Neem Tree Press snaps up Elaine Chiew’s Southeast Asian historical fiction novel

Neem Tree Press has acquired Elaine Chiew’s The Light Between Us, a Southeast Asian historical fiction novel set in early 20th-century colonial Singapore.

Archna Sharma, c.e.o. and publisher of Neem Tree Press, acquired world rights in all languages directly from the author. The book will be published in hardback, paperback and e-book in May 2024.

"In a tale of time-travel, supernatural romance, and history, a modern-day archivist explores Singapore’s tumultuous past through a supernatural connection with a 1920s colonial era Chinese photographer," the synopsis says. "Inspired by her research into Singaporean historical archives, Elaine Chiew weaves Chinese mythology and early 20th century colonial Singapore into a speculative epic."

Chiew is a two-time winner of the Bridport Short Story Competition in the UK, and her work has been anthologised in the UK, US, and Asia. The Light Between Us was longlisted for the inaugural Cheshire Novel Prize.

“In 2021, while conducting academic research, I was fascinated by the thousands of historical photographs from the National Archives Singapore, revealing a vibrant past – a lively Japanese community, fashion trends, emergent uses of photography," the author said. "I learned about the political ferment pre-Second World War, marked by women’s emancipation and a reorientation of Chinese diasporic identities. I wanted to bring these elements together, focusing on these lesser-known histories while connecting the present through a dual timeline.”

Sharma added: "We are very happy to be publishing Chiew’s evocative novel that illuminates a time period and cultural milieu seldom covered in English literature. She melds genres effortlessly and draws you into the fast-paced action, ratcheting up the tension masterfully between the two time periods. Her superbly formed characters remain etched in your mind long after you finish the book.”