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Monday 11 March 2013

Malayan Spymaster Event in Penang!

Malayan Spymaster Event 
in
Penang
Thursday 14th March - 10am-12noon


One of The Penang Bookshelf's bestsellers over the last year or so has been Malayan Spymaster by John Hembry. The book was originally written for the author's grandchildren to let them know what his life in Malaya was like, but after his death his family thought others may also be interested in his memoirs. Since the book was published in 2011 by Monsoon Books of Singapore, the book has sold so well that it was reprinted at the end of last year.

Hembry was principally a planter who became caught up in first trying to defend British interests in Malaya firstly against the Japanese and then again after World War II in what came to be known as 'The Malayan Emergency.' As The Penang Bookshelf's review of the book  indicates, Hembry was very much a man of his times, efficient at getting his job done with a colonial mindset in a colonial environment. However, even with the benefit of hindsight his life was eventful and significant, contributing in many ways to Malaysia as it is today.

His son, John Hembry, who features in the book, is visiting Penang at the moment and will be leading a discussion about the events described by the book and obstacles, from the British intelligence services among others, in having the book published. 

The event will be held at The Ferrighi Garden Restaurant on Thursday 14th March from 10am to 12noon. All are welcome, but please book a place with Michelle Grimsley of Spiral Synergy, the event organisers, by email or by phoning her on 016-457-0221 since tea and coffee and light refreshments will be provided at a charge of RM35.

The Penang Bookshelf will be on hand to sell copies of the book at a reduced price of  RM35, when the book is bought on its own, or RM30, when the book is bought with another one of Monsoon's books, which will also be on sale at the event. The Penang Bookshelf will also be selling copies of one of Monsoon's latest books, Amber Road by Boyd Anderson at the normal retail price of RM45
at the event.
  

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