People today know of the evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk as it is documented well and lives on in the public’s mind. The last days before Singapore fell on 15 February 1942, is less well known, yet it can be said to be a far greater story of human suffering, resilience and endeavour. I feel the title is a little erroneous, as the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk was a very different event to the flight of women, men and children, troops and civilians, of several different nationalities from Singapore in February 1942. However, the title has impact and draws the reader to the book.

The author is one who did escape, and is written from personal experience, as well as primary sources such as diaries and journals written by others. As such, I found it emotional to read this book remembering how we are reading about real people faced with chaos and extreme hardship. One comment in the introduction I feel says it all, ‘How invisible are the fine threads of fate’.

The book reads well and is written in an easy to read style. I admit to generally reading books in bit-sized chunks, but this one I became engrossed in and could not put down. The narrative is very personal and absorbing as it details many of the escape attempts by people on board various ships, boats and rafts. Some of the stories are harrowing, but this is due to the honesty of the author in his writing. There are some pictures included in the centre of the book. There is a map included in the front of this book.

It was published originally in 1989, reprinted in 2003 and again in 2014. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the Second World War in general, and the war in South-East Asia in particular. In addition, for real stories about how a comfortable life disintegrated so rapidly for so many in early 1942, just seventy-two years ago, this book is indispensable. ( )