Distribution and Reception of Detective Literature in Singapore and Malaysia during the 1950s to 1970s

Abstract

<p>This paper explores the distribution and reception of detective literature and films in Singapore and Malaysia from the 1950s to the 1970s. In popular culture in these countries, the term of “detective” is often associated with sensations of suspense, terror and excitement, and is frequently combined with other genres such as action and romance. While often perceived as a representative of American pulp culture, this type of narrative occasionally creates a subtle tension with local culture, particular in the context of British colonies. This paper first examines the items tagged as “detective” in the digital databases of <em>Nanyang Siang Pau</em> and <em>Sin Chew Daily</em>, with the aim of delineating the genre’s development in Southeast Asia from the 1950s and 1970s. This include identifying popular titles, distribution channels (such as film, newspaper serialization, literature magazines, and broadcasting drama), and the reception of readers through book and film reviews. Next, the paper situates the detective genre with the historical context of the Cold War in Singapore and Malaysia. The analysis considers how popular literature and culture contributed to the discourse of local Cold War ideology.</p>