The Informal Imperialist

Dr. Clement Williams at the Court of
King Mindon, Mandalay, 1861-1879

Description

‘A Passage to Siam’ is an award-winning historical novel by  Thai novelist V. Vinicchayakul which tells of the tragic romance between Catherine, a young Englishwoman, and Justin, or Prince Vijjuprapha of Siam, during the reign of Rama IV and the beginning of the reign of Rama V, against a backdrop of real life events and characters. The clash of civilizations between East and West that occurred during this period, is reflected in the conflicts between the headstrong young Englishwoman and Justin’s conservative relatives inside the palace. Above all, it is a magnificent and compelling love story that transcends the boundaries of time, religion, race and custom. Lucy Srisuphapreeda’s translation will captivate English-speaking readers just as the original work enthralled Thai readers from the time it was written until today.

“The novel is sweeping, romantic, deals with an early example of interracial love, and I couldn’t put it down.” – Sunisa Manning, author of A Good True Thai

“Any reader who enjoys historical fiction, elegant romance, or the adventure of global exploration will surely savour this epic tale.” – Lisa Lipipipatvong Macaione, writer, and contributor to And Never Know the Joy: Sex and the Erotic in English Poetry