by Theresa W Devasahayam
Theresa Devasahayam’s “Little Drops: Cherished Children of Singapore’s Past” offers a poignant and enlightening exploration of Singapore’s history through the lens of interracial adoptions. It covers a part of Singapore’s history known by many older people but not spoken about until now. This beautifully illustrated book is more than just a collection of stories; it is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and innocence of youth during a transformative period in Singapore’s development.
The book sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Singapore’s past, where children, often girls mainly from Chinese families, were adopted by families of different ethnic backgrounds. This practice, common before Singapore’s independence in 1965, is brought to life through the personal stories of individuals who navigated their identities and found ‘belonging’ in their adoptive families.
The stories reveal the struggles of families during the Japanese Occupation, the impact of poverty, and the societal norms that influenced the value placed on girl children. Some families were forced to give up their child because they were not able to afford raising the child. Others gave up because of certain superstitious beliefs. Despite the hardships, the book highlights the magnanimous spirit of the families who took in these children, providing them with love and a sense of belonging.
Moreover, “Little Drops” serves as an important reminder of the lessons learned from the past. The challenges faced by these children—whether during times of economic hardship or social change—are reflective of broader societal issues that remain relevant today. The author encourages readers to draw strength from these stories, reminding us that the resilience of children is often a beacon of hope for the future.
“Little Drops: Cherished Children of Singapore’s Past” is highly recommended for people who are curious about these adopted children. The trials and tribulations these children and their families went through are presented in the book through their stories as related to the author.
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