“This engaging memoir spans the early years of Singapore’s history with many vivid details about the socio-cultural life then. Shalini has captured many tender and loving moments between father and daughter, despite a restrained relationship. Her experiences during her growing up years and later as a working mother will resonate with many readers. In this way, this is not just the journey of one Malayalee family but is truly a Singaporean journey and story, one that all of us can identify with.”
Dr. Cheah Yin Mee, Principal Consultant at Learning Ventures
“Shalini and Damodaran had me spellbound for a few hours. I laughed at the adventures of ‘little Shalini’ and her father’s customers. She had me in tears, too, at poignant moments. Dad and I will take you to familiar places within you.”
Dr. Anitha Devi Pillai, Teacher Educator, National Institute of Education, Singapore
“It’s one of those books that I couldn’t put down once I started reading it. Shalini definitely has a gift with words, and right from the start I felt transported into her father’s life. As a silent witness, I learned about his courage to follow his dreams, the love for his family, his way of facing adversity, his strength, values, and, of course, life in Singapore at a time when I wasn’t yet born. Dad and I is a beautiful invitation to seek out a more profound reconnection with parents, and others, for that matter, before it’s too late. Rather than taking everyone in our life for granted, there is so much more to discover about each other when we genuinely want to know more about who they are, their dreams, concerns, values and joys. There are so many gems to be discovered in this book. Many times I sat there, parts touched within myself that were hidden before; often I paused to reflect and find inspiration. Thank you, Shalini, for sharing this journey with the world.”
Antoinette Biehlmeier, Founder of TheraSmart, Owner of InnerDynamics Map, and Co-Founder of TimeWaver SEA and Soul-Inspired Leadership
