novel does not focus on gay sex or make at point of focusing on gay rights like so many other books available but deals with the individuals and their relationahips and feelings. It is hard not to indentify with the protagonist, Chris, who, from the authors decriptions, is the perfect partner. This is an all round good read for any adult regardless of sexual orientation. Even though this novel is now out of print it is certainly worth trying to get your hands on. I await with bated breath for Joe to put pen to paper again. If he could write with such maturity and insight at 19 his next novel will surely be another success. Joe now lives with his long term partner in London and I wish him all the best. "Joe, get writing again. You have an extreme talent. It's a shame to waste it"