28

In the lead-up to Merdeka Day or Malaysia’s National Day (observed every 31st Aug since 1957), there’s no better timing and way than to promote and celebrate local literary works and authors. By now, major bookstores and other online platforms would have taken this opportunity to have different kinds of promotions to encourage readers like you and I to pick up reading/continue the hunt for your next favourite local author. For me, Vidhya Sathyamoorthy’s debut novel Frappés for Three caught my attention, as very few Malaysians can write about their university experience in restrospect (even if it’s fiction), yet display the right amount of cuteness, drama and Malaysian English without disrupting the reading experience - even if a non-Malaysian were to pick it up, out of curiosity. It is with great delight to have gotten this much insight into the book and reflection(s) of her work and writing from the author herself. So, sit back, relax and enjoy your cuppa Frappé, while digesting this .

• Could you briefly introduce your book?

Frappés for Three (FFT) is a Young Adult (YA) romance novel set in Kuala Lumpur. It follows three friends – Maya Joseph, Rohan Das, and Chong Mei Li – as they navigate the ups and downs of university life together. The central theme of the book is the struggle between fulfilling family expectations/obligations and pursuing one’s own passions, which I think is something many people can relate to, especially in the Asian context.

• Who is the target audience of this book?

FFT is a young adult novel, but it’s suitable for all ages! If you enjoy friends to lovers romance, coming-of-age stories, uni adventures, and Malaysian stories, then this is definitely for you. Young readers can get an exciting glimpse into uni life while older readers can walk down memory lane and reminisce about their own uni days (much like I did while writing this book!).

• What about the format(s) of this book and its availability/access to consumers/ readers? 
  • Physical copy

In Malaysia, paperback copies are available at Kinokuniya, MPH, and Eslite. FFT is also available at select book stores in Singapore and the Philippines. In addition, readers from other parts of the world can place an order for the book via Amazon.

• Ebook

The eBook is available worldwide on Amazon.

• How long did it take you to research for the purpose of writing this book?

FFT was inspired by my own university experience, so research for me was mostly reminiscing about the good ol’ days!

• Was there a particular moment that made you want to write this book?

During lockdown, I started thinking back on my uni days and thought it would be fun to write a story centred around the university experience in Malaysia. It started off as a passion project and eventually, I became very invested in the story of our trio and wanted to see it through to the end. Overall, it was a very enjoyable project to work on and it gave me a chance to relive my uni days!

• I noticed that there’s quite a fair bit on the rock-climbing wall and activity. Whose experience is this based on? Your own rock-climbing experiences? Or your friends’? Or based upon the experiences of the wider student community?

The setting of FFT is based on the Monash University Sunway campus where I did my Bachelor’s degree. One of the main attractions on campus is the rock-climbing wall located close to the cafeteria. I’m not an athletic person at all, but my friend and I made a pact to give rock climbing a try after our final exams. Much like Maya, I really sucked at it, but it was a thrilling and memorable experience nonetheless!

• There’s also quite a lot on the fashion industry. Were these jottings based on one of your interests? Or it was from watching someone else who’s an expert in it?

I think it was subconsciously inspired by all my stylish coursemates at Monash. I knew early on that I wanted to have a character who loved fashion, i.e. the fierce and fabulous Chong Mei Li. She’s bold not only in her fashion choices, but also in the way she pursues her passion tenaciously. Quite a few readers have told me that Mei Li is their favourite character, which honestly makes so happy! I think people appreciate her sense of style, but beyond that, they also like her spirited personality and go-getter attitude.

• There are varieties of the English language in the book. Interestingly, there’s not only idioms, but also expressions like “milady”, besides social media lingo. Then, there’s Malaysian English. How were you able to decide? Or did it come naturally?

For me, it was important to write dialogues that reflect the Malaysian way of speaking, which includes the use of our local Malay language and Manglish as well. As a Malaysian, it felt natural to write this way. My editor also provided great feedback to help me capture the voice of young people more authentically.

• Among all the characters in this book, how Dustin was introduced and included stood out to me the most. Did you have classmates like that to be able to help you come up with his character? Or were there other factors?

The characters in FFT are an amalgamation of all the great people I had the privilege of meeting during my uni days. My friends were very encouraging when I pursued passions such as the performing arts in uni, and Dustin’s character was inspired by that. I wanted to showcase how having great friends who root for you, especially in one’s young adult years, can have a significant, positive impact on the trajectory of your life.

• What’s the future of this book? Will there be a film adaptation of this book?

Wow, it would be amazing if FFT was made into a film! I’d be absolutely thrilled. There are no such plans as of now, but here’s to hoping!

• With the publication of your debut novel, do you think the reading habit (amongst young adults) will see an improvement, especially in this era of being easily distracted, with many things increasingly online, electronic-based?

I hope so. I think there are so many amazing books in the local literary scene and it feels good to read Malaysian stories that we can all relate to. I implore parents to introduce their children to local books and encourage them to read books in genres that they enjoy. The transition to electronic-based entertainment may not necessarily be a bad thing for reading as products like Kindle are growing in popularity. In fact, it can even help readers access a wider range of titles and explore a variety of genres to find what they like best!

• Who do you look up to? How do(es) his/her/their work and perspective(s) influence your writing, other creative aspects and your outlook in life?

There are many authors whose works I enjoy reading, but the one who comes to mind at this moment is Matt Haig. His book, The Midnight Library, really moved me and I often think back on it when I’m at a crossroads in life. I guess that’s the power of great stories. They move you; they make you think about your own life; they make you see things in a different light. I hope my stories will one day be able to do that too.