Anna and the King of Siam

For a small bit of history of Siam, this is a good book. I don't know much about the facts, having read the preface, but for all the other information that may be true, it is truly a wonderful book.Anna loved her husband dearly and never remarried, but I believe just a tiny bit of the movie that she and the King developed a closer bond of friendship than most friends of today. The love and devotion she had with her pupils was quite obvious, as well as the animosity between herself and the horrid translator.The many relationships with the women of the harem were complex, at the same time, simple. Lady Thiang was a rare soul, able to love so devoutly, yet recognise the human, or perhaps not so quite human at times, the failings of her husband. To remain devoted to someone like that, with his many violent outbursts of anger and not fear him totally, is very uncommon.Anna's influence on Prince Chulalongkorn just have made her proud of her decision to stay when times were the most difficult. I also believe she must have felt some relief, that her many years there has made such an impression on the young boy.All in all, this is one book I'm glad I bought. I read it when I was much younger, cried in spots, got angry in others, and signed with relief when situations resolved successfully. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes history, a few love stories, much conflict, and exciting, tense moments. Anna and the King of Siam will remain a favourite of mine. I'm truly glad it's on my Fire, so I can re-read it whenever I feel the need to travel without leaving my own home.

A really fascinating story. A woman who travels thousands of miles to a third world country with a youth son to teach in the harem of a tyrant. It sounds made up. And then a musical is made. I’m not sure if the author should be flattered or feel trivialized. It is with reading and left me wondering about the rest of Siam’s history from then to the modern day. I spent a lot of time googling.

I could picture everything Anna described after having visited Bangkok. My book was delivered on time and in good condition.

I had always hoped to one day read the book upon which the Musical, "The King & I" was originally based. I am delighted to share that my wish has been granted and I have completed this lengthy, detailed missive, based on the journals of Anna Leonowens herself. Since many of.the characters of the musical came from this book, you will enjoy knowing that much of the story will be familiar to you. Alas, the king is no Yul Brynner in the real story, but a vain and brutally demanding regent. But Anna is true, in every respect, and her influence on the young Prince Chulalonghorn leads to great changes in Siamese cultural practice. Do find the time to read this book. You will learn much history of the area in the process, and be very satisfied by the story's end. A+ Bravo!

The tragedy of this book is that it was turned into a classic film. On its own merits, the book is interesting, informative and entertaining. But we have seen the film so often, with its dramatization of the main points, the music and the characters, that the book falls a bit flat by comparison. It's a pity, as the books shades in the characters far more fully, and is far more realistic than the dramatisation. It must have been a sensation at the time of publishing, but from this vantage-point it was a bit of a yawn.

Wonderful true story of Anna Leonowens, the British widow who became the teacher of the Princes and Princesses of the Kingdom of Siam. Actual excerpts from letters written by Anna are included. Her teaching of the concepts of freedom and democracy were accredited by Prince Chulalongkorn after he succeeded to the throne for the transformation of Siam into the Free country (Thai) that it became. The abolishment of Slavery began with his accession to the Throne in 1872 and was completed in 1905. Excellent book.

It's an interesting read. Definitely understand why the King of Thailand has banned this book and everything connected to it.

My mother read this book years go and loved it. When it popped up for me, I figured I would read it. I enjoyed it tremendously! It was such a unique and intriguing experience reading this story. Anne was an amazing woman...educated, inspiring, adventurous, fearless, and loving. The lifestyle in Siam in the king’s palace was fascinating to read about. All around a wonderful book!