Customer Reviews

Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind an American Housewife's Honest Love Affair with the Irrepressible People of Thailand

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"Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind" is a fascinating book. So far as I know, it is the only book Carol Hollinger ever published, and I suspect that when it was first issued (in 1965, by Houghton Mifflin), it was intended as a piece of light humor -- a bit of amusing fluff, if you will.

Well, this particular bit of amusing fluff has been continuously in print now for 44 years, a remarkable span of time which would make most writers jealous. (It is currently offered by Asia Books, in Thailand.) Recently, I bought another copy of this book and re-read it, trying to understand its enduring popularity. And I noticed something I hadn't noticed before: Carol Hollinger is an original and quite brilliant writer. Her prose is delightful, as are her perceptions and her attitude.

In addition to all these gifts, she has a genius for selecting illuminating encounters and fascinating people. The result of all these talents working together is a really brilliant book.

Carol Hollinger's touch is almost always light, but she was far from a frivolous person. When the book's main hero, Khun Amorn, suddenly turns on her and tells her with severity, "It is more easy to be liked than to be a friend," we understand the deeply serious message being sent, and we understand it precisely from the context of the story we have just been reading.

"And then he added, with such compassion that his voice seemed to sound from his soul, 'But I think that this night you have learned this.' "

Very highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Thailand.

Quite possibly the funniest book I have ever read. An American housewife in the 1960's finds herself living in Thailand. She cannot speak Thai. She does not understand the culture one bit. And she must learn to cope. If you love Thailand, Thai customs, Thai people, or gentle humor, this book may be for you. Written with much love and the author's developing admiration for a very foreign culture, this is a fish-out-of-water tale where the fish learns the beauty of land-life.

Not just appreciate it, but enjoy it, as well! Humorous, affectionate account, embracing Thai people as they really are, or choose to present themselves, rather than as westerners might choose to see them. Lived there 5 years. A great book! Read it while living in Thailand. I also share some readers' mystification as to why we never heard more of, and from, Ms Hollinger.

I have read 'Mai Pen Rai' about 4 times over the last 20 years. The first time read it was because I was taking my first trip to Thailand.

The book is interesting and entertaining. Carol Hollinger is a good writer and an adventurous person. The book is fun to read and full of insights.

If you are going to any underdeveloped country, read this first. You will enjoy your trip more.

Highly recommended.