Yuangrat and I celebrated the publication of our historical novel "Beads on a String" on Thursday. We had a wonderful turnout of friends, family, writers, artists, academics and booksellers.
We enjoyed a lively discussion of the book. Questions ranged from our motivations to write it and the politic conflicts of the time to the love triangle in the story. We explained that the lead characters went against the stereotypes of passive Thai women and aristocratic Thai officials. We explored the theme of identity in a fast-changing society with several main ethnic groups having very different cultures.
We benefited from a gorgeous cover design by Xavier Comas, a Bangkok-based, award-winning book cover designer. Crucial to the flow of the book was the meticulous editing by Nick Grossman and the personal attention of publisher M.R. Narisa Chakrabongse.
Our daughter Pailin did a great job introducing us and moderating the discussion. Our publisher, M.R. Narisa Chakrabongse said she wanted to offer the book because it offering an emotional story of identity and family ties backed by careful historical research. She also provided a wonderful southern Thai themed party with delicious southern food and a special coconut-flavored cocktail.
Yuangrat and I with Pailin and publisher M.R. Narisa Chakrabongse at the start of our book discussion
The launch party was enhanced by the venue, the elegant, riverside Chakrabongse Villas and the full moon view of the Temple of the Dawn just across the river from the Villas.
We want to thank everyone who came and contributed to the success of the evening. The book is now available on the fiction page of the River Books website at https://www.riverbooksbk.com/index.php/fiction.html and in Bangkok bookstores. It will soon be on sale around the region. An ebook version will be available in the first quarter of 2021.
