Over one hundred people attended the launch of Robert Raymer’s collection of short stories set in Malaysia and Singapore, Lovers and Strangers Revisited (Silverfish Books) held at USM ABN-AMRO Arts and Cultural Centre in Georgetown on 22 April.

"Not so much a launch, more a celebration," observed author CH Gallop. "The occasion was very enjoyable and well planned."

The event was sponsored by Penang Players Music and Drama Society and Universiti Sains Malaysia, where Raymer teaches creative writing. Members of Penang Players read excerpts of four of Raymer’s short stories and gave a play reading of Raymer’s play, One Drink Too Many, adapted from his short story, "Neighbors."

Dr. Mohamad Rashidi Pakri, who taught Raymer’s short story "On Fridays" at USM spoke about the difficulties of selling short stories, which were too easily photocopied and distributed on the internet.

Raymer spoke on why he had revisited and rewritten his collection of short stories, originally published by Heinemann Asia (1993). He also spoke on the challenge of adapting his short story into a play, thus turning a tragedy into a comedy. Following the lively play reading was a Question and Answer session and Raymer signing autographs of his book Lovers and Strangers Revisited.