‘Aneeta’s short stories tell the truth. Through these compositions, the reader gains an insight into the different experiences of social, political, and economic realities of Malaysian life; how they diverge and how they interact—in surprising, amusing, or tragic ways. Furthermore, weaving through these pieces are important threads that, depending on government policy, will strengthen or unravel our nation: among them, mental health, the Federal Constitution and our nation’s rich cultural traditions. Get this book into our schools!’
—Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Founding President,
Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS)
‘Aneeta Sundararaj’s hard-hitting compilation of short stories may be fictional but it is solidly based on real life. Aneeta hits the nail on the head basing her stories on the ambiguous and double standards prevailing within the multi-racial and multi-cultural societies of Malaysia.
Each community, conditioned by the double standards and unreformed practices and beliefs of their communities, is plagued by ambivalent and cruel psychological destiny. Obsessed with the resultant state of affairs, the protagonists of Aneeta’s “fictional” stories grip us with their unfolding drama, the monumental clashes of religious and cultural conditioning and law. Her stories explore the resultant acute mental health crises and taboos, the kind which are often swept under the carpet in the unfair world we live in.’
—Datuk Ramli Ibrahim Chairman,
Sutra Foundation
‘Mental health is the buzz word of today’s world. What does it actually mean? When an employee says, “I suffer from anxiety,” sometimes, there may be a deeper medical issue he is suffering from. When an aged parent stops eating, it may be a sign of depression in the elderly. When a parent or loved one dies, how you deal with the grief may be completely different from someone else.
After heavy rains, there are all forms of losses around and you feel you’re losing your mind. Stories can be one of the most powerful ways for you to understand that you’re not alone and seeking help is but one phone call away.
This is why I am very proud of Aneeta for putting together this collection of some of her award-winning short stories. The stories are heartfelt, funny in some instances, uplifting in a few and very real in all of them. It’s a must-read and treasure for all.’
—Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye Patron,
Malaysian Psychiatric Association
‘Be warned. Aneeta is dangerously addictive. She picks her material mostly from domestic vignettes. Aneeta’s lawyerly training transmutes it into searing universal insights. We are astonished how similar the human condition is, everywhere. That explains why her stories win international awards. Because time is scarce, we trade it warily.
Aneeta’s chosen medium of the short story is apt. She does not disappoint.’
—Cyril Pereira Former Publisher,
Asia Magazine
‘“Say Hello to Yama” achieves a lot . . . A very dense and complex story enables the reader to reflect on the impacts of climate change on small communities.’
—Dr Marl’ene Edwin Chair, Short Fiction Prize,
Aesthetica Creative Writing Award 2024
'This collection offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of how societal inaction can lead to suffering and hardship. It provides a raw look at the human experience, highlighting the stigma faced by children and those with mental health issues. Reading this collection expanded Zahin’s perspective and provided a glimpse into the lives of others. Aneeta has truly been able to show a tapestry of the minds of these people with an amazing ensemble of varietal experiences and a myriad of truths with elegance.'
— Zahin Zailani The Malaysian Reserve (TMR) explore
'The author’s ability to inhabit such a wide range of perspectives is one of the collection’s greatest strengths, allowing her to explore the complexities of the human experience from multiple angles.'
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Namrata
'A Powerful and Stimulating Collection: Aneeta Sundararaj’s
Tapestry of the Mind and Other Stories' 13 September 2024
CHA Journal and Blog
