Outside Appearances: Stories /by Liza Khan
author: Liza Khan
publisher: Cherita Books
published in: 2026
language: English
In a world of curated perfection, what happens when our masks begin to crack? Outside Appearances is a poignant collection traversing Malaysia’s vibrant landscape from mid-century coconut groves to high-stakes corporate boardrooms. Liza Khan explores the chasm between projected lives and endured truths. A CEO haunted by childhood abandonment, a young man broken by a coerced lie, and a woman confronting the hidden betrayal of a second marriage. From terminal illness in paradise to the satire of status-symbol handbags, these stories interrogate the ‘festering truths’; hidden behind peacock-green silk and pious veils. This is a mirror held to the human condition, inviting readers to discover the raw reality beneath the surface.
About the author:
Liza Khan is a lawyer by profession based in Kuala Lumpur with a love for writing and a passion for exploring the intricate tapestry of human emotion and relationships. With a background in litigation and as a woman, wife, divorcee, single mother (for several years), and mother of four, she brings a unique perspective to her narratives, weaving tales that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Her professional standing as a leading litigator in Asia and a corporate director informs her sharp observations of modern life. In her spare time, Liza writes stories based on her personal experiences as a woman, daughter, wife, mother, lawyer, and director. Her interests in psychology, travel, and her life experiences—navigating domestic violence, divorce, and the challenges of a Muslim woman striving to break the glass ceiling—profoundly influence her writing, allowing her to create rich, multifaceted characters that grapple with the hidden struggles of modern life.