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A review by jennshelfishlife
Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
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.