A Passage to Siam: A Story of Forbidden Love

An award-winning historical novel set in the 1850s, with a tumultuous relationship between Thai royalty and an Englishwoman.

A Passage to Siam is an award-winning historical novel by Thai novelist V. Vinicchayakul which tells of the tragic romance between Catherine, a young Englishwoman, and Justin, or Prince Vijjuprapha of Siam, during the reign of Rama IV and the beginning of the reign of Rama V, against a backdrop of real life events and characters. The clash of civilizations between East and West that occurred during this period, is reflected in the conflicts between the headstrong young Englishwoman and Justin’s conservative relatives inside the palace. Above all, it is a magnificent and compelling love story that transcends the boundaries of time, religion, race and custom.

Lucy Srisuphapreeda’s translation will captivate English-speaking readers just as the original work enthralled Thai readers from the time it was written until today.