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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I grew up in a household where my mother loved The King and I, she had the record, and if it aired on the telly, we all had to watch. Mom even went to a performance with Yul Brynner in Washington, D.C., in the 1980s.
Based on this familial love, I read Anna and the King of Siam for a book challenge prompt (Books set in Thailand).
This was a chunkier classic and read slower than more contemporary novels, but it was fascinating.
Anna and the King of Siam examine 19th-century Thailand, especially the cultural practices and beliefs. The story follows the life of Anna Leonowens and her work as a teacher/governess to King Mongkut's broad of children. The novel is written with little wiggle room for acceptance of Thai culture, so one should anticipate that biases are in the story. However, it is essential to note that the book is a classic and will address cultural norms differently.
Overall, it was exciting, but I prefer to read a nonfiction novel about 19th-century Thailand to learn more about the culture and the monarchy.
I recommend Anna and the King of Siam to fans of classic literature.
Based on this familial love, I read Anna and the King of Siam for a book challenge prompt (Books set in Thailand).
This was a chunkier classic and read slower than more contemporary novels, but it was fascinating.
Anna and the King of Siam examine 19th-century Thailand, especially the cultural practices and beliefs. The story follows the life of Anna Leonowens and her work as a teacher/governess to King Mongkut's broad of children. The novel is written with little wiggle room for acceptance of Thai culture, so one should anticipate that biases are in the story. However, it is essential to note that the book is a classic and will address cultural norms differently.
Overall, it was exciting, but I prefer to read a nonfiction novel about 19th-century Thailand to learn more about the culture and the monarchy.
I recommend Anna and the King of Siam to fans of classic literature.
dark
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Brutally hard to read in places, but also a great slice of history. I'm curious to read the diaries this book was based on as well, to compare...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Torture
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Kidnapping
Very Kipling-esque white savior novel. The story was intriguing, but I really couldn't get past the racist caricatures and general white-man's-burden bullshit. I can't really recommend this book.
This is a historical novel based on the life and writings of Anna Leonowens. In the 1860's she served as governess of the king of Siam's dozens of children as well as his private secretary. She worked hard to right many of the wrongs taking place around her and was highly influential in shaping the thinking of the crown Prince. When he became king, he outlawed slavery and many demeaning practices such as prostration before anyone of higher rank. For me the book bogged down in places with historical detail, but Margaret Landon does a fabulous job telling Anna's story. And I must say, the movie Anna and the King is highly romanticized and bears little resemblance to the book!
An interesting historical FICTION that is dated to the time it was written, but still a lovely story. There is a lot that was different than the play/movies and lots of details. I think we learn a lot about the impressions of the Western world of the Far East. If you look it up online, you see that the Thai find it racist and very fictional. If you keep that all in mind, you will enjoy the story.
This was a very good book. It reads a little slow, but overall it is a very captivating read. I enjoyed reading it and highly recommend it.
This was an amazing book. It was a little slow getting into it, but I found it very interesting and also inspirational.
This book would have been better if it was focused mainly on Anna Leonowens and how she educated the future leader of Siam. Instead, it ventures off and covers much about Siam in general which feels out of place. Still an interesting read that has made we want to learn more about the true story behind The King and I.
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot