SOCIETY UNVEILED: NOW YOU SEE US

In a candid conversation with author Balli Kaur Jaswal, we delve into the inspiration, research, and creative process behind her groundbreaking novel, Now You See Us.

- PRIYA

Balli Kaur Jaswal

Through exploring important social themes, empowering migrant workers, and navigating cultural intersections, Jaswal's work sheds light on the often-invisible voices of Singaporean society.

Unveiling the Inspiration: Tackling Classism, Prejudice, and Women's Rights 

Jaswal reveals that her inspiration for exploring themes of classism, prejudice, and women's rights in Now You See Us came from a personal experience during her teenage years. "My family moved from Singapore to the Philippines shortly after a Filipina domestic worker was executed for murdering a Singaporean," she shares. This incident opened her eyes to the gravity of injustice and the impact of class prejudice on real lives. It sparked a desire within her to shed light on the vulnerability of migrant workers, who are integral to the success of nations like Singapore but remain voiceless.

Compelling Characters: Breaking Away from Stereotypes 

When it came to developing the characters in Now You See Us, Jaswal aimed to challenge prevailing stereotypes of domestic workers in Singapore. She explains, "I wanted to steer away from the binary portrayals of either untrustworthy women, who are looking to take advantage of their employers, or saintly figures, who sacrifice everything and do not have moments of weakness or flaws." Instead, she sought to humanize these characters, giving them depth and complexity. By doing so, Jaswal created relatable individuals with whom readers could connect on a profound level.