Picture a Malaysian storyteller who turned a fleeting idea into a global sensation—meet Felicia Yap! Born in Kuala Lumpur in 1980, this thriller author captivated the literary world with her debut novel, Yesterday, a high-concept mystery that sparked a fierce publishing bidding war. With a mind shaped by science, history, and a knack for suspense, Yap weaves stories that challenge how we perceive memory and truth in our tech-obsessed world.
From her eclectic career as a biochemist, historian, journalist, and even a catwalk model, Yap brings a kaleidoscope of experiences to her writing. Her novels, blending speculative fiction with heart-pounding thrills, invite readers to question the slippery nature of memory and the lies we tell ourselves. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this rising star!
The Making of Felicia Yap
Felicia Yap grew up in a modest home in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, where her father refilled ATMs and her mother worked as a clerk in a car repair shop. A childhood accident at six, where she was hit by a motorcycle and lost memory of the event, planted early seeds of fascination with how memories shape identity. Scholarships paved her way to Imperial College London, where she studied biochemistry, followed by research at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg. But science alone couldn’t contain her curiosity. She pivoted to history, earning a master’s and doctorate at Cambridge University, focusing on prisoners of the Japanese during World War II. Her journalism stints at The Economist and The Business Times honed her storytelling, setting the stage for her leap into fiction.
Felicia Yap’s Unforgettable Stories
Yap’s debut, Yesterday (2017), is a dazzling thriller set in a world where people can only remember one or two days, relying on electronic diaries to navigate life. When a woman’s body is found in the River Cam, secrets unravel through four perspectives—each flawed, each gripping. The novel’s unique premise, blending sci-fi and noir, explores how technology mirrors our fear of forgetting. Its success, translated into 14 languages, cemented Yap’s reputation as a ‘rising star of 2017’ by The Observer.
Her second novel, Future Perfect (2021), dives into a near-future where computers predict life and death. A catwalk murder kicks off a race against time, infused with Yap’s experiences as a former runway model. The story’s ticking clock and layered suspense keep readers hooked, showcasing her skill at crafting urgent, twist-filled narratives. Yap’s style—sharp, inventive, and laced with psychological depth—draws comparisons to F. Scott Fitzgerald and Kazuo Ishiguro, yet feels wholly her own. A third novel, hinted at in interviews, promises more of her signature blend of mystery and innovation.
Why Felicia Yap Matters
Felicia Yap’s impact lies in her ability to turn complex ideas into accessible, thrilling stories. Her exploration of memory, identity, and technology resonates in an era where smartphones dictate how we recall our lives. As a Malaysian author breaking into the global literary scene, she’s a trailblazer, inspiring diverse voices in speculative fiction. Her £3,000 creative scholarship through Curtis Brown, aimed at aspiring writers from less privileged backgrounds, reflects her commitment to paying it forward, rooted in her own scholarship-funded journey.
Yap’s novels don’t just entertain—they provoke thought about how we construct truth in a digital age. Her multi-hyphenate background enriches her work, making her a unique voice in psychological crime fiction. Readers and critics alike praise her for crafting worlds that are as unsettling as they are addictive.
- Born: November 1980, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Key Works: Yesterday (2017), Future Perfect (2021)
- Notable: Graduate of Faber Academy’s novel-writing program
- Fun Fact: Yap is a competitive ballroom dancer!
Snag Yesterday or Future Perfect and dive into Felicia Yap’s thrilling, mind-bending world of suspense!