A Migrant’s Family History: Our Singaporean Story
$ 22.00
This book reveals a Singapore that the younger readers (late teens, 20s & 30s) never knew existed and offers a good time reminiscing for the older readers (50s & 60s). In seven captivating chapters, Cheh Chuan traces his family’s Hakka ancestry and invites the readers to have a peek into the relationships he shared with his grandparents and parents, as well as the neighbours around their pre-World War 2 shophouse at Upper Serangoon Road.
Title: A Migrant’s Family History: Our Singaporean History
Author: Low Cheh Chuan
A Migrant’s Family History: Our Singaporean Journey” offers a heartfelt glimpse into the social history of Singapore’s pioneering generations through a personal retelling of the author, Mr Low Cheh Chuan’s family’s journey. He illuminates the experiences of migrants who found a home in a young nation and the changes to their lifestyles as Singapore developed progressively from the 1970s to the 1980s.
In seven captivating chapters, Cheh Chuan traces his family’s Hakka ancestry and paints a vivid picture of the large extended family that characterised Singapore in those days. Readers are invited into his childhood home—a pre-World War 2 shophouse on Upper Serangoon Road— to have a peek into the relationships he shared with his grandparents and parents, as well as the neighbours surrounding them.
Beyond personal anecdotes, this book is enriched with cherished family photographs and his sketches, capturing scenes and memories etched in his mind. This memoir serves as a heartfelt tribute to familial bonds and the importance of these relationships to Chinese families.
Rachel Chan –
Beautifully written with clear pictures and illustrations.
Susan Chua –
My preference is visual (prefer watching compared to reading from a physical book).
However I really enjoy reading this book, to the extend that I brought it along on bus, mrt ride to read it. It’s easy reading and the font size is just right, especially for reading on the go.
Well, if anyone of you have yet to start on the book, don’t miss out on the A Migrant’s Family History. Am sure you will enjoy it as much as I do.
Kelvin Lau –
Loved Cheh Chuan’s stories of his youth and how his family has thrived in Singapore. Especially appreciated the effort to illustrate his childhood living environment.
A highly recommended read for anyone who wants to know more about how we grew up and lived just a generation or two ago.
Liang Gek –
It’s such an easy and enjoyable read, beautifully unfolding history and memories. Well done!
Chee Kheong –
Thanks for bringing back the memories… and vivid story telling of your family …
CP Lim –
Interesting remininces capturing the mood and experiences of growing up years and the journey of a Hakka migrant family from China spanning over 4 generations seeking a better future in Singapore.
Ng Puay Choo –
Thank you for sharing your family story.
Your story bought back fond memories of our childhood: place, games, movies, tv shows, snack we used to enjoy. I’m amazed by your drawings detailing your grandparents’ shophouse, five foot way, etc.
Your children and (grandchildren in future) will thank you for documenting the lives of their parents, grandparents and great grandparents and tracing their roots.
A nice and easy read for all.