Beyond The Blue gate: Recollections of a Political Prisoner
Author: Teo Soh Lung
Publisher: SIRD
Paperback
392 pp
ISBN: 9-789675-832017
Available from: Select Books, Kinokuniya Bookstore, Ethos Book or contact Isrizal at: [email protected]
Lawyer Teo Soh Lung’s memoir of her 21 May 1987 arrest and framing by the Singapore
authorities as part of the so-called ‘Marxist consipracy’ is a remarkable document. Not only does it show how a person of courage and integrity can speak truth to power, but it also illustrates how that power corrupts and destroys the souls of those who wield it unscrupulously. One day a Singaporean Truth and Reconcilliation Commission will determne the truth of the PAP years. Until this happens, this memoir will serve as an essential benchmark.–
Peter Carey, Fellow Emeritus, Trinity College, Oxford
Teo Soh Lung’s book should be read by all people who are interested in democracy and the rule of law. Not only is it a poignant personal account of official ill treatment, but it is a brilliant testimony to the cruety of authoritarianism, even, indeed especially – when it comes in the guise of legal due process. This is perhaps the most shocking aspect of her story: the abuse of the law in a republic which is democratic in theory.
–
Ian Buruma, Henry R Luce Professor of Democracy, Human Rights and Journalism, Bard College
Behind the Blue Gate documents vividly Soh Lung’s intelelctual and emotional awareness and reflections of a person in captivity. How power blinds justice is nothing new in the world of politics. But Soh Lung’s account impressively details and transnits viscerrally her physical ans psychological journey whilst in detention.
This book is a must-read. it not only gives the reader insights to the human condition, but it also enables one to reflect on one’s moral capacity when facing the hurdles and challenges in standing up for one’s beliefs.
It’s so very important to have this leterature. Thanks, Soh Lung, for taking the trouble to write it all down. Reading the accounts amazes me how sharp your memory was. it is testimony of how human cruety can be etched so deeply in the human psyche.
– Alvin Tan, Founder and Artistic Director, The Necessary Stage
Read also:
A Salute to Teo Soh Lung (by Singapore Democrats)
An Open Wound (by theonlinecitizens)
Call made to abolish ISA, for truth commission over detentions (by Yawning Bread)