Preface
Road to Betong: Eternal Summer is a deeply personal work of fiction exploring love, loss, and the search for meaning, set against the vibrant landscapes of Malaysia and Thailand. In this modern novella, I weave together the threads of my own passions—Southeast Asia's rich history, the nostalgic allure of the '90s, and my love for music, films, photography, food, culture, fashion, books, video games, travel, and small towns. These elements, along with the escapism found in childhood games and cherished movies, form a tapestry that reflects both the world and the inner life of the protagonist.
I must admit, many strange feelings surfaced while writing this novel—almost like revisiting a place I once called home but no longer belonged to. I knew him. I understood him. But I was not him anymore. That was the boy, and later the man, I had left behind. And along the way, I got to see and feel my own ethos.
It all happened at the end of 2023. Richard, a British expatriate in his late forties, found himself at a crossroads. Having recently lost his wife, Louise, he grappled with grief while searching for a way forward. His journey took him on a road trip through Peninsular Malaysia, eventually leading him to the small town of Betong in Southern Thailand—a place that became a sanctuary for his aching heart. In Betong, Richard discovered a love for the town's serene beauty and warm culture, and unexpectedly found companionship in Kritsada, a Thai woman in her thirties whom he had a crush on, who helped him begin to heal.
Throughout his journey, Richard is often drawn back into the comforting embrace of his childhood, imagining himself as a character in the video games he once loved, playing G.I. soldier, and losing himself in the music and movies that shaped his youth. The 90s fashion, Vietnam War films, and the anthems of his younger days become more than just memories—they are his way of coping, a means of reconnecting with a simpler time.
As Richard navigates the complexities of new love with Kritsada, he also reflects on his enduring love for his daughter, Joel, her boyfriend, Ben, and his late wife, Louise. His friendship with Mark, a fellow British expat living in KL with his Malaysian Chinese wife, Sonia—who joins him on holiday in Betong—provides both camaraderie and a mirror to his own struggles and joys. Together, they relive the past, discuss their futures, and find solace in each other's company, much like their bachelor days, both quietly hoping for an early retirement.
Road to Betong: Eternal Summer is a tribute to the power of travel, not just as a physical journey but as a path to emotional and spiritual renewal. It is about the places that stay with us, the memories that define us, and the love that guides us forward. I invite you to join Richard on his road to Betong, where every turn offers a chance for reflection, healing, and rediscovery of the self.
Love,
E-Synn
December 2025