The Four-Sided Tower: Tales from Penang's Underworld

People who had passed by the blue-and-white-painted "Four-Sided Tower" along Penang Road as the locals called the Penang Police Contingent Headquarters, had often wondered whatever is going on inside that squat solid colonial building. If you are of them, this short-story collection may perhaps open your eyes.

After having written four novels (two of which were nominated for the 2006 and 2011 International IMPAC-Dublin Literary Award respectively), master storyteller Khoo Kheng-Hor now presents you a wide variety of characters - gangsters, loan sharks, drug pusher, burglars, pimp, VCD pirate, confidence trickster, rapist, illegal gaming operators and other riff-raffs of society - who had at one time or other been "guests" of the Four-Sided Tower.

His tales evoke varied feelings ranging from amusement and humor, to disgust and horror as well as amazement and wonder. Readers are not only given an insight into the minds of those on the wrong side of the law, but also a glimpse into their personal lives as well. The guardians of the law are not spared either as Khoo also broaches on the extent of corruption and abuse of power.

Be entertained and shocked.