Widely regarded as the first Singapore novel, If We Dream Too Long explores the dilemmas and challenges faced by its hero, Kwang Meng, as he navigates the difficult transitional period between youthful aspirations and the external demands of society and family.
Set in the 1950s, this memoir recounts the transformative journey of a young Asian student from post-war Kuala Lumpur to Ireland. It captures his initial experiences in a hostel for Asian students and the challenges of adapting to a boys' Catholic school. The narrative highlights his burgeoning passion for writing and his deep appreciation for Dublin's cultural and literary scene. Throughout his journey, he encounters a diverse array of characters, including an Anglo-Irish gentleman, a charming West Indian, and the beloved poet Paddy Kavanagh.