"We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us."
-Unknown

Sunday 5 August 2012

Book Review: Pleng's Song by Patrick Maher


Patrick Maher shows how life is for a girl who attends a private school and well-sheltered life, everything is provided. If her laptop chord is burned, she calls her father and asks for a replacement. She does her writing homework and goes about her life as expected of a school girl.

But there is more to what meets the eye. Pleng’s thoughts reveal that she yearns for attention from her parents: her father is always out on business and her mother is alive at night and asleep by day. She has issues with authority in school, and has shameless tendencies when it comes to her approach towards her teachers. Her character description must sound like that of an insecure, troubled child, but she is unaware of her gifts and talents.

Maher is an incredible writer and this shows in Pleng’s voice and written works.

Characterization


Patrick Maher takes the perspective very well, and this is reflected in Pleng’s characterization.
Pleng takes everything personally. Based on her observations, her writing teacher’s statements, Mr. James is always against her. It feels like her mother’s drinking problems is caused by her. Her actions then are a result of a girl with attitude problems. For a smart girl, she believes in horoscopes and treats money so lightly because it is not what she worked hard for to earn.

There are two sides to Pleng, the scared child, who tries to be a grownup and the spoiled brat who causes trouble just to seek attention. Her thoughts and words are excellently translated and described in the book.
 But the monotony of her life is about to change when she identifies the real problems in her life, runs away from home, and figures out how to survive them all.

It is said that water cleanses and purifies, but does flood water work the same way?

Highlights of the book


Her thoughts and feelings are revealed in her outputs most of the time and her imagination is given more depth in the way she wishes her life were like. Some underlying themes in the book touch on family relationships, school environment and the way we treat people around us, as well as envy.

There are events that have a supernatural treatment. The chronology and facts are well-supported, as the events unfold one by one. This is a modern folklore.

Pleng’s song is a book fit for people of all ages. It teaches that determination and common sense can help survive life’s challenges, and that repentance does come at the end. 

Recommended to read? 

Yes



5 comments:

  1. wow!! I should be visiting your blog more often! :) I've been looking for book blogs..cause lately I've started reading some books and I've been looking for good books to read after I finish with 50 shades of grey. hehehe :) I'm checking out this book and the ones on your sidebar ;)


    xoxo
    Rhea Bue (Styles & Writes)
    http://bebe-doll.net/

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    1. Hi Rhea! This one is an easy read because it has only 100+ pages and was first intended for a children's novel but it picked up interest in Thailand and the rest is history... You might also want to sign up for Good Reads and you can see what other people have to say about different books there. =D

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  2. This is good! But this days, I have lots to read on other books, which you wouldn't be interested in - - Medical books!

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    1. I read super technical-medical books only for research, there are so many interesting concepts that I don't otherwise find in novels. But I can't stand the tone for too long! Haha. Thank you for dropping by.

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  3. I think you blog suits me! Thanks for sharing! :)

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