The Scribe
A first up novel set in Bangkok about a former English teacher who makes a living writing bogus love letters for bargirls, this book never seems to have received the accolades that it deserves.
What I liked: Being an English teacher and having spent the odd occasion or two in some of the city's more dubious hangouts, I could really relate to this book. The author captured so many of the little things that only one who had been a teacher himself would know about.
What I didn't like: Nothing really. It is not a literary masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but I got the feeling that the author didn't try and do too much, and was happy to write within himself. With this in mind, it is hard to be hard on the author.
Overall: A marvellous novel, highly enjoyable and at 120 baht, this book is a BARGAIN! If you are one of the thousands of English teachers who enjoys a drink or two – or more – down at the bars, then you really should pick up a copy of this book. And even if you are not a teacher, it is still well worthwhile. There is a certain charm about the way it is written.
