annamontana 's review for:

Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon

3.5

informative reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

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This is fiction, but written like an autobiography. Per the authors note it is 75% fact and 25% fiction based on fact. It is written from the multiple books of Anna Leonowen from her time in Siam (modern day Thailand). There are chapters devoted to governmental structures of the time which breaks the flow of the story. There isn't actually a story line but more of a series of vignettes told in chronological order. It is an interesting look at Siam in the 1860s. If you want a storyline watch The King and I (based on this book) but if you want a presentation of facts mixed with dialog, then read this book.