Review: Emotional, strong, unapologetic
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 15, 2013
Wow! I just finished reading this powerful, moving story. It is not  mythological read, but I was interested in how the author, a male, would deal with the topic - especially as it is told from the heroine, Siswan' s, point of view. Mr.Thompson does the job admirably. Siswan begins as a young innocent child who is forced to grow up too quickly but, what sets her apart is her self control. She controls, internalizes, channels, and directs the anger that builds up inside of her, which allows her to live another day. Her determination is unfailing.She is able to survive not just because of her innate strength, but also because of the small businesses and few friends that give her cause to hope for the future. Hope for herself and hope that there is some good left somewhere in humanity.Suspension of disbelief is readily given by the reader as she explains how she learned with such unerring precision the ways of the farang, the foreigner, learns English, becomes a superior businessperson, and the resolution of her issues with her brother and her boyfriend. It is given because the reader is part of the solution, we are all fighting for Siswan' s success because her success will result in hope for all of us. We need her to succeed in her quest; it is almost the redemption of a cruel part of human nature - not a condemnation of human frailty, but an acknowledgement. If Siswan can attain her goals, we are all redeemed in dome small way.Thank you, David Thompson, for bringing the plight if the bar girl to our attention and letting us feel the sorrow and pride of a sector if Thai life.