‘Silences reveal as much as noise’: Malaysian writer Tash Aw on his new coming-of-age novel

Malaysian writer Tash Aw is no new name to the literary circles in his country, where he grew up before moving to London. Longlisted twice for the Booker Prize (then the Man Booker Prize), first for his debut, The Harmony Silk Factory in 2005, and then again in 2013 for Five Star Billionaire, his books often portray subtle but powerful character development of individuals navigating complex socio-political landscapes, especially in the context of Southeast Asia. His latest book from Fourth Estate (Harper Collins India in the Indian subcontinent), and the first in what is going to be a quartet, The South is an unmissable coming-of-age tale that explores the of resonant themes of class, culture, identity, sexual desire, familial tensions, and the weight of inheritance – both physical and personal.

Set in late 90s in rural Malaysia when the country is caught in the cusp of significant economic and social transformation, Aw is masterfully able to craft a lyrical narrative that often alternates between the first and the third person offering glimpses into the lives of its main character, Jay who has recently moved with his family to their decaying farm post his grandfather’s death. Amidst the oppressive heat and constant squabbles from his father to take charge,...

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