Veeraporn Nitiprapha's award-winning novel explores supernatural Thailand through immigrant family saga
Veeraporn Nitiprapha's latest work, 'Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat,' is a poetic family saga that unfolds in Thailand during World War II, showcasing the experiences of Chinese settlers amid floods, anti-Chinese riots, and political turmoil. Central figures comprise a father yearning for his homeland, a sorrowful soldier, and a daughter with a sharp tongue. The translator, Kong Rithdee, successfully conveys the original's lyrical essence. Nitiprapha's debut novel, 'The Blind Earthworm in the Labyrinth' (2013), earned her the Southeast Asian Writers Award in 2015, and her second novel received the same accolade in 2018, marking her as the first female recipient of this honor twice. The story weaves in magical elements while delving into themes of diaspora and immigrant family life. It is available from River Books for £9.99.
Key facts
- Veeraporn Nitiprapha published her second novel 'Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat'
- The novel is set in Siam during World War II, floods, anti-Chinese riots, and political coups
- Translator Kong Rithdee preserved the lyrical quality of the Thai original
- Nitiphratpha's first novel 'The Blind Earthworm in the Labyrinth' won the 2015 Southeast Asian Writers Award
- Her second novel won the same award in 2018, making her the first woman to win twice
- The book features supernatural elements including telepathic cats and prophetic natural aberrations
- Published by River Books in softcover for £9.99
- The work has been compared to former Thai Prime Minister Kukrit Pramoj's 'Four Reigns' (1953)
Entities
Artists
- Veeraporn Nitiprapha
- Kong Rithdee
- Kukrit Pramoj
Institutions
- River Books
- Southeast Asian Writers Award
Locations
- Thailand
- Siam
- China