Love Destiny (Buppesannivas) : Made into Thai drama in 2018

by Janyavee (Rompaeng) Sompreeda, Nopamat Veohong (Translator)

The fun begins when “Ketsurang”, a portly university professor, has a car accident and wakes up in the body of a beautiful and slender young lady. Initially, this is a dream come true for her but that might no longer be the case when she realizes that she has time traveled back to the reign of King Narai. Despite her beauty in the new body of Lady Karaket, the viciousness this persona has inflicted on others renders her friendless in the residence except her two loyal handmaids. Even the residence owner’s son who is her betrothed shows his apparent disdain towards her. But Karaket is not Ketsurang who is a modern woman. There is no way Ketsurang in Lady Karaket’s body is going to sit around quietly when others talk her down. An award-winning Thai novel made into a phenomenally popular TV series is now available in English. Buppesannivas by Rompaeng has won numerous awards including… • 2010 Seven Book Award for Outstanding Book. • Dara Inside Award in 2018 for Best Writing. • Siam Dara Star Award in 2018 for Best Popular Writing. • Naiin Readers’ Award in 2019 for No. 1 Best-selling Novel. Made into a TV series in 2018 by Broadcast Thai Television, it garnered a huge following when aired on Thai TV Channel 3.

Genres: History

533 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2020

Reviews

[Argotina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping historical novel

I came to this book in frustration because I couldn't find some of the subtitled. episodes of the addictive TV series online. It was a bit difficult to read at first as the translation has to explain aspects of historical Thai culture within the text for us foreigners. This made it read like a textbook at first. However this didn't last and overall I much prefer the book to the TV version, and I loved the TV version.

The TV series (the episodes I could find, anyway) is more of a domestic romantic drama within a historical setting with domestic subplots, household tiffs and romance at its centre. The book is much more intelligent with far more about the historical and political setting, which is fascinating. The characters are utterly believable and you really care what happens to them. There are no one dimensional villains.

I would have appreciated an appendix with a list of the major characters and a sentence or two about their lives. This is common in sci fi books with invented cultures, and would have helped here. Also a brief glossary.

Overall a rattling good read and highly recommended, just persevere past the start and you will be well rewarded.

[Marcin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Thai historical novel with romance and magic, even if you haven't watch its TV adaptation. I read the book as well watched to tv show and the TV follows the book rather closely.

The book is set in an important pivotal period in Thai history with a number of important historical figures and events. Its perfect way to learn more about Thai history and culture.

[Kei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a book! I could not put it down. I loved the lakorn and I loved this book. I wished more of Rompaeng’s books were translated into English. The English translation is also great. The writing is just captivating.

[Adam Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and charming story well written in concise easy to follow style. It's so difficult to find quality literature written about Thailand by Thais (in English). This book is a must for anyone interested in Thailand, its culture and history.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as expected. Kate is so hilarious and wow a love story for the ages. Can't decide if I love the book or the lakorn more.

[Cá Muối · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huhu mong chờ phần 2 của Định Mệnh lắm nhé vì đọc xong phần 1 thấy chẳng đã gì cả.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE.