Kampong Spirit—Gotong Royong: Life in Potong Pasir, 1955 to 1965 (new edition)
The most significant aspect of living in a kampong was its kampong spirit—or gotong royong. Though deprived of modern comforts like electricity or running water, multi-racial neighbours lived harmoniously with each other in their attap villages, had a wonderful zest for life and a strong sense of community.
This refreshed new edition of Kampong Spirit brings to life the colourful characters of the villagers with whom Peranakan author Josephine Chia grew up at a kampong in Potong Pasir. The period 1955 to 1965 was also a dramatic era for Singapore. As the country struggled towards nationhood, the social and political events of this time and their effects are seen through the eyes of the common folk.
This collection of delightful, real life short stories will take you through Singapore’s history and heritage at a human level. For some, it will be a journey of discovery and for others, a time of reminiscing about those nostalgic years.
Winner of the Singapore Literature Prize for English non-fiction—an essential and vibrant read on what kampong living in Singapore was like.
Also by Josephine Chia: Goodbye My Kampong! (sequel to Kampong Spirit—Gotong Royong); Growing Up in Kampong Potong Pasir (for young readers)
Kampong Spirit—Gotong Royong: Life in Potong Pasir, 1955 to 1965 (new edition)
Slide to see
Paperback
$20.00 SGD
Reviews
"Every line in Kampong Spirit is so evocative, so rich in details, descriptions and dialogue, that it keeps you spellbound to the past. As you turn from the page, you’re suddenly awoken to how much Singapore has changed, and how much grace and skill it had taken Josephine Chia to time-travel you without missing a beat." —Felix Cheong Poet and Graphic Novelist
"This lovingly crafted memoir brings to life the vibrant spirit of a bygone Kampong Potong Pasir. Through Josephine’s tender recollections, we revisit cherished places and familiar faces—the colonial buildings at Atas Bukit, the old St Andrew’s School, and her beloved kampong friends, with whom she still gathers once a year. Though the stand-pipes, hurricane lamps, and other humble fixtures of kampong life have faded into memory, their presence lingers in her heartfelt storytelling. With gentle prose and a deep affection for the past, Josephine invites readers on a nostalgic journey through a kampong that lives on in her heart—and now, in these pages." —Adrian Phuah Lecturer and Researcher/Historian
"This loving, nostalgic memoir of a crucial decade in Singapore’s history,1955–65, weaves personal with public events. Josephine Chia links happenings in her family to her kampong friends in Potong Pasir to national and international events. The family-kampong events include the coming of TV to Potong Pasir, the national includes Lee Kuan Yew campaigning there and the international the impact of the news of the assassination of President Kennedy. In this way, the author imbues the seemingly small things with social significance, fusing drama, comedy and tragedy into a poignant tale of a child growing up. In addition, as she matures, she becomes aware of her Peranakan and feminist heritages, and how her mother empowered her by sending her to an English school. If you want to know what it was like for Singapore to progress exponentially from the third to the first world, this book is an essential document. Together with its sequel, Goodbye My Kampong!, it is invaluable in chronicling Singapore’s past days of kampong living." —Robert Yeo Poet and Playwright
Creative Non-Fiction
Paperback
$20.00 SGD
Kampong Spirit—Gotong Royong: Life in Potong Pasir, 1955 to 1965 (new edition)
Paperback
$20.00 SGD
E-book
$20.00 SGD
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Attunement
Is life hustling you out of tune? As the week roars by, we invite you to a slice of attunement penned lovingly by our authors, friends, and yours truly. Freshly delivered weekly with care. Intimacy guaranteed. Read selected letters below.
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