Consumption of Kuala Lumpur (Reaktion Books - Topographics)

Rating:
Summary: No title
Review: I really enjoyed this book. Sardar gives a history of Kuala Lumpur told against a background of Malay proverbs and fables, and a good narrative of the political happenings in Malay politics of recent years. His descriptions of KL are right on, and the thorough understanding that the author has of Malay culture really enhance this book. Very readable and well-written.

Rating:
Summary: Mix of urban history, malay legend and contemporary politics
Review: In the guise of a book examing the growth of Kuala Lumpur(KL), the author explores Malay legends and stories for what they show about national culture, as well as discussing recent Malaysian history up to Anwar Ibrahim's show trial and imprisonment. For an outsider with some knowledge of Malaysia, the book is excellent, and challenges many assumptions about Malaysia, and its current leadership. I suspect, but do not know, that its treatment may be superficial for a more knowledgeable reader,