Times of Malaya

"Times of Malaya" is a loose allegory for events set in Malaya during the Emergency, before independence. It is at a time of the Authority's reckless campaign against the Communists, and the cast of Malays, bourgeois Chinese, rubber tappers and British officers who are swept into the chaos. The protagonist and narrator of the story is a boy born at the exact moment of the declaration of the Emergency and is trapped in that time capsule which he cannot escape. Imagine Malaya during the early 50s with its lush, heat soaked jungles filled with violence. Death lurking behind rubber trees. And Imagine the lives of rice growers, rubber tappers, tin miners, bus drivers, ordinary 'citizens' who can be incarcerated behind bars at the mere whiff of being a communist collaborator. This is a story set during a period of political turmoil and uncertainty. And yet filled with beauty and abundance. And hope.

Adnan Ariffin got the inspiration to write this book after reading books written by Shusaku Endo, James Clavell, Leo Tolstoy, and other such historical fiction writers. But, during his daily morning coffee at a local cafe watching the young people of today, Adnan was reminded of his youth and decided to write this book. He hopes that this will shed light on Malaysia's past and help Malaysians to shape a better tomorrow for our future generations. On a personal note, Adnan was born in the remote seaside town of Port Dickson in Malaysia and traveled around Malaysia and the United Kingdom before settling in the busy city-state of Kuala Lumpur. Married for 34 years and counting, Adnan has two lovely daughters and a granddaughter, both based across London and Melbourne, where he splits his time during the year enjoying family life, good food, arts, and culture.