A Passage to Siam: A Story of Forbidden Love

＂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＂--

V. Viicchayakul is one of Thailand’s preeminent authors and has won many international awards. Translator Lucy Srisuphapreeda is a graduate of London’s SOAS. This is her second translation, the first A Night Full of Stars. She lives in Bangkok.