"Kuttu" The Girl From Malaya: A Memoir

ISBN-13: 9781494270087 / Angielski / Miękka / 2013 / 174 str.

Elizabeth Goh Sharman

Opis

This is an inspirational memoir of a naturalized American citizen, Elizabeth "Kuttu" Goh Sharman, who grew up under difficult circumstances and poor possibilities in rural Malaya from the town of Bukit Mertajam. As described lovingly in the book, the famous town is where the St. Anne's Church exists, and an annual 10 day feast is held, drawing the faithful from all over Southeastern Asia. Given away at birth by her biological parents, she is raised by a beloved saintly aunt Heok Ee. She is given the nickname "Kuttu," by her great aunt, the name giver. The word is directly related etymologically to the English slang word "cooties," both words of which refer to forms of lice. The great-aunt explains the name will strengthen her to overcome her weak health and poor prospects. The effect of this lowliest of all possible names seems to work, possibly responsible at least in part for her success on a much larger stage than rural Malaysia, however maybe also at the cost of an inferiority complex that along with the name sticks, with her all her life. Although her early academic performance is poor, several "guardian angels" come along to encourage her to believe in herself, work hard and persevere. She finishes convent high school and then excels at business school, so much so, she qualifies for a top job with a UN branch in Kuala Lumpur the capital of her country. Even greater opportunities open up and she moves to working for the UN in Geneva. There she marries a renowned international labor organizer, an Englishman. She starts a family and travels the world with her new husband before settling down in the US, as her American dream comes true.