It's a fantastic read, thoroughly absorbing and very well written indeed

 

Many thanks to John Leo for a great review kindly shared on Twitter 

…. A gripping combination of excitement, colour, feeling and sensitivity. Lachlan’s great uncle was Neil Gunn so literary talent obviously runs in the family! Reading the ‘About the Author’ page, it’s apparent that Lachlan is uniquely placed to tell this story.

….. The evocative sense of place and the attention to detail could only come from someone who knows the authentic Malaya/Malaysia and who has served his country in various different spheres….

…. I’m clearly no literary-critic but the reviews I’ve read of ‘Merdeka’ have been consistently excellent.

I certainly agree and personally highly recommend it.

(Incidentally, I’m not Lachlan’s agent 😂)

Another 5 Star review for Merdeka

Many thanks to Steve B for a kind review posted on Amazon's UK site.  All reviews are really appreciated and extracts can be seen on the Review Page of this blog.

ATMOSPHERIC
Story of a young Scots officer pondering what he wants out of life, set against the sometimes brutal background of the Malayan communist insurgency. This novel fully reflects the rich variety of themes provided by the subject matter- even a hint of the supernatural without which no story set in Malaysia would be complete. Lachlan Gunn is not a broad brush writer. Everything is presented in meticulous detail, which is how he creates an intensely realistic atmosphere (although the dialogue is modern). Even my old school gets a mention! In his new career path with the Gurkhas, Alick can look forward to plenty of action in the jungles of Borneo and I look forward to reading about them...

Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC)

On a recent trip to Kuala Lumpur I visited the Malaysian Tourism Centre building on Jalan Ampang as part of the research for the book-in-progress which is set in Malaya during WW2.

The MaTiC building is endowed with a rich and colourful past. It was built in the British Colonial styel in the 1930s to serve as the residence of a wealthy Chinese tycoon named Eu Tong Sen.  He was an influential businessman in Malaya who served as a vice-president of the Anti-Opium Society and a member of the Kinta Sanitary Board (Perak State).

Remember Gurkha pensioners and widows at their time of need

As Remembrance Sunday approaches, you may wish to consider donating to the Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT).  A donation to the Trust will help to support retired Gurkha soldiers and their families.

The Nepal Earthquake may have disappeared from the news headlines, but the realities of the aftermath are still very much a part of the lives of many people there. The two earthquakes that devastated Nepal during April and May were of a scale not seen seen since the 1930s.  8,800 lives were lost, including 13 Gurkha pensioners.  Infrastructure was shattered and communities and homes left in rubble.

To date the GWT has received 2,121 applications for help in rebuilding and repairing homes.  Of these the homes of 1,200 veterans and widows have been completely destroyed and will require a total rebuild.

Can you help with a small donation?  If so click here.

KOSB Malaya Veterans

The First Battalion The Kings Own Scottish Borderers (1 KOSB) served in Malaya from 1955 to 1958, a tour of duty that spanned independence (Merdeka) day on 31st August 1957.

On Thursday 17th September 2015 the KOSB Malaya Veterans' Annual All Ranks Reunion Dinner was held in Peebles in the Scottish Borders, with a special focus on the 60th Anniversary of the Regiments' arrival in Malaya in September 1955.  Over 130 people attended and it was a truly memorable occasion.

Summer promotion - 'Merdeka' free on Kindle for 5 days

'Merdeka' will be free for download on Kindle from 31st July to 4th August 2015 inclusive (there may be variations due to time zones).  Keep checking your local Amazon store.

Check out the book's reviews.  The eBook was first published in November 2011 and the print book in January 2012.  Since then thousands of copies have been sold or downloaded (many thanks to all readers!)

How to get the book

Work on the next book,  is progressing, although it is not yet possible to give a publication date - it is set in Malaya during the Second World War.

Two more 5 Star reviews for 'Merdeka'

Many thanks to another two readers for their kind reviews posted on Amazon's UK site.  All reviews are really appreciated and extracts can be seen on the Review Page of this blog.

This is an excellent book I served in Malaya during the emergency and reading this book made me relive it all again ,including the wonderful love affair. I recommend this book to all who are interested in the emergency years.(the so called forgotten war)
H. Whitehead

It was a captivating read, I had no idea what the book was going to be like but found the plot gripping.
D. McBride

How to get the book.