My Father is Police, Lah!

Rowena Hawkins
Paperback, 248 pages
9789888904310

Set in 1960s British Colonial Singapore, this warm, witty memoir offers a rare and humorous child’s-eye view of life in a world that no longer exists — where strict regimental upbringing met the mischief and wonder of growing up. Hawkins, who now lives in Kuala Lumpur, was part of the 4% of non-British families living under the unique shadow of colonial privilege. Her father, a Detective Chief Inspector in the Colonial Police (and later the Republic of Singapore Police Force), was both protector and puzzle to her — a man of duty with no shortage of dramatic tales to satisfy her endless childhood curiosity.

Through quirky, self-contained stories, Rowena offers a richly personal glimpse into a bygone era — not a formal history, but a series of affectionate, often laugh-out-loud recollections that reflect on what it meant to grow up in the margins of colonial rule. Think Gweilo by Martin Booth, but from a local, young girl's perspective — a blend of high jinks, discipline, and cultural nuance that speaks to expats, diplomats, and history lovers alike.