A little disappointing…
- Book: Catching the Sun
- Location: Phuket
- Author: Tony Parsons
Not anywhere near as enjoyable as Man and Boy – the only other Tony Parsons book that I have read… although Phuket (a place I know well) comes though very strongly as the location. The Finn family suffer a number of disasters (including the Tsunami) but none of them seems very real. I found the drawing of the characters disappointing and a little cardboard like – no real depth. Various oddities too – like the constant re-appearance of Somter, the Thai policeman (as if he were the only policeman on the island).
The descriptions of both Hat Nai Yang beach and Hat Mai Khao beach are from a few years ago. They may well have been as they are described in 2004 at the time of the Tsunami, but both are now much more commercialised. Anyone reading the book and, as a result, planning to heads for a quiet and secluded holiday should be ware! Hat Mai Khao in particular is no longer the idyllic place that is portrayed – the turtles no longer come to lay their eggs both because of poachers and because of increased tourist activity.
All in all a book that does genuinely give a good feel for Phuket, but with a storyline and characterisation that are both lacking. With that proviso, nevertheless a worthwhile read if you are about to visit the island for the first time.
Please wait...
