[Book Review] Elizabeth Choy: Singapore's Kind Heroine (Our Amazing Heroes)

I’m sure that growing up, many Singaporeans would have heard about Elizabeth Choy. I learnt about her when I was in primary school and she was introduced to me as a WWII she-ro. I was amazed by her tenacity to endure the torture methods carried out by Japanese officers. However, I never really knew anything about her early years, which shaped her perspectives and actions in the later stages of her life. And that was until I read “Elizabeth Choy: Singapore’s Kind Heroine” from the ‘Our Amazing Heroes’ series. 

Elizabeth Choy: Singapore’s Kind Heroine (Our Amazing Heroes)

2025

Published by: WS Education

Written by: Shawn Seah, Illustrated by: Patrick Yee

This book was a moving narrative that explored different stages in Elizabeth’s life, allowing readers to reflect on the motivations behind her actions. This was my personal favourite read out of the series (though I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed all three books). 

“Moved by the plight of the prisoners and wanting to help people, Elizabeth and her husband secretly smuggled food, medicine, money, messages and even radios.”

Elizabeth was an empathetic individual. During the initial stages of her life, she had to struggle to make ends meet since she was not from a well-to-do family. In fact, she even had to give up on her studies to work and raise her siblings. Having known the pain of trudging through difficulties alone, Elizabeth did not want others to face the same plight as her. She put in her utmost efforts to help people, and that is a quality that I wished I improved in myself. 

“They tortured and threatened her, but she never admitted to being a British sympathiser. Elizabeth was released after almost 200 days of starvation and repeated torture.”

Elizabeth was determined not to reveal her British loyalty despite being subjected to the Japanese officers’ inhumane torture methods. Her immense courage and resilience is a rare and commendable quality which would be exemplary for future generations. 

“From 1956 to 1960, Elizabeth served as the first principal of the Singapore School for the Blind. She later returned to St. Andrew’s Junior School and was promoted to Deputy Principal.” 

Elizabeth never stopped serving the people around her and had always looked for different ways in which she could help them. Realising that she enjoyed teaching, she joined schools as a principal to brighten the lives of many students. Like her, I hope to make profound and meaningful contributions to society throughout my life. 

Elizabeth had made lifelong contributions to Singapore’s growth; and the only way we’d be doing justice to her is by keeping her legacy alive and following her principles. This book has deeply inspired me to be empathetic. Elizabeth Choy had problems of her own, but she did not let that stop her from striving to solve others’ problems. I strongly recommend this book to children as it is crucial that they get to read the story about this cool Singaporean she-ro!