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BEADS ON A STRING: A Novel of Southern Siam
"Spellblinding" family saga novel set in Southern Siam. "Profound, sensitive and attuned to cultural gravitas. Beads on a String captures a sense of historical urgency during a momentous period in Siam and the southern peninsula" Kong Rithdee, Thai media.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
636 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
9 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 12, 2022
An engaging novel that fleshes out the protagonists so well that I’m left wanting to know more of their lives. The story successfully weaves in an historical backdrop that encompasses the various factors at play in southern Thailand in particular and beyond. Very well crafted and immersive, I found it hard to put down.
June 4, 2022
This is a well-crafted novel recounting the lives of a disparate collection of individuals in early 20th century Thailand (Siam). How their destinies intersect is the key plot trope of the novel, and this is delevoped beautifully by Paul and Yuangrat Wedel in their debut novel.
In addition, the historical narrative is brilliantly researched and shows a clear and deep understanding of how Thailand was governed in this period of Thai history, and how the population managed their lives under the corrupt and elitist government they endured -- and still endure even today.
An immensely enjoyable read, particularly if you live in Thailand as I do, or have an interest in how the country evolved under the Chakri dynasty
In addition, the historical narrative is brilliantly researched and shows a clear and deep understanding of how Thailand was governed in this period of Thai history, and how the population managed their lives under the corrupt and elitist government they endured -- and still endure even today.
An immensely enjoyable read, particularly if you live in Thailand as I do, or have an interest in how the country evolved under the Chakri dynasty
November 10, 2025
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of southern Thailand's diverse cultural landscape, featuring Malay, Thai, Mon, and Chinese communities. Central characters include Abdulkarim (later renamed Pakdee), a Muslim-Malay vendor who rises from humble origins, and a determined young Thai woman who seizes control of the family casino, defying royal bans and engaging in underground enterprises. Their personal ambitions and entangled relationships drive much of the plot.
The novel explores enduring themes such as identity, power, family loyalty, and societal transformation. Against a backdrop of royal authority, religious tradition, and emerging modernity, characters grapple with competing cultural forces and the shifting sands of political influence. The story is deeply engaged with the complexities of ethnic and social identities in a rapidly changing world, bringing forward debates on gender roles and societal expectations as well. "Beads on a String" vividly portrays the mingling of personal ambition and broader historical currents, depicting how ordinary lives intersect with larger historical forces, including economic changes and political unrest that shaped southern Siam’s evolution.
Wedel’s narrative combines detailed historical research with immersive storytelling, utilizing multi-layered characterizations and intricate plotting. The novel offers readers both an evocative emotional journey and an insightful historical panorama, shedding light on little-known facets of southern Siamese history with universal resonance.
The novel explores enduring themes such as identity, power, family loyalty, and societal transformation. Against a backdrop of royal authority, religious tradition, and emerging modernity, characters grapple with competing cultural forces and the shifting sands of political influence. The story is deeply engaged with the complexities of ethnic and social identities in a rapidly changing world, bringing forward debates on gender roles and societal expectations as well. "Beads on a String" vividly portrays the mingling of personal ambition and broader historical currents, depicting how ordinary lives intersect with larger historical forces, including economic changes and political unrest that shaped southern Siam’s evolution.
Wedel’s narrative combines detailed historical research with immersive storytelling, utilizing multi-layered characterizations and intricate plotting. The novel offers readers both an evocative emotional journey and an insightful historical panorama, shedding light on little-known facets of southern Siamese history with universal resonance.
April 23, 2023
Fascinating Historical Fiction
A complex tale, well told, that both entertains and informs, by creating engaging characters to reveal the complex mix of classes, cultures and tensions that still constitutes this poorly understood but vital area of southern Thailand.
A complex tale, well told, that both entertains and informs, by creating engaging characters to reveal the complex mix of classes, cultures and tensions that still constitutes this poorly understood but vital area of southern Thailand.
January 13, 2025
Loved this book and can't wait to read the next one. I enjoyed the short chapters by the different characters. Nice to understand the history of South Thailand through a clever storyline. The glossary and the history timeline was helpful.
February 1, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having lived in Thailand for 20 years I enjoyed reading about the beginning of the conflict in the south. Shame that nothing much has changed in over 100 years.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews