Written in a kind of spontaneity that utilizes the local vernaculars, these stories have with no pretensions about the circumstances the characters find themselves in.

However, the short stories in this collection are not an attempt at generalizing Singaporean-ness, although just like the quotation from the story “Duel” above, the struggles and hopes of the characters in the stories set in a developed and globalized city-state do become easily relatable to many Singaporeans whose inner desires and personal aspirations may be in tension with society’s expectations and norms, or state policies. Many of his main characters find themselves in situations that entrap them as they seek to live their lives as they want to. In his collection of short stories, Corridor (first published in 1999), Singaporean writer Alfian Sa’at 1 captures his characters’ hopes and longing for happiness, as well as their internal struggles as they confront their fears, dilemma and prejudices. I had found someone who shared something in common with me.” (“Duel” in Corridor 68)

“Behind these fantastic stories however, was the faint hope that somehow, Singapore: Ethos Books, 2015 (second edition)

Corridor by Alfian Sa'at