An Elephant Named Maliwan: A Thai Novel

I read the internet edition of this which was translated by Marcel Barang.

This short novel was written during World War Two and the first chapters were published as installments in a magazine in 1942, but the publication of the magazine came to a halt. The novel was then published in full in 1946.

Although this short novel was published in the 1940s, it had a much older feel to me, rather like a 19th-century novella. In the afterword it is said that the first novel written in Thai was only published in 1929, so that might be one reason. The whole structure and characterization has an old-fashioned feel, and that is also supported by the time it is set, in the early 20th century when Thailand was still an absolute monarchy.

The main show more character, Suriya, is an aristocrat who drinks heavily and knows that he is a disappointment to his wife. When he ends up in a forestry concession by accident, he remains there, prolonging his stay further and further and drinking his days away. He also befriends an elephant who is characterized almost like a human. But of course, this situation cannot go on forever, and one day Suriya must decide what to do.

It was a bit difficult for me to emphasize with Suriya and his actions, and to get used to the setting of the forestry concession where people work hard, drink and sweat. But the story became more interesting chapter after chapter, and I admire the author's careful construction and the characterizations. The last chapter was unexpected and gut-wrenching. I am glad I read this book, even more so as the afterword informs the reader that this is a standard text at Thai schools. show less