Chiang Mai, Thailand
This city and region in Northern Thailand is pure magic. We went to the local bookstore The Lost Bookshop to explore what locals recommend.
Temples, elephants, mountains and mangos.
A short flight from bustling Bangkok, Chiang Mai is an oasis of art, culture, unique regional cuisine and of course, locals with tons of reading recommendations on their beautiful home.
We visited The Lost Book Shop to see what they had in mind.
Anna and the King of Siam
by Margaret LandonOne of the more famous stories the world knows of Thailand, Anna and the King of Siam tells the story of Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher who is hired by King Mongkut of Siam (now Thailand) in the 1860s to teach his many children and wives. This was a step toward preparing Thailand for relationships with the Western world at the time.
The novel is based on Anna's memoirs and tells of her experiences in Siam including her relationship with the king, who is portrayed as a progressive and enlightened ruler. The novel was later adapted into a successful stage musical and film, "The King and I."
Bangkok Wakes to Rain
by Pitchaya Sudbanthad"Bangkok Wakes to Rain" tells the story of the history of Thailand’s capital city through the lives of several generations of residents of a single house. The novel explores themes of memory, loss, and the impact of historical events on personal lives through the perspective of the house and its inhabitants. The book is a multigenerational, multi-narrative novel which spans over a century of Bangkok’s history and changes, from the 19th century to the present day.
Sightseeing
by Rattawut LapcharoensapBased in contemporary Thailand, Sightseeing tells the story of a young Thai man named Khao who travels to Bangkok to visit his estranged sister, only to find that she has disappeared. As he searches for her, he reflects on his past and the complexities of Thai society and culture. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the impact of tourism on traditional ways of life.
Often cited as a the “non-tour-guide” of modern Thailand, it’s no wonder this novel attracted international praise.
Four Reigns
by Kukrit PramojTemples and the history of the Thai monarchy on historical and modern Thai culture is seen everywhere in Thai culture, including Thai literature.
Four Reigns is a historical novel written by Kukrit Pramoj, a Thai writer and politician. The novel tells the story of the lives and reigns of four Thai kings, beginning with King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and ending with King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII). The novel explores the political and social changes that took place in Thailand during the late 19th and early 20th century, and how these changes affected the lives of ordinary people. It is considered a classic in Thai literature. The novel is known for its vivid and detailed descriptions of court life, customs, and traditions, as well as for its nuanced portrait of the kings and other historical figures.