Kingdom of Make-Believe: A Novel of Thailand |
 |
 click here for more details, find new or used items |
Dean Barrett
|
|
Pages: 272 (Paperback)
ISBN: 0966189906
Pub: Village East Books
Pub date: 1999
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 64431
Reader Reviews:
The worst book I have ever made myself read to the end (1/1 people found this helpful)
This is a trite, badly constructed and hopelessly contrived collection of non sequitor incidents. The last quarter of the book has some pace but even that section is so packed with impossible to believe details as to be irritating beyond belief. I am doubtful that Dean Barrett has spent time in Thailand other than on visits to 'collect material'. It just does not read 'Thailand'. The characteristation is very thin and depends on the character being described rather than emerging with the exception of Brian, the 'hero', who is a complete prat. I almost threw the book in the bin when I read again that 'they made love'. How anyone can give it a star, let alone more, beats me - I have had to because the system demands it. Readers, please think of it being a minus 5*. Try reading Bangkok 8, Bangkok Tattoo, and Bangkok Haunts by John Burdett which are fabulous, especially Bangkok 8. They will show you just what sort of purile writing is encapasulated in this book. It was just awful. I made myself read it to the end because I never give up on a book. I am thinking of changing that rule.
not bad... but not brilliant either... (8/9 people found this helpful)
I find the book sloting into my 'easy reading' category when I had gone through the first few pages. Having lived in Thailand for a long period of time myself, the book brings back some memory (although I am not familiar with the bar scene this book talks about at great length).
Although, I do not feel that it is a fair reflection of the country (just a matter of opinion)-it is a novel after all. Dare I say it seems to reflect a typical 'farang' view of the country?
Chapters are very short which did annoy me a bit.
All I can say is that it is an entertaining read-all right for a Sunday afternoon giggle-but should not be taken seriously.
Exciting thriller (2/3 people found this helpful)
A very intelligent book but also an exciting read! It sounds like Thailand is a great place to be for intrigue. But the author also goes into the culture of the country which I liked very much. I think he managed to combine a very thoughtful novel with an exotic thriller. Tough trick to pull off but I think he did it.
Wow! (2/3 people found this helpful)
I can't quite remember when I enjoyed a novel quite so much. Really exotic but yet the main character is a thinker trying to figure out what is going on around him while also trying to figure himself out. The author sure does know the Bangkok bar scene. Anyway, quite a story!
Brings back Memories (2/2 people found this helpful)
I was in Thailand about ten years ago and this novel sure brings back memories. A really exotic read but the writer gets behind the scenes. The main character is a very thoughtful one; not just an action-adventure hero. A really fine novel by someone who obviously knows a thing or two about Thailand!
Similar Products
Skytrain to Murder
Memoirs of a Bangkok Warrior: A Novel of Thailand
Bangkok Haunts
Miss Bangkok: Memoirs of a Thai Prostitute
Murder at Horny Toad Bar: & Other Outrageous Tales of Thailand
Categories
Amazon.co.uk places this book into the following categories:
Books -> Subjects -> Fiction -> General
Books -> Refinements -> Language (feature_browse-bin) -> English
Books -> Refinements -> Age (feature_two_browse-bin)
Books -> Refinements -> Format (binding_browse-bin) -> Paperback