Last seen taking her beloved brown Burmese cat Claudius on a final tour of the United States in "I & Claudius", Clare de Vries now searches for the perfect replacement in Burma and Thailand. In Burma, whilst learning the basic Buddhist tenets and being liberally doused during the annual Thingyan celebrations, Clare encounters brave and dignified people from all walks of life, struggling in this beautiful yet politically oppressed country. But no cats. Instead, she finds nats at Mount Popa, temple-strewn plains in Bagan and a monastery full of jumping cats in Inle. In Thailand, whilst veering from nasty dives to luxurious spas, from white beaches to the smoggy lanes of Bangkok, from lecherous cat-breeders to ruthless elephant-trainers, Clare learns the history of the precious Siamese/Burmese cats and the royals that nurtured them. Finally, she discovers the perfect kittens, hidden in a remote temple. All she has to do is give a donation to the monk who owns them, or so she thinks.
Of Cats and Kings
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Clare de Vries is a freelance journalist and travel writer. Her first book I & Claudius is published by Bloomsbury.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In her second book, Clare de Vries shares her experiences of Burma and Thailand as she searches for a replacement for her beloved Burmese cat Claudius, who readers may have already met in her debut _I & Claudius_. This is another madcap adventure written in the same inimitable style: sharp, witty, slightly crazy and very funny. Anyone expecting a fluffy, heartwarming tale about kitty cats, be warned. Don't let the cover mislead you: this book is candid in its descriptions and unapologetic in its use of four-letter words.
De Vries writes with pace and punch about the amazing places and sometimes bizarre people she encounters. It's an exhilarating read. One minute she's fighting off cockroaches and other local wildlife in a grubby hotel room, the next she's fighting off unwanted attention from fellow travellers. However, she also meets some brave locals who risk life and limb just by being seen talking to a foreigner. It is humbling to hear of the determination of these people in the face of the oppressive Burmese government.
While many of the stories she recalls are sad, de Vries' jaunty tone ensures that _Of Cats And Kings_ is never depressing. Rather, it is an honest, amusing and highly enjoyable piece of travel writing. What's more, it won't just appeal to cat lovers; all you need to enjoy this book is a sense of humour.
De Vries writes with pace and punch about the amazing places and sometimes bizarre people she encounters. It's an exhilarating read. One minute she's fighting off cockroaches and other local wildlife in a grubby hotel room, the next she's fighting off unwanted attention from fellow travellers. However, she also meets some brave locals who risk life and limb just by being seen talking to a foreigner. It is humbling to hear of the determination of these people in the face of the oppressive Burmese government.
While many of the stories she recalls are sad, de Vries' jaunty tone ensures that _Of Cats And Kings_ is never depressing. Rather, it is an honest, amusing and highly enjoyable piece of travel writing. What's more, it won't just appeal to cat lovers; all you need to enjoy this book is a sense of humour.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having thoroughly enjoyed "I and Claudius," I was delighted to discover that this book is even better. Not only are her travels fascinating but, more importantly, her writing style has come into full flower. This is a great "laugh out loud" read with thoughtful subtext. I cannot wait to read what she writes next!
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First Sentence:
I AM SITTING in 192 in Nothing Hill waiting for Matt to arrive and nursing an over-priced glass of red plonk. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Bin Heep, Gee Whizz, Cat Cam Man, Mae Sot, Chiang Mai, Aung San Suu Kyi, Dow Tip, Southeast Asia, Ban Ta Klang, Inle Lake, Sin Maw, Notting Hill, Old Bagan, Jim Thompson, King of Burma, Loy Krathong, Mount Popa, Chiva Som, King Chulalongkorn, King of Siam, San Francisco New!
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
I AM SITTING in 192 in Nothing Hill waiting for Matt to arrive and nursing an over-priced glass of red plonk. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Bin Heep, Gee Whizz, Cat Cam Man, Mae Sot, Chiang Mai, Aung San Suu Kyi, Dow Tip, Southeast Asia, Ban Ta Klang, Inle Lake, Sin Maw, Notting Hill, Old Bagan, Jim Thompson, King of Burma, Loy Krathong, Mount Popa, Chiva Som, King Chulalongkorn, King of Siam, San Francisco New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 9
books:
See all 9 books this book cites
- The Legend of Siamese Cats by Martin Clutterbuck on page 198, and Back Matter
- Burmese Days: A Novel by George Orwell in Back Matter
- More Thai Ways by Denis Segaller in Back Matter
- Jasmine Nights (Funfax lurve) by Antonia George in Back Matter
- Thai Ways by Denis Segaller in Back Matter
See all 9 books this book cites
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