Peculiar Chris by Johann S. Lee
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Until today, homosexuality is a sensitive topic in Asia thus when this Singaporean novel was among the book pile of my “Asian Literatures in English” class in the uni in 1995, I wasn’t surprised nobody picked it up. I did and boy, am I thankful to my lecturer for including it!
“Peculiar Chris”, written in the early 1990s was touted as THE first gay novel out of in Singpore. HIV/AIDS was relatively unknown in Malaysia then so can you imagine the reception towards a gay-themed book in conservative Singapore?
The novel tells the story of a well-to-do 19 year old Christopher Han, who returns to Singapore from a vacation in Australia and a painful break-up from his girlfriend. He joins the National Service and there, he gradually discovers his homosexual tendencies.
My coursemates shied away from the book when my elderly, straight, male lecturer gave a brief synopsis - they feared reading about gay love, not knowing what “scary” or graphic sections they may encounter.
Since I read it when I was a wide eyed student of 20 years old, it’s safe to say “Peculiar Chris” does not contain any graphic or lucid descriptions of any his sexual encounters.
Instead, it focuses on his feelings and reactions about finding out that he’s gay. He’s puzzled, confused and scared in dealing with these newfound feelings.
We read about the torment he goes through as he questions himself quite frequently if these feelings are real or just temporary. He can’t help but wonder if that’s the reason why he didn’t find his ex-girlfriend attractive at all, especially when he had sex with her. He just didn’t feel anything.
Eventually, Chris falls in love with someone (not an innocent, unsuspecting boy from the National Service!) and sadly, he comes to terms with the reality of gay relationships when his partner contracts the AIDS virus.
I truly enjoyed reading the novel and felt really sorry for “Chris” as he went through a late coming-of-age experience in such a conservative society. For the Chinese, to have a son turn gay is totally unacceptable as they are responsible for both the family name and genes.
Ultimately, most families cannot bear with the shame and stigma of having their children labelled as gay.
Johann S. Lee wrote the book when he was 19 years old AND serving his National Service! However, Johann says (in this interview with Fridae, Asia’s gay portal) it isn’t autobiographical.
Instead, the novel was “something” he had to say and after he said it, he went to study law in King’s College, London because he wanted to “run away from family, from Singapore… to be free… to be, well, gay.”
I’m pleased to read that the novel has been adapted into a Singaporean drama titled “Happy Endings”. Too bad I couldn’t watch the play! It would have been great to see how Chris and the other characters are represented on stage.
Also, Johann released a second novel titled “To Know Where I’m Coming From” (Nov 2007) which is the story of a mature 36 year old banker’s gay life and love in London and Singapore (read a review here)
Is it the story of “Chris” all grown up? I have no idea. All I know is that I’d love to find it among my Christmas presents this year 
Grab your copy of “Peculiar Chris
Chris is matured for a 19 year old guy, huh?
Anyway, I just obtained the book this year, which means I got the re-printed copies. I was tempted to get his second novel too, but a flip to the middle page, and I got the feeling that there was an AIDS storyline, which is not my cup of tea. I may sound ‘uncaring’ but I read beautifully written novels for celebration, and not to be depressed.
I did like Angels in America, though.
And thanks for penning comments on my blog.
Jonathan - Yes, he is and I understand how you feel about reading Johann’s second book. At the back of my mind is an incredibly fun and memorable book with a gay theme but it eludes me now…
Will let you know when I remember it - and please let me know if you read one too ok?
Thanks for visiting me back