Beyond the Badge: A Review of Rowena Hawkins’ “My Father Is Police Lah!”

By Tony Huang

My Father Is Police Lah!, by Rowena Hawkins (Earnshaw Books, June 24, 2025)

In her captivating memoir, My Father Is Police Lah!, published today by Earnshaw Books, Rowena Hawkins transports readers back to a vibrant panorama of life in Singapore during the twilight years of British colonial rule. This vivid narrative is far more than a historical account; it is a heartfelt tribute to a generation of pioneers—immigrant families who laid the very foundations of this culturally rich nation.

Hawkins’ story begins at 409 New Bridge Road, a two-story colonial bungalow that serves as the backdrop for her childhood. Here, she invites us into a world where the boundaries between family and staff blur, forming a unique microcosm of Singapore’s multicultural society. With a kaleidoscope of characters—each with their quirks and stories—Hawkins paints a lively portrait of her upbringing, filled with humor and poignant observations. The household, equipped with five servants and a plethora of pets, including over thirty cats, becomes a stage for both playful mischief and the complexities of colonial life.

The memoir captures the essence of daily rituals and cultural nuances with sharp, engaging prose. Hawkins shares delightful anecdotes, from the hilarity of her cats observing a quail project—with all the tension of feline anticipation—to her own childhood mischief, such as nicking stationery from the neighbor’s kindergarten. These moments are imbued with warmth and nostalgia, giving us a genuine sense of the author’s youthful exuberance and the familial bonds that nurtured her curiosity.

Amidst the light-heartedness, Hawkins does not shy away from the societal tensions of her time. She offers glimpses of the ethnic and social dynamics at play, particularly during periods of unrest that highlighted the fragility of colonial peace. Her father’s courageous actions during the Maria Hertogh riots reveal a deeply conflicted yet noble character, putting personal safety on the line for the sake of community and order. These deeply felt historical currents weave seamlessly into the fabric of family life, reinforcing the idea that individuals shape, and are shaped by, the broader social landscape.

Hawkins’ observations extend beyond her household into the bustling life of Singapore itself, where the author captures the essence of places like Robinsons Department Store and Change Alley—each a vibrant hub of commerce and community. The sensory overload of her surroundings, with its lively markets and colorful festivals, brings to life a city buzzing with activity and cultural exchange. Her encounters with the Samsui women and the various vendors and neighbors highlight the diverse mosaic of Singapore’s working-class life, highlighting the rich intermingling of cultures under colonial rule.

Through her narration, Hawkins imbues history with emotion, transforming facts into a living, breathing story that resonates on multiple levels. The legacy of her father, a police officer navigating the complexities of his role, serves as a poignant reminder of the labor and love invested in building communities during tumultuous times. The memoir also reflects on broader themes of identity, belonging, and the notion of home, forging a connection between individual experiences and the collective history of Singapore.

In My Father Is Police Lah!, Rowena Hawkins crafts a deeply personal memoir that transcends generations. It is a testament to the resilience of her family and the enduring spirit of a society in flux. Readers will emerge with not just knowledge of Singapore’s colonial past, but a profound appreciation for the intricate stories that shape our understanding of history and identity. To many of us, this memoir may also serve as an invitation to reflect on our own familial histories—those seemingly small moments that may reveal larger truths about ourselves and the communities we inhabit.

Tony Huang

Tony Huang, PhD, is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Hong Kong Review. He is also the founder of Metacircle Fellowship, Metacircle (Hong Kong) Culture and Education Co., Ltd. and Metaeducation. He works as a guest-editor for SmokeLong Quarterly. His poems and translations have appeared in Mad Swirl, The Hong Kong Review, The Best Small Fictions Anthology Selections 2020, Tianjin Daily, Binhai Times, SmokeLong Quarterly, Nankai Journal, Large Ocean Poetry Quarterly, Yangcheng Evening News and other places.

Copy editor: Nancy He