The Authors of Escape from Paradise

The Authors
May Chu Harding

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Escape from Paradise

“It is a remarkable story and so full of intrigue that it reads at times like fiction. ” Jonathan Burnham, Editor in Chief & President, Talk Miramax Books

May Chu Harding, nee Lee, was born in Singapore. At the age of 18, she founded and published two professional trade magazines, Development and Construction, and Banking and Financial Review. May Chu wrote the editorials and lead articles for both magazines, including her famous interview with I. M. Pei. May Chu is the great-granddaughter of Aw Boon Par, one of the "Tiger Balm Kings" who, with his brother, developed Tiger Balm and founded Chung Khiaw Bank with branches throughout Singapore and Malaysia, and the Sing Tao Group, publishing newspapers in Asia, Australia, the United States, and Canada. May Chu’s native language is English, but she is also fluent in four Chinese dialects and Malay. Her family’s palatial estates, Hong Kong’s Tiger Balm Gardens, and Singapore’s Haw Par Villa, have become major tourist attractions.

May Chu lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Her two sons are now attending university.

John Harding

John Harding was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He has spent most of his adult life abroad including stays in Singapore (nine years), Saudi Arabia (nine years), and Italy (seven years). In Singapore, John was the only American expatriate in Singapore’s civil service. John’s writing DNA comes from his mother, Mary Chamberlin, author of two books, Dear Friends and Darling Romans, and Palazzo, both originally published by Lippincott. John’s writing nurture comes from his stepmother, screenwriter Isobel Lennart, author of Funny Girl, and Please Don’t Eat the Daisies. John has held professorships at the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and at the Graduate School of Engineering of Pratt Institute of Technology in Brooklyn, New York. He also worked for the United Nations Development Programme in Kingston, Jamaica.

John is completing The Gulf, an adventure novel based on events taking place in today's Saudi Arabia based on his experiences in the oil business, in the desert, and with those like himself who come to Saudi Arabia from the West for whatever motives. He is also serving as an advisor on matters concerning Islam for a movie script.

Words of Praise for Escape from Paradise

“It took me two and a half evenings to complete your un-put-downable book. It does speak volumes for you and John....the characters you depict became three-dimensional. A moving memoir that only a woman could have written, it is a unique contribution to the appreciation of a life in Singapore. Thank you for having written it.”
—C. V. Devan Nair, former President of Singapore

“It is a remarkable story and so full of intrigue that it reads at times like fiction.”
—Jonathan Burnham, Editor in Chief & President, Talk Miramax Books.

“It’s quite a story…”
—The legendary Alice Mayhew, Vice-President & Editorial Director, Simon & Schuster

“It out-Dallas Dallas, save that it is grounded in historical truth and experience. No one, however, has written so well of the other side of paradise ... your book deserves to be widely read ...”
—Francis T. Seow, former Solicitor General of Singapore

From our Readers

If you could, buy their book. I had a copy, finished it within a week and I simply could not put it down.
A reader from Singapore, June 12, 2008

Movie Please!???
I read this book. I could not put it down even for a minute.

This book is a must-read for everyone and college students, who will learn what the real world of intrigue and situations where people have the control and those who don't, but find ways of "thinking out of the box".

Read this book, because one learn so much from it.

I wish a Movie can be made out of it. It breaks away from the type-casting of all people.
—Tammy (AZ, USA) - From Amazon.com, June 26, 2007

Dear May Chu and John:
I have perhaps read the book at least 5 times. It is a very gripping story and leaves me rooting for you and feeling really happy that you managed to score a victory and leave all the bad memories behind.

What fascinated me too were the stories about the past and I really enjoyed the pictures. Would you be putting any pictures up on the website? Old pictures of the yesteryears and so on?

Thank you once again for the fantastic book. Will there be a sequel?

Yours Sincerely,
—Elodie, August 19, 2006

I hope you win big against her [Helen Yeo], whether in US or Singapore.

It is obvious that she has is guilty of something, for interfering in the exercise of your freedom of expression, when nothing is mentioned about her in the book.

If your story is made into a movie like Joy Luck Club, it could net millions in the opening season. Da Vinci Code has made close to 15 million already. Titanic made 45 million !

Your story definitely has entertaining and historical value ! When a great grand daughter of a famous tycoon of S-E Asia like Aw Boon Par/Haw has a story of intrigue and human passion, movie goers will want to know about it! Your movie will have audience in China, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, where the setting is not to say the millions of audience in the English speaking world !

She [Helen Yeo] must be made to realize that she is robbing someone's livelihood! The nerve of her!
—A reader from Singapore, June 10, 2006

Amongst the best books I have read
Strangely, I understand why there aren't many reviews posted here, especially by Singaporeans. For fear of being on the wrong side with the government I presume.

A most daring truthful book that confirms long held suspicion. Most facts can be independently verified. In fact I chanced upon this book while researching about the Singapore legal system and how our chief justice is appointed by the president on the advice of the Prime Minister. Charming.

I love this book, completed it in a day!
—Teng Kie Zin, April 27, 2006 (Posted on Amazon)

The Exposure of Human Greed & Deceit
A book worth reading. It exposes people who live in high places and will do anything to deceive, scheme, cheat and lie for their own benefit.
—CC Mohan, a retired social worker, October 10, 2005
Posted on Barnes & Noble

I am very impressed by the unique size and high quality of your book Escape from Paradise, (having of course read and enjoyed it tremendously).
—Penny Trump, September 22, 2005

Did not stop until I have finished reading the entire book
Less than USD 9.00 for the ebook. After converting it to Mobipocket format for my symbian phone, I literally did not stop until I have finished reading the entire book. That good ah?

Well, for some insights to the high society and how the country operates here yes, but that is about it. Most of us probably would not qualify to be in the same league as May Chu, and thank goodness would not experience the same kind of nightmares that she did. The way she describes her husband is like watching "The Terminator," relentless and just won't go away.

A good yarn. Ironically it makes you feel good to be a common plebian.
—Straydog Scraps blog June 14, 2005

Brilliant Book! Just can't stop reading!
I am recent fan of your book and I must say it is probably the best non-fiction book that I have read in a long time! Ironically I came across your book a few years ago at a MPH bookstore and considered buying it. By the time I found out the significance of the contents, it was too late, the book was banned. Your book has revealed a lot to me about the human behaviour and how degenerate it can get. Not even our government can escape from the lure of unlimited power and greed.

Being Singaporean myself and brainwashed by the government for the most part of it, reading the book is a revelation for me! I was so moved by the book that I decided to write a review to Amazon on your book and here I am reproducing it for you "I have just finished reading the book spending almost 10 hours with a few breaks in between, I actually have to tear myself from the computer screen (I got the e-book version) just to get some rest. It is simply the best non-fiction book I have read in a long time! Reading this book is like watching a TV drama of epic proportions unravelling before you. The Hardings should consider making this into a TV series! The writing style is easy to read and full of vivid details, I find myself fully immersed in the whole human drama that our heroine is experiencing. You just want to read chapter after chapter to discover what happened to the cast of characters and to add to the fact that this actually happened in Singapore is nothing short of mind boggling! This book is a required read for all Singaporeans! As a Singaporean reading it, I felt outraged, entertained and most of all enlightened!"

I sincerely wish the best for the both of you and please keep on informing the rest of the Singaporeans and to the World what being a Singaporean is really like!
—Name withheld on request (Singapore), June 8, 2005 (Posted on Amazon)

When I wasnt sleeping I was reading it and just could not put it down! It is an absolutely incredible story!
—Stella Kousemaker, The Netherlands, May 21, 2005

Just managed to finish reading "Escape from Paradise". Basically a sad story of how a young lady got herself involved with a powerful family who eventually left her stranded with 2 kids

It is a MUST read! i was engrossed straight from chapter one, even sacrificed some sleep! True or not servant dunno, but the stories are really captivating, sad. Shows the true side of Chinese peoples' preoccupation with money

The fiery lady is Ms May Chu, great grand daughter of the famous Aw Boon Par (Tiger Balm Fame)

Inadvertently in her account of how her parents' twin bugalows were disposed off, she brought bad light on the Singapore legal system, including Judges and all. Ms Helen Yeo (wife of Minister Yeo Cheow Tong) was mentioned. They threatened to sue and also stopped the sale of this book in Singapore?

...In my humble opinion, it is great stuff, suitable even for a mini-series from Hollywood as it is too long for a standard movie. It's got all the makings of a classic! Conspiracy, money laundering, family quarrels, jeolousy, hate, love, divorce, death, legal matters, CIA, Prince Jeffry of Brunei, Tax evasion, disinheritance and most of all a woman scorned!
—A reader from Singapore, May 13, 2005

I have just finished reading the book; spending almost 10 hours with a few breaks in between, I actually have to tear myself from the computer screen (I got the e-book version) just to get some rest. It is simply the best non-fiction book I have read in a long time! Reading this book is like watching a TV drama of epic proportions unravelling before you. The Hardings should consider making this into a TV series!

"The writing style is easy to read and full of vivid details, I find myself fully immersed in the whole human drama that our heroine is experiencing. You just want to read chapter after chapter to discover what happened to the cast of characters and to add to the fact that this actually happened in Singapore is nothing short of mind boggling! This book is a required read for all Singaporeans! As a Singaporean reading it, I felt outraged, entertained and most of all enlightened!

A well written book - I couldn't put the book down after I started reading it.

May Chu, the great grand daughter of the Tiger Balm King described her childhood life and her marriage life. Her experience with the traditional Chinese family and the legal system in Singapore. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially women who are interested to learn more about woman's rights.
—NJK from Denmark, March 2005

I came across your book and would like to express my thanks for providing young folks like me a glimpse on my country's "untold" history.
—A reader from Singapore, Feb 26, 2005

This book is a really good read, unputdownable.
—A reader from Singapore, Dec 13, 2004.

I have finished your book. It was wonderful! You should have mentioned the name of the wonderful lawyer who assisted you. It would be justice done to him instead of injustice. People may want to use him and it would have been a blessing to him. Now you know why everyone wants to leave Singapore?
—A reader from Singapore, Oct. 4, 2004.

Very very interesting...captivating, actually. Hoping to read another book by you and May Chu... maybe a sequel or something saucy about the Rangoon dress shop! I am sure Helen Yeo will be thrilled to read about the dress shop! Will she threaten to sue again? Wonder if the husband will survive the next elections?
—A reader from Singapore, May 25, 2004.

Great, I really enjoyed your book best wishes on the updated version so much is still out there, I hope you can connect all the dots.
—Scott Barnes, the CIA operative, author of Bohica, from whose Senate testimony we learned so much about the CIA's Dan Arnold for our book, May 24, 2004.

I want to know do you have any Chinese version of Escape from Paradise? Chinese version. I have friends who can only read chinese and they want a chinese version. Do you have it? If you do, please let me know and i want to purchase it. I need about 10 books for those uncle and aunties to read about Singapore.
—A reader from Singapore, May 22, 2004.

The book you co-authored with your wife is interesting reading! ...Can't put it down once you start on the pages! I heard about Escape from Paradise sometime in December last year, only got the chance to read it recently....
—A reader from Brunei, February 6, 2004.

Try this for some THRILLING and MIND-BOGGLING SENSATIONAL READ.
—A reader from Brunei, February 1, 2004.

Have just finished your book, a great read! I couldn't put it down. I used to live opposite 69 Holland Road and often wondered what was going on with those houses. Now I know. Keep up the good work and best of luck with your future endeavours."
—A reader from Singapore, Aug. 14, 2003.

I came across the promotion of your book on the site Creative Writers. I thought what the hey, I'll buy it. I must say that it was an incredibly good book. I couldn't put it down.
—Shannon Brouwer, Nov. 25, 2003.

My parents were in town last week and guess what - we talked about the book. My dad's read it and my mom read it halfway, until the part with Lam San's death and she broke down and couldn't read it anymore.
—A reader from San Francisco, Nov. 20, 2003.

I got the book from Amazon, and immediately got interested from the opening pages and could not start sleeping, then in a matter of few days, finished reading the book. I got fascinated with the stories, because of too many reasons. I could feel Singapore, Tiger Balm families, May Chu, Hin Chew, John, Shangrila Hotel and etc., etc. interested me too much. I feel I understand the reason you cannot find the book in Singapore.
—A reader from Singapore, Nov. 17, 2003.

I read your book Escape from Paradise, and I enjoyed it tremendously. Hope you and May Chu are well and have a great life! This Hin Chew is a despicable bastard, isn't he?
—Mensa member, Oct. 22, 2003.

Hello May Chu, Regretfully, I have finished your book. I say regretfully, because I was enjoying it so much, I didn't want it to end! It is wonderful!

It is a world most Americans know nothing about, especially in this modern age where women have equal rights. It's incredible, the attorneys you went through, and still got no justice. I've always believed that eventually justice will prevail, but I see now that's a PollyAnna viewpoint. Best of all, I LOVED your last sentence: "Welcome to the Chungs, United States Navy"! It makes me want the sequel!!
—A reader from Los Angeles, September 10, 2003.

I am LOVING your book!! There's been a lot going on around here, so I haven't had a lot of time to read, but I grab it every chance I get. I'm about half-way through it. What a remarkable memory you have, and your descriptions bring everything to life. It's like I'm visiting these exotic places, I've always heard about, but I can see them through your eyes. And the Asian culture, what insight you've given me, through your book. American women just don't realize how good we have it! The book is fantastic, and I've told so many people about it.
—The World's #1 breeder of Bengal Cats, Louisana, August 21, 2003.

I just received your book this morning. It is an amazing tale and well written. I started it this morning and have gotten about halfway thru the book by reading in between chores all day. It's been almost impossible to put it down as I can't wait to find out what happens next. It's truly an eye-opening story and I am glad you have managed to get yourself out of a horrible situation!
—Retired Apple Computer Executive, California, August 20, 2003.

Your voices were actually heard when I was reading your book, it shows how personal the accounts were. I read it in one evening, just unable to put down a book that showed the ugly truth about human relations, the legal process, greed and injustice. Thanks for the wonderful experience and I hope you will continue with bringing out the truth.
—Writer, Film Maker, Singapore, August 20, 2003.