Good Afternoon. Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is Lovell Lim Li Ying and I am from Tampines Primary School. I am glad to be here today to share my review of the book “BreakThrough” with all of you.

Firstly, I like the book written by Uncle George Tan. It is easy to read, easy to understand and so interesting that it kept me looking forward, each time I picked up the book to read, to continue reading till the end of the chapter and beyond.

Secondly, the story is something we’re familiar with. For example, my father did tell me that my grandfather and great grandfather came from China; and that they worked hard to make Singapore what it is today. During the early 50s, life was tough for all and families were big with many siblings.

Like Uncle George’s family, my great grandfather was unable to provide proper education for each of father’s siblings and even to give them enough for their childhood development. Yet, with the lack of these, my uncles and aunts grew up, have good jobs, gotten themselves higher education while working and ALL make it in life.

I was very touched by Uncle George’s story of how he began to envy what his younger brother got from his father as gifts and loving care; but that he did not get the same from his father. All kids, I think, like their parent to give the same degree of loving care to them. I have a sister too. My parents are fair to me and my sister.

Uncle George’s mother is dedicated and her encouragement to him made him a stronger person. She repeatedly showed how important a mother’s love is to the child’s development.

Uncle George is successful. Alexander the Great is a great man. He is successful too. He loves his mother dearly. Alexander the Great once told his subordinate that a drop of his mother’s tear will wipe out all the good things his subordinate had done for him.

Another touching story in the book is the story of Joan.

Uncle George told us how his friend struggled wanting her freedom in being a Christian. Uncle George is kind to help his friend. Joan wanted to become a Christian but was afraid that her parents might disown her as her whole family was Buddhist. With the help of friends, like Uncle George and Catherine, she secretly converted to Christianity although thereafter Joan suffered a lot.

Her mother threatened to disown her. She threw all her belongings and textbooks out of the house and even forbade her to return home.

Joan went to live at Uncle George’s friend’s house. She supported herself by giving private tuition. But Joan was happy. But she would even feel happier if her mother gave her blessings for her to be a Christian.

Despite all the setbacks and suffering in his early childhood, Uncle George persisted and his endurance paid off. His story is very encouraging to young readers, like myself. My parent and my school teachers taught us to be persistent. I now believe that being persistent will help one to succeed.

One interesting note was about the miraculous yellow oil. We read the story of how cruelly Uncle George was caned and punished by his father and how the miraculous yellow oil worked to relief his pain each time.

Interestingly, the miraculous yellow oil has a place in my house too. My grandmother uses it often. Luckily enough, none of us at home need to use the oil to that extent as Uncle George. Even if we have to, it is often only for mosquitoes bites.

In conclusion, I like to say that I loved reading Uncle George’s books. Unlike adventure stories like Harry Potter, The Famous Five, etc… “BreakThrough” is very relevant to the changes that had happened in Singapore, from the early days.

I came to know about the “Koyok” man from this book although I have not seen one before.
I also like to congratulate Uncle George for launching these two books today and may I wish all of you a Happy and Healthy New Year ! Thank You.

Back to Book Review

Back to Book Launch