'The Babas' by Felix Chia
  • Vote Up0Vote Down SonicSonic November 2006
    Posts: 8
    Hi all,

    I remember that my mom bought a copy of this when it was published in the early 80S. Was in primary school then and she made me read it. We lent it to someone and it got lost. A pity, really!!!

    Have been trying to get it for ages but it's already out of print! Anyone know where I could find a copy?

    Cheers
  • 7 Comments sorted by
  • Vote Up0Vote Down ajayajay November 2006
    Posts: 24
    Try the library.
  • Vote Up0Vote Down SonicSonic November 2006
    Posts: 8
    Thanks ajay. But I want a copy to keep la. Good reference for history buffs like me. :D
  • Vote Up0Vote Down 2pix2pix December 2006
    Posts: 54
    Hi Sonic.

    I've checked up on this. This book is out of print. It's available for viewing at Baba Peter Wee's shop: Katong Antique House.

    There is a series of Peranakan Plays- which is published by the Peranakan Association. A play in the series is by Felix Chia, "Pileh Menantu"

    If you're interested- it comes in a set of 3 for $10. You can purchase at the Secretariat office/ Katong Antique House.
  • Vote Up0Vote Down SonicSonic December 2006
    Posts: 8
    Dear Exo,

    Kamsiah for the information. I had the 1st edition print from 1980 and I know Times Publishing has not reprinted it since. Have borrowed it from the libraries and all but it's a 'must have' reference for history buffs like me.

    Will however venture to get the 'Pilih Menantu'script. I watched the play like a few times when I was a kid. (my mom made a VHS recording when then-SBC telecast it).In the meantime, I will carry on scouring 2nd hand bookstores and bug the people at Select Bookstore too!

    Cheers!
  • Vote Up0Vote Down 2pix2pix December 2006
    Posts: 54
    Hi Sonic.

    You can purchase the plays from the Secretary of the Assoc- you have the number?
  • Vote Up0Vote Down cseancsean March 2007
    Posts: 7
    Online shops like Alibris sell this book for about $17AUS - equivalent to Singapore $.

    I have made purchases from Alibris and have found them reputable.
    You may want to consider this option.

    Rather than pound the streets let the internet do the searching and have the book delivered to your door.

    Sean
  • Vote Up0Vote Down minzyminzy October 2008
    Posts: 5
    Just to mention that ala sayang and the babas, together with a whole wealth of old books on peranakan culture are currently being reprinted!
    So you can look forward to seeing it on the shelves on the shelves of bookstores soon!


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