The Happiness of Kati [Hardcover]

Jane Vejjajiva (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 9, 2006

Every morning Kati is woken by the clatter of Grandma's spatula and pan and every night she goes to bed wishing for her mother. Like the canal that flows past her door, Kati's life has a gentle rhythm. But beneath the peaceful surface runs an undercurrent of mystery. Why has Mother stayed away for so long and where is the father Kati has never known? These questions take Kati on an unforgettable journey from the old fashioned house on the canal to a bungalow by the sea and an apartment in the big city.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6–Nine-year-old Kati lives an idyllic life with her grandparents in their ancestral home by a river in present-day Thailand. Grandma and Grandpa, though loving, are solemn and sad, carrying a secret burden hinted at in chapter subheadings: Kati's mother left her with them years before. Suddenly the child is asked if she wants to see her, and she decides to go to the house by the sea where her mother, a corporate lawyer, is dying from ALS. Kati learns all about the disease from her mother's friends Uncle Kunn and Aunt Da, who will stay with Pat until her death. Before that happens, Kati and Mother have the chance to renew their relationship; Kati learns the circumstances of her birth and early years. But all too soon Mother succumbs to her illness and, following her death, her cousin introduces Kati to many details of her mother's life. She is then given another choice, whether or not to make contact with her father, and she cleverly resolves her conflict. The author uses vivid description to bring the setting and culture to life, and characters are well drawn. While issues of parental responsibility and death with dignity are central to the story, the focus remains on Kati and her responses to what is going on around her. Although there are occasional lapses in the narrative, and message and melodrama sometimes intrude, this is a solid story enhanced by a unique sense of place.–Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
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From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. In a simple, lyrical translation from the Thai, this small book tells a story of love and sorrow from the viewpoint of Kati, nine, who lives in a small coastal community with her grandparents. Questions about Kati's mother's long absence provide the suspense; no one in her large, loving, extended family speaks of her. Then Katie is taken to see Mother, who is dying, and the grief is almost overwhelming. But there is another mystery: Who is Kati's father? Does she want to know? The spare narrative widens to encompass homey details of traditional village life--including what people eat, how they cook, and more--but the culture is not presented as exotic or picturesque; Kati's wealthy, technologically savvy family is well-versed in international e-commerce. The pace is slow, but the spaces between the words evoke stirring drama close to home. For another book about the tragic death of a family member, suggest Cynthia Kadahota's Newbery Medal book Kira-Kira (2004). Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum; Tra edition (May 9, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416917888
• ISBN-13: 978-1416917885
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,379,318 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poetry and the overcoming of adversity., July 20, 2006

By 

Ian Mayosmith "Ian Mayo-Smith" (Bloomfield, CT, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Happiness of Kati (Hardcover)

This is a book written with deep understanding and compassion. Although written entirely in a Thai Buddhist context it should appeal to young (and not so young) readers of all backgrounds and faiths as the theme is universal - finding true happiness in spite of adversity. The author uses much poetic imagery without loosing her very down to earth touch with reality and all its problems. She leaves us with a question to consider and possibly discuss with others - Did Kati at the end of the book make the right decision? This would be a great book for a parent to read along with a child, provided the child is willing to share this treasure.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The Delusions of Kati..., February 1, 2009

By 

Vie (Bangkok, Thailand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Happiness of Kati (Hardcover)

I read the original Thai version. A very short and technically well written story marred by cliches and stereotypes. The author tried hard not to weave a typical Thai middle class fantasy tale but fails miserably. Many of the cultural/historical references may be missed by non Thai readers. The book glosses over the harsh reality and inequality of modern Thai society and attempts to create touching (but seriously out of touch), politically correct scenarios that suffuses everything in a warm fuzzy glow. "Feel good" franchise sure to follow - movie version and sequel (already here), anyone?