THEME: 4/5 CONTENT: 3.5/5 WRITING: 3.5/5 ENTERTAINMENT: 3.5/5
There’s something about tales of ordinary people that truly captivates me. They have a magnetic pull, drawing me into their stories, allowing me to comprehend their lives, empathize with their joys and sorrows, and embark on their adventures, if only vicariously. Perhaps it’s the relatability of these narratives that resonates with the ordinary person within me.
This inclination towards ordinary tales seamlessly merges with my passion for travel and travel writing, finding its zenith in books like Diary of an Expat in Singapore. Authored by Italian expatriate Jennifer Gargiulo, who resides in Singapore, this book has become a delightful discovery for me through the audiobook platform, Storytel.
My decision to delve into this book is twofold. Firstly, there’s my burgeoning interest in Singaporean literature, which has been developing lately. Secondly, my familiarity with the locale, stemming from a visit in 2016, adds another layer of appeal. Having experienced Singapore firsthand, I can readily relate to the places, dishes, and cultural references mentioned within the pages of this book.
Thus, when Garguilo mentions Mustafa, Hokkien, the vast food courts, Laksa, and Little India, it takes me right back to my own initial experiences in Singapore.
For those seeking a serious, contemplative read, this may not be the book for you. Instead, it’s a delightful journey filled with laughter and infused with the author’s self-deprecating humour, and in the process, offering entertainment to the reader.
Coming from an outsider who has delved deep into the heart of the place, the author offers numerous humorous insights into the expat lifestyle. She highlights the struggles with the oppressive heat, the jarring transitions from sweltering outdoors to freezing air-conditioned interiors, the confirmation of various Singaporean stereotypes, the perpetual anticipation of sudden rain showers, but still never getting the weather forecast right, the challenges of mastering Mandarin and securing a tutor for one’s children, the complexities of learning local dialects like Hokkien, and the unique linguistic puzzle of deciphering Singlish, Singapore’s distinct version of English.
Additionally, she recounts peculiar encounters with taxi drivers, the UN conference-like ambiance of school cafeterias, the tantalizing aromas of mouthwatering Indian cuisine, and the intriguing fusion of Chinese-Japanese culinary delights, a cuisine which neither the Chinese nor the Japanese are aware of.
We hear about the constant construction buzz, the soaring demand for colonial houses among the ultra-rich, the astronomical costs of owning and maintaining a car, the luxurious world of Singapore’s international schools, the obligatory swimming lessons for kids, the endless hours of studying for children, the nationwide ban on chewing gum, and the exclusion of Singapore’s national fruit, durian, from many public places. And let’s not forget about the renowned and opulent Changi Airport, as well as expat-favourite holiday destinations like Bali.
The author definitely doesn’t hold back and often adopts a tone that might be considered politically incorrect. She discusses the diverse array of people and races that populate the area, noting the predictable patterns that emerge. However, she presents these observations in a lighthearted manner, aiming not to offend but simply to highlight.
Then, there’s the comparison with her homeland, Italy, and the lament over how everything Italian seems to come with a hefty price tag. She shares anecdotes about her children being more proficient in Mandarin than Italian, their inability to relate to the concept of winter, and the growing sense of distance from their own culture as they mature.
What makes Diary of An Expat in Singapore so relatable is its focus on the everyday life of an ordinary person. While it might not offer practical or factual knowledge about the country, it does provide a delightful glimpse into Singaporean life, particularly from the perspective of a mother raising two kids.
Charming, witty, and thoroughly entertaining, I’m delighted to have stumbled upon this book and would wholeheartedly recommend it to aficionados of travel writing, as well as anyone intrigued by Singaporean and Asian literature, expat adventures, and the memoirs of everyday individuals.
Can’t wait to read Diary of An Expat in Singapore? Buy your copy right away.
