In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey of discovery leads them to South East Asia where they delve into the vibrant world of Malaysian poetry. Meeting with Bernice Chauly an award-winning Malaysian poet, novelist, educator, and former festival director, through heartfelt storytelling Bernice paints a vivid picture of her upbringing in Malaysia in the 1970s. Bravely recounting a profound family tragedy from her youth, she shares the indelible impact it had on her life and work, and discusses the challenges at that time growing up in a mixed-race family, finding solace and inspiration in the world of books and stories.  

Poems this episode include: Sometimes by Bernice Chauly, from Onkalo (Math Paper Press, 2013); And A Hymn to My Sarong by Salleh Ben Joned, from Poems Sacred and Profane.