1. A novel struggle
Set in 1990’s Malaysia during the turbulent ‘Reformasi’ period, journalist Delonix Regia is the protagonist of Bernice Chauly’s debut novel, ‘Once We Were There’, a skilfully-woven tale that traverses corruption, vice and loss in a city that’s rapidly changing.
I ask Bernice to reveal which parts of story proved most challenging for her.
“I struggled with almost every aspect of the book,” she replies without mincing words.
“It was such a mammoth task and the most difficult thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
Related reads: The real-life story of Kevin Kwan that inspired "Crazy Rich Asians"