This play chronicles the life of a Singapore Nonya, Emily Gan, in a series of entertaining and sometimes moving anecdotes. Emily, the charismatic heroine, is the only character to appear on the stage, but by skilful writing of the part, a whole host of unseen characters is conjured up – Emily's friends, family, servants and the society of her era. Time is fluid and we move quickly backwards and forwards through the contrasting scenes in Emily's life. There is never a dull moment as we see her as a bewildered bride, as a confident society hostess, as an interfering matriarch or as a mother grieving for her son. Many Nonya customs and traditions have been incorporated into the action, making the play an interesting and valuable cultural record as well as a compelling drama.

Published 1989, First Edition.

Binding of book is intact. Slightly sunned covers with some foxing and moderate shelfwear. Some tanning and foxing on edges of book. Author's signature with moderate foxing on insides of covers. Slight foxing on certain pages, otherwise in good condition.