Tanamera (Coronet Books)

"TANAMERA" --- along with "TAI-PAN", "SHOGUN", and "THE THORN BIRDS" --- is one of the best "epic" novels I've ever read. This is a novel you simply will not be able to put down! Noel Barber gives the reader a rich, earthy feel and insight into the history, culture, and development of Singapore from the late 19th century up to the late 1950s through the interconnected lives of 2 families - the Dexters and the Soongs. Mainly "TANAMERA" is a tale of a constant and abiding love between John Dexter and Julie Soong and the struggles and pain they endure through war and separation. In reading about their lives, I felt deeply for them and the world as it was changing around them. Barber is a consummate writer who knows his subject well. In "TANAMERA", you experience life vicariously, its ups and down, its joys and sorrows. Never a paragraph is wasted.

THE NOVEL REFLECTS THE SENTIMENTS OF THE 30'S AND 40'S ABOUT INTER-RACIAL RELATIONSHIPS IN SINGAPORE SOCIETY. IT SHOWS THAT TRUE LOVE, DESPITE THE WAR AND SOCIETAL NORMS, HAS NO BOUNDARIES. THE NOVEL HAVE THE SCENIC BACKGROUND OF MARGARET MITCHELL'S "GONE WITH THE WIND" COMBINED WITH THE MYSTICISM OF THE SOUTHEAST AND THE PASSIONATE ROMANCE OF SHAKESPEARE'S "ROMEO AND JULIET." ____________________

The best historical fiction ever written about the II World War and the action of the allied and axis forces in the Pacific. A MUST read for every one who is interested in this part of the XXth Century.

The plot was very exciting and fun to read. It also gave you good insight into the character of the region at that point in history, It was an excellent historical fiction novel. I wish other books by the author were not out of print.

This classic romance a la "Romeo and Juliet" is set in the Singapore of the 1940s. A Chinese and a British are not an acceptable couple even if they have shared their childhood. The backdrop is the most interesting portion of the novel. It is well researched and revealing of the history and culture of Singapore.