Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By S.L. Lim, Transit Lounge, $29.99.
“The essence of being human is that on does not seek perfection, that one is sometimes willing to commit sins for the sake of loyalty, that one does not push asceticism to the point where it makes friendly intercourse impossible, that that one is prepared in the end to be defeated and broken up by life, which is the inevitable price of fastening one’s love upon other human individuals …” – George Orwell, Reflection on Gandhi
Real Differences is an emotionally resonant novel about idealism, ethical ambition, and love, filled with unforgettable characters. In line with what the title suggests, it examines diversity among middle-class Australians.
Much of the novel is devoted to exploring friendships between people with different backgrounds and with different opinions on important issues. The novel also illuminates the diverse approaches taken by the younger generation to Islam.
It’s obvious there is a need to live our lives within a certain moral code, which can be classed as elaborate. These stories cover so many differences within a family and friendship setting. Many of us attempt to leave a mark and some kind of legacy for the following generation or just gaining total fulfillment within a cause.
Nick comes from a white middle class family and narrates this tale. He is friends with Andie, a Chinese woman born in Indonesia. Her parents were forced to flee an uprising and arrived in Australia with very little. She and Nick study hard together and develop a strong bond that lasts all their lives. Both are determined to make a real difference in the world and spend many nights discussing how they will go about this. So many differences in choices and paths are highlighted and fall into being.
It’s notable that numerous issues have been woven into this story in a flawless and reasonable way. The characters are credible and the scenarios are real. The realities of Born in Singapore, Lim moved to Sydney when she was one-year-old and strongly captures the ‘dreams and disaffections of a millennial general’.
How old was the author when she moved to Australia? If you’re answer is correct, you could win one of two copies of Real Differences.
Entries should be sent to [email protected] by Monday, 7 October 2019. Names of the winners will be announced in Frank Cassidy’s PS-sssst…! column on 8 October 2019.
