In the Mirror: New and Selected Poems of Wong Phui Nam

Just published!

by Wong Phui Nam, edited by Brandon K. Liew and Daryl Lim Wei Jie

The poetry of Wong Phui Nam (1935–2022) is foundational to Malaysian literature in English, and while his early work is often cited and quoted in this regard, this edited collection of his poetry and critical essays makes it clear that his lifelong trajectory as a poet and critic is of deep interest. In the Mirror by Wong Phui Nam is a critical exploration of Malaysia’s fractured post-colonial identity and literary landscapes.

The editors worked with Wong to prepare his latest works In the Mirror (2000–22) for publication. This volume combines these with his earlier achievements, starting with How the Hills are Distant (1960–64). An introduction by the editors links Wong’s work with contemporary poetry in the region. An afterword by Wong’s contemporary Edwin Thumboo completes a volume that will be treasured for its historical context-making, but more importantly for the literary rewards of Wong’s poetry, written in unblinking confrontation with the contradictions and difficulties of writing in English in the region.

“Wong Phui Nam is one of the giants of Malaysian writing in English, a pioneering poet whose early work captured the cultural desolation of the immediate post-independence years…. His poetry collections, especially those containing multi-part poems, deserve to be read and studied in their entirety.”
- Ann Ang, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University

Wong Phui Nam (1935-2022) was a Malaysian poet. 

Brandon K. Liew is a writer and editor, and currently a researcher at the University of Melbourne.

Daryl Lim Wei Jie is a poet, editor, translator and literary critic. His poetry collection Anything but Human (2021) was shortlisted for the Singapore Literature Prize.

Publication Year: 2025
252 pages, 229mm x 152mm
Paperback (Asia)
ISBN: 978-981-325-284-4

Ridge Books