“Latiff’s writings are suffused with universal humanism and a rich lyricism. A powerful writer, he is also one of Singapore’s most distinguished and lauded writers. An outstanding literary talent.”
—National Arts Council, Cultural Medallion & Young Artist Award 2013
“The novel is dense, feverish and emotional - and it probably speaks most clearly to someone who's suffered a similar loss... Latiff takes a slice of history and hops into the rabbit hole, that strange and wonderful place where creative imaginations are fed.”
—Helmi Yusof, The Business Times
“The Widower also effectively critiques present-day society - specifically (without getting overtly specific ...) in Singapore, but also in countries that have modernised (and not) in similar fashion. By making it a very personal tale, about loss at its most personal and intimate, Mohamed can unobtrusively stretch his subject-matter and make it a much more far-reaching tale. Stylistically impressive and compact, The Widower is a striking little work.”
— M.A.Orthofer, The Complete Review
“He is a writer committed to concrete and moral realism, yet very pronounced in playing with the imageries of satire and symbolism so as to create a literature worthy to be named as emblematic of human conscience against dehumanisation. His commitment to address the community’s spiritual, psychological, historical and moral needs is undisputed. To acknowledge this is the start of recognising a literature to build humanity, and Latiff is surely one of its master builders.”
—Dr Azhar Ibrahim, Lecturer in Malay Studies, National University of Singapore