Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude is a German word that derives from Schaden, "adversity, harm", and Freude, "joy". It basically means deriving joy from other people's misfortune. That appeared to be the case of this gentleman -- not a regular -- who came into the shop last week. I was not in, so this is the story I was told.

He walked around the store for a bit and picked up a book. Then, at the cashier's counter, he hesitated, hemmed and hawed for a while before popping the question that was burning his brain:

"Do you have that book?"

"What book?"

"The book that has been taken off the shelves."

"You mean banned?"

"No, no, the other one ... the ... the one that was plagiarised."

"Sorry. They have all been withdrawn."

"But you are the publisher ... don't you still have stock of it?"

"No."

"Not even one?"

"No."

But, this gentleman has been the exception. It's not that shadenfraude is un-Malaysian. (I mean, we do love to stand around and watch train wrecks and motor accidents, like everyone else.) Most of the messages we received have actually been supportive. But as Robert says, "...being so smart how can she be so stupid." Sharon maintains, "...I don't think the girl should be tarred and feathered - it doesn't serve anyone's interests," and Kok Yee's reaction is, "I can't believe this!!!!What was she thinking?...Sigh. Such a sad waste of her talent."

Some have wondered if the book could be reissued without that story. But, we disagree. It is a sad situation, but now, everything else she has written becomes suspect. Some have expressed exactly that view, and no one can blame them for it.

For the record, all copies of the book have been withdrawn from circulation and will be pulped, and the author has made her public apology. She acknowledges that she was wrong and does not defend her actions except, perhaps, plead naivete. Maybe she -- due to her age -- didn't realise just how serious a matter it was. But, now she knows. (In addition to that posted on the net, she has sent me a personal letter.) It is a lesson learnt -- a though one, but a lesson nevertheless. She is only 18, and it will hurt like hell, but she must have grown up one hell of a lot in just one day.

We will never know why exactly she did it, considering that she is actually very talented. Maybe she is not sure of the reasons herself.(Her parents have accepted that what she did was wrong.) But she deserves to be allowed to get on with her life (and there is still much of it left), and we sincerely wish her the best.