Bangkok Book

This is the second book I've read recently where one's impression may be swayed by gender. Having never been a woman, I'm not sure, but I think that Osborne's descriptions of the largely male characters in his Bangkok expat life might not seem so . . . balanced? They do lead a rather Peter Pan existence, which he does a great job at depicting. Before reading the book, I was aware that Thailand is known for where western men go for mid-life crises.

He excels at making Bangkok a "character" in its own right, including experiences with a local priest and nun. I visited once, twenty years ago now (please pass the Geritol), but have spent enough time in the tropics to find the descriptions familiar. Residents of western cities certainly possess biases against other areas (neighborhoods), but Osborne highlights that fact that one can be just plain unaware of whole sections of this city. As a travel narrative, the book works well.

So, would I recommend it? Yes, as one expat's view of the city, definitely not as some sort of authority on "this is how it is." He writes well, and you won't likely be bored.