Although a novel about expat/bargirl relationships in Thailand, to the authors credit, he manages to create a novel, with Bangkok's sexpat scene as a backdrop, which avoids seedy cliche and creates a story with beleivable human characteristics.

The two main characters Som (bar girl from issan) and Bill (American expat living in Bangkok) are fleshed out well. In fact the characterisation helps understand some of the motivations behind Thai / Foreigner relationships from both the male and female point of view. The misunderstandings caused by different languages and cultures. The financial gulf and the outside pressures on making such a relationship work.

The author attempts to show that not all such relationships are motivated by sheer greed on the womans part. The novel looks at the poverty and obligation to look after ones family so prevelent in sections of Thai society. Likewise not all Western men in Thailand are looking for a girlfriend half their age, who will treat them as minor royalty.

Where the book does fall down slightly is the rushed ending. After following the story for 340 pages, rapping things up in 10 pages is a slight disappointment

Overall though an excellent novel, recommended to anyone who's been to Thailand, anyone considering a relationship with a Asian lady or anyone curious about bar girls and expats.