Moist Memories: Liu Yichang's Nanyang Short Stories

Liu Yichang's connection with Nanyang began in 1952. That year, he and Zhong Wenling, Liu Wenqu, Zhang Bingzhi, and Zhao Shixun, under the moniker "Hong Kong's Five Tiger Generals," arrived in Singapore with much fanfare to establish "Yishibao" (Benefit the World Newspaper). What people did he meet during his five years in Nanyang – a period neither too long nor too short? What did he do? What did he write? Many readers and researchers have only a fragmented understanding of this period in his life. In 2010, Liu Yichang compiled over 50 of his Nanyang short stories into "Tropical Rainstorm," which was his first most concentrated collection of Nanyang writings. However, "Tropical Rainstorm" only collected works written in Hong Kong after Liu left Singapore and then sent back to "Nanyang Siang Pau" for publication, even omitting many works from this period. The editors of this book unearthed and sifted through old newspapers and periodicals such as "Yishibao," "Zhongxing Ribao," "Nanyang Siang Pau," "Sin Chew Jit Poh," and "Saturday Weekly" from the Singapore Library's collection. They also borrowed tabloids and old publications from many collectors in Singapore, and received enthusiastic assistance from Mrs. Liu, who provided precious clippings and manuscripts. Finally, almost all of Liu Yichang's Nanyang works and historical materials have been collected. This book contains 137 Nanyang short works, divided into three main categories: fiction, poetry and essays, and criticism. There are 97 short stories and microfiction; 18 rare poems; 8 film reviews; 9 essays; and 5 literary reviews. This impressive collection has been compiled into "Damp Memories," Liu Yichang's most complete collection of Nanyang short works to date. This represents a completely new discovery for both Liu Yichang and his literary writing.