Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of If We Dream Too Long
Literary Fiction· Singapore

If We Dream Too Long

by Goh Poh Seng
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1972English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Goh Poh Seng's If We Dream Too Long (1972) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. Often regarded as Singapore's first true novel, 'If We Dream Too Long' explores the life of a young man, Kwang Meng, who is caught between the expectations of society and his own dreams. The novel is a poignant reflection on the challenges of modernity and the search for identity in a rapidly changing Singapore. Its lyrical prose and introspective narrative have made it a seminal work in Singaporean literature. Themes of identity, modernity, dreams vs. reality run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorGoh Poh Seng
Published1972
Country of Origin🇸🇬 Singapore
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9789814189271
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇸🇬 Singapore

This book is part of Singapore's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Singapore

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · regional
20150
✍️
About the Author
Goh Poh Seng
Singapore
View Author →
Designed to Feel
Bestseller by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Midnight's Children
literary-fiction

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie· 1981
Nobel Prize in LiteratureBooker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The God of Small Things
literary-fiction

The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy· 1997
Nobel Prize in LiteratureBooker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Remains of the Day
literary-fiction

The Remains of the Day

Kazuo Ishiguro· 1989
Nobel Prize in LiteratureBooker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The White Tiger
literary-fiction

The White Tiger

Aravind Adiga· 2008
Nobel Prize in LiteratureBooker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Road
literary-fiction

The Road

Cormac McCarthy· 2007
Pulitzer PrizeHugo Award
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of Wolf Hall
historical-fiction

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel· 2009
Booker PrizeCosta Book Award
Editorial Score100/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is If We Dream Too Long about?

Often regarded as Singapore's first true novel, 'If We Dream Too Long' explores the life of a young man, Kwang Meng, who is caught between the expectations of society and his own dreams. The novel is a poignant reflection on the challenges of modernity and the search for identity in a rapidly changing Singapore. Its lyrical prose and introspective narrative have made it a seminal work in Singaporean literature.

Who wrote If We Dream Too Long?

If We Dream Too Long was written by Goh Poh Seng, from Singapore. First published in 1972.

What awards has If We Dream Too Long won?

If We Dream Too Long has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is If We Dream Too Long worth reading?

If We Dream Too Long is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in identity, modernity, dreams vs. reality.

Where can I buy If We Dream Too Long?

You can buy If We Dream Too Long on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is If We Dream Too Long?

If We Dream Too Long is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is If We Dream Too Long from?

If We Dream Too Long originates from Singapore's literary tradition. Explore more books from Singapore on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

📖More Literary FictionBrowse all Literary Fiction books🇸🇬Books from Singapore🇸🇬 Singapore literature📅1970s BooksPublished in the 1970s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time