“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” ― Stephen King

Mr Edward Ng Talks About George Yeo’s Musings

You may know Mr George Yeo as a statesman and Member of Parliament, who was formerly Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs. Or, you may not know much about him at all. Either way, it doesn’t matter – his three-volume series Musings offers many insights on a range of subjects that may fascinate you regardless of your knowledge about him or international politics. Our Deputy Principal, Mr Edward Ng, thinks the same too; he talks about why he’s a fan of George Yeo and his book in the fifth episode of the English department’s BookTok series. In this article, we ask him a few more questions about the book:

1.       How do you hope this book will influence the perspectives or actions of Rafflesians?

One can see that Mr George Yeo learns from the various experiences that he has had, from the different roles he has played,and also from working and interacting with different cultures. He reflects and thinks deeply on these experiences and then forms certain understanding and perspectives. I hope that all of us, students and staff members alike, will also similarly reflect and learn from the various experiences.  I am sure it will make us better people in many ways.

2.       How has the book changed your perspective or thinking about the subject it covers?

The book actually strengthens an aspect of life that I learned years ago,which is that there is  always a story or a reason behind a person’s decision or action. On the surface, things may look simple but underneath them the reason can be multifaceted. 

3.       Could you share a specific example from the book that you found particularly enlightening?

Mr Yeo’s sharing on the China – US relations in his second book provided a good understanding and context for the current fractious relationship between the two big nations of contrasting cultures and political systems.

As you can tell, there are a lot of interesting subjects covered and insights offered in the book. If you’re looking for a holiday read, this is a great book to pick up!

Mr Cheng Talks Dune

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.”

Frank Herbert, Dune

That is one of the most memorable lines from Dune, which is among the best-selling science fiction novels ever published. Dune follows Paul, the heir to the Atreides family, and his journey on the planet Arrakis, the titular Dune. The line above is quoted from the Litany Against Fear, recited by the mysterious Bene Gesserit sisterhood, one of the many organisations and groups in the rich world that author Frank Herbert has created. The book is the first instalment in the Dune Chronicles and has spawned multiple film and TV adaptations. Dune has millions of fans across the world, including yours truly and, as you may have gleaned from the title, Mr Clement Cheng, our English Language HOD. 

In the first episode of the English Department’s new #BookTok series, Mr Cheng talked about Dune on @grifflesgram, which you can find here. From now on, The Eagle Eye will also publish companion articles, where you can find the RI teachers’ book recommendations in written form. So, read on to learn more about Mr Cheng’s favourite book!

What inspired you to choose this particular book for us to read?

There was a movie from 1984 by David Lynch that tried to adapt the novel. I was very young then but I remembered the movie and how alien it was. The first time I read the book was in university for a literature course. Compared to the movie, the novel was so much richer and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the novel and its richly woven tapestry of a universe. I even read some prequel novels to understand the world of Dune. I guess the trigger to recommend this book was the newest movie adaptation of Dune. When I watched it in the cinema, it was truly inspiring to finally see an adaptation that adequately represents the novel. The movie itself, I feel, was a work of art thanks to Denis Villeneuve and Hans Zimmer. The visuals and music were breathtaking. However awesome the movie is, the novel is still richer and more complete, and there are more nuances involved.

⁠Can you share some key themes and topics that the book addresses?

Dune covers topics such as politics, religion, the fall of empires, fate vs free will, ecology, and heroes. I found the treatment of politics fascinating. Despite being a space faring species so far in the future, there are some human characteristics that are universal that stand the test of time such as war, greed, self-discovery, and self-interest. Also, it was interesting how the book explores the creation of myths, legends and prophecies. Another interesting aspect of the novel is that it is written in the format of a somewhat historical text

How do you think this book will resonate with students?

a. My favourite part of the book is the “Litany Against Fear”. These words resonate with me because there are times when I am afraid of something or when I am facing a stressful situation. This litany reminds me that difficult times will eventually come to an end.

Fear is the mind-killer.

Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.

Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.

Only I will remain.”

b. Dune is also an essential coming of age story, where the main character Paul Atreides faces tough times, perseveres, challenges himself, and finds his place in his universe.

Are there any specific lessons or messages you hope students will take away from reading this book?

I just hope those who read this novel will enjoy it as much as I have, and that they will then enjoy the movies as well.

You heard him. Dune is an intense, immersive and intriguing science-fiction epic that has captivated millions. You may also want to know the critically-acclaimed 2021 film adaptation is in theatres now, ahead of the release of Dune: Part Two on the 29^th of February, so you can experience Dune on the big screen too! Dune is also available to borrow from Hullett Memorial Library. Happy reading!

Interviewed and written by Nithilan from Raffles Publication

Credits to Mr. Clement Cheng, HOD of English

Mr Gan Shares About The Graveyard Book

Nobody “Bod” Owens has a strange situation – he’s the only living resident of a graveyard. After Bod’s family was brutally murdered, he was adopted and raised by a group of ghosts. What follows is a beautiful coming-of-age tale that manages to be eerie yet whimsical. In the article, second in the #BookTok series, Mr Gan Yu Neng shares about his love for Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book. (You can also find his video interview on @grifflesgram here.)

Interview

What inspired you to choose this particular book for us to read?

I’ve been a great fan of Gaiman’s work since my own days in RI, and it seemed appropriate for me to share this love with what I hope to be another generation of readers. His darkly humorous fantasy stories and his deep love of mythology – evident in the many allusions through his work – are both things I’m sure you will enjoy. The Graveyard Book in particular is a really easy read that draws you in from the first page, and if you decide that you enjoy his style, you can then go on to his more intense and adult-oriented novels. I recommend Neverwhere and Stardust to a casual reader, but to me his magnum opus will always be the gritty epic American Gods.

Can you share some key themes and topics that The Graveyard Book addresses?

I feel like at its heart the novel is about family, and the choices that a young person makes when growing up and choosing between exciting and dangerous independence and the safety but also the restraining ties of family. It just happens that in this novel, in a fun little reversal from expectations, the safe family is a graveyard full of ghosts while the dangerous and exciting outside world is the village with all the normal living people. As it’s a fantasy novel for young people, there’s also all the wonderful fluff you’ll have come to expect from that, like bravery and kindness and sacrifice and that sort of thing – and of course we’ve also got grisly murders right from the get-go, and then deep Celtic magic and a portal to another world – but it’s mainly about family, I promise.

“Face your life, its pain, its pleasure, leave no path untaken.”

Neil Gaiman, The Graveyard Book

⁠How do you think this book will resonate with students?

I think as young Rafflesians just beginning to taste the cocktail of independence and responsibility that comes with being in secondary education, you’ll find the struggles of Bod Owens quite relatable. For the students that aren’t as interested in stories about growing up and your changing relationships with your parental figures, there are always grisly murders!

Are there any specific lessons or messages you hope students will take away from reading this book?

Specifically for Rafflesians, I hope that reading this illustrates through fantastic fiction the sort of conflict your parents and adult caretakers feel as they work out how much to reign you in, and how far to let you go.

Conclusion

The Graveyard Book is a unique book – it combines multiple genres such as horror, mystery and fantasy. At its core, however, it is a heartfelt story about friendship and family. Do you need any more reasons? As Mr Gan has, go and read it now!