A photograph passed down through generations inspires this beautifully written, compelling memoir of one Singapore family and the secrets that defined their story

A cherished family photograph, taken in Hong Kong, 1935, sets Teresa Lim on a journey to uncover her family history. Through detective work, serendipity, and the kindness of strangers, she was guided to the fascinating, ordinary, extraordinary life of her great-aunt Fanny, and her world of sworn spinsters, ghost husbands and the working-class feminists of 19th century south China.

But to recover her great-aunt's past, we must first get to know Fanny's family, the times and circumstances in which they lived, and the momentous yet forgotten conflicts that would lead to war in Singapore and, ultimately, a long-buried family tragedy.

About the Author

Teresa Lim is a Singaporean now resident in England. She lives with her husband in south London and Devon. They have two grown-up sons. The Interpreter's Daughter is her first book.