The English Governess and the Siamese Court: The True Story Behind 'The King and I'

Book Description

Anna Leonownes' memoir of her six year as a governess in the Royal Palace of Bangkok was the inspiration for the beloved Broadway musical The king and I, as well as two award-winning films. First published in 1870, Leonowens' memoir is the true story of a proper English governess who is hired by the King of Siam to tutor his many children. A delightful portrait of an unlikely friendship between two headstrong personalities, it is also a revealing peak at two very different cultures.

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Such was Chow Phya Sri Sury Wongse when I was first presented to him: a natural king among the dusky forms that surrounded him, the actual ruler of that semi- barbarous realm, and the prime contriver of its arbitrary policy. Black, but comely, robust, and vigorous, neck short and thick, nose large and nostrils wide, eyes inquisitive and penetrating, his was the massive brain proper to an intellect deliberate and systematic. Well found in the best idioms of his native tongue, he expressed strong, discriminative thoughts in words at once accurate and abundant. His only vanity was his English, with which he so interlarded his native speech, as often to impart the effect of levity to ideas that, in themselves, were grave, judicious, and impressive.

Customer Reviews:

Shocking..........2003-07-31

Leonowens will never realize how she has condemned an entire nation with her lies. True, Thais do revere their kings and do not see them as being human. However, in the case of King Mongkut you have a truly remarkable man, do your homework before making judgements, and keep in mind that Leonowens was exposed to common Thai people most of the time but instead chose to write about the royalty to make $$$. I am truly saddened that King Mongkut a highly tolerant and far sighted ruler must stand in the shadow of lies. I challenge you to research western sources regarding this man. I agree that Thailand should not ban these films or books because they reveal how the West (whom they have always admired) regards them in the 19th century and even today. The fact that no modern scholar has come forth to introduce King Mongkut to the world has burdened Thais to rightfully defend themselves and in doing so make Leonowen's account seem hilariously "unbiased".

Colonial Bias.......2000-02-08

Probably one of the strangest things about my reading of The English Governess at the Siamese Court, was the location in which I found the book. I was rummaging through the books at the Asia Book Store on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok, looking for mindless mysteries to pass the time between tailor fittings. I was astonished to find a copy in Bangkok, knowing the Thai feelings toward Anna Leonowens. All I can say about the book is, now I have a complete understanding of why they would feel that way about her. Mrs. Leonowens view is so ethnocentric as to be bordering blatant racism. She takes no time to understand the culture around her, and fills her writings with the basest stereotypes of Asian culture found so prevalently in Victorian Imperial culture. Even when she does give credit to the Thai people for the beauty of their culture, it is done with an air of surprise, that these "primitives" could develop something of beauty.

BUT, this should not stop anyone from reading the book (thus my rating of four stars). The book should be read if only to gauge the growth that has been achieved in the last one hundred and thirty years. The book is an interesting look back at the accepted viewpoint of the nineteenth century. Mrs. Leonowens is a perfect mirror of the superior attitude of the Anglo-Saxon in his drive to finally control 3/4 of the earth. All in all, this book is a very interesting trip into the past.

The British Women, Anna.......2000-01-21

This is one of a few books which are written by Anna Leonowens herself as a English teacher in Siam. For those of you who wants to know more about Anna herself and her dairy, should read this book. It describes the Siamese court from a historical point of view, bring you back to 19th century.

Customer Reviews:

Hot, but I just couldn't stand Brianna..........2006-05-08

This book was definitely a wonderful diversion into a fantasy future, with many, many opportunities for sequels and parallel stories. I, for one, want to learn more about the Gattan! Marljas definitely got my attention, as well as the fact that their race is a matriarchy.

That being said, I felt this book was very light and fluffy, and I suppose it is meant to be, since the whole point is the sex. Still, after the initial few chapters, I found myself growing extremely annoyed with Brianna. I got that she was beautiful, I got that she was exotic and new, but how she managed to "charm" so many royal and diplomatic characters and become accepted so very easily while being such a childish shrew is beyond me. She spent the majority of the book pouting, whining, throwing things, and acting basically not like an educated biologist but a spoiled prom queen.

She was, for me, the only really weak part of the book, understanding that this book was not exactly meant to be on the level of "War and Peace". I liked the nods to other sci-fi stories, such as the killer whales and dolphins departing one planet because they got fed up, and the whole concept of what being human actually is, whether it means having a tail or having green skin.

Char was, by far, my favorite character, so in the end I was glad to see him so happy. I'll definitely read other books related to this one.

One Gutsy Heroine in this Engaging Sci Fi Story.......2006-04-17

I bought this based on all the positive reviews, and I wasn't disappointed. This story has one of the best heroines ever!! I knew I would enjoy it when Brianna said she refuses to be one of those "too stupid to live heroines" in romance novels. She's a gutsy woman who refuses to compromise who she is and refuses to settle and that includes her romance with the captain whom she's forced to marry. The secondary characters are all described in great detail but they never overshadow the heroine or the romance.

I LOVED Brianna, and I hope the author writes more books within this world with some of the great characters she introduced, especially the playboy cousin Ban.

Wonderful!!!.......2006-03-27

Fantastic female -- strong, intelligent, and clever. Definitely not one of those TSTL (too stupid to live) females. The sex was hot, inventive and frequent. Best of all are her charcters. They come alive off the pages and make you hate to finish the book. I've read it more than a few times and it's as good, if not better, than the first read through. What a talent. Can't wait for more in the Celestial Passions series!

I love this book!.......2006-03-17

Judy Mays is truly a great author. The story was funny and engaging. I especially enjoyed the characters. They were realistic in their actions (for the most part--remember, this is romanatic science fiction!). The pace of the story was fast but it flowed really well. I even enjoyed all of the supporting characters and can't wait for their stories to come out in print.

entertained.......2006-02-17

I read to be entertained and that is what Judy Mays did with her story Briana. One of the best stories I have read for a while. The plotting and character development were great and I was left wanting more. More stories that is by Judy Mays. The worlds she has created in Briana beg to be further explored. I love the intensity of the characters and their interactions with each other. Can't wait for the next one, and several more like it. Not only is this a keeper, but deserves -rereading, several times.

Brianna Breathes Easy: A Story About Asthma

Average customer rating:

Brianna Breathes Easy: A Story About Asthma
Virginia L. Kroll
Manufacturer: Albert Whitman & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0807508802

Book Description

Brianna gets the lead in the Thanksgiving school play-she_ll be Hero the Hen! She almost forgets about the coughing and breathing trouble she_s been having. Brianna loves practicing her leaping and flapping. But at the dress rehearsal, she has a bad coughing attack and feels a tightness in her chest. The teacher calls 911 and the paramedics take Brianna to the hospital. There, Dr. Anderson diagnoses Brianna with asthma. Brianna begins to learn about her disease and how to manage it. Things are soon under control, and she_s back on stage for her debut!

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Jamaica and Brianna
Bibliotherapy: Jealously

Jamaica and Brianna
Juanita Havill
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0395644895

Book Description

It's wintertime again, and Jamaica has to wear her brother Ossie's hand-me-down boots. She finds herself envious of her friend Brianna's pink boots with the fuzzy cuffs, and Brianna teases her about her ugly, old "boy" boots. But one word brings reconciliation for the two friends.

Customer Reviews:

Jamaica and Brianna.......2006-03-22

A lovely book. My 5 1/2 loves it and I love the message it conveys.

Bibliotherapy: Jealously.......2005-01-27

Jamaica and Brianna written by Juanita Havill illustrated by Anne Sibley O'Brien

Jamaica and Brianna is a story about two young girls and their rain boots. Jamaica has to wear her older brother plain black boots with a hole in one of the toes while her friend Brianna has pink boots with pink fluff around the top cuff of the boots. Jamaica wants boots like her friend, so she picks at the hole in her boot until it's so big her mom will has to get her new ones. Instead of picking boots like Brianna's she picks boots that are just right for her. Back at school Brianna tells Jamaica that her boots aren't the in thing, and as a response she tells Brianna her boots are ugly. Both girls are sad and unhappy about the things they have said to one another. They end up telling each other that were jealous of each other's boots and they apologize and become friend once again.

I find the subject matter to be relevant to today's children. I don't find that there is any outdated material present in the story. The book presents a very diverse world, which is important for today society.
The reading level of this book is first or second grade reading level. If I were to use it as a read aloud I would also use it in Kindergarten. I believe it could also be used with preschool. The content of the story is understandable and appropriate for preschool through second grade.

The book could be read to the class in one sitting. Most pages only have one paragraph on them with the rest of the page filled up with illustrations. The illustrations are watercolor and do a good job conveying the snowy outdoors and the warmth of inside. It is twenty-five pages long.

The developmental level of Jamaica and Brianna is preschool through second grade. I think it is appropriate for all these levels because you can do different activities depending on the developmental level as follow up. Preschooler will probably need more guidance in discussing the book as opposed to a second grader. However, I believe that preschool through second grade would all be able to relate and understand the book.

The main character in the story is an African-American girl and her friend is of Asian background. And throughout the book the teacher and the other students in the illustration are from a different race or ethnic background. That is not the focus of the book, but with emergent and young readers they tend to study the illustrations, therefore I think that it is important and valuable for them to see.

I would use this book with the whole class because I feel the topic is something that we all experience in life. Therefore, its not specifically targeting a specialized issue one child is going through. It is more of a general feeling or emotion that is felt by all.

The general feeling or emotion in this story is jealously. Jealously is the main topic of the book. The author has a way of conveying that feeling without making it complicated. It's simple and relatively easy to relate to. However, some students will need help relating it to their own lives. I would use this book as a discussion starter or depending on the developmental level and age a writing project.

The downfall of the book is that the main characters are girls. I would like to balance this book with another story about jealously with characters other that girls are the main characters or the story. The values in this book are being thankful for what you have, being proud and friendship.

Average customer rating:

4 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies

Brianna's Navy SEAL
Natalie J. Damschroder
Manufacturer: Amber Quill Press, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1592796982
Release Date: 2007-01-19

Product Description

Brianna Macgregor longed for adventure, until tragedy cured her forever. Or so she thought... Former Navy SEAL-turned-kindergarten teacher Cable Addison enters Brianna's life, and he's everything she wants. But even though he's left adventure behind, it's followed him in dangerous ways. When old Macgregor enemy Darcy Langlais sets her sights on Cable, Brianna has to decide if love is worth the risk...

Customer Reviews:

4 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies.......2007-08-21

Brianna Macgregor has heard nonstop gossip about the newly hired kindergarten teacher. While some teachers tell horror stories, Brianna finds herself defending him, sight unseen. When he interrupts a conversation in which he is the subject, Brianna is embarrassed but intrigued. After all, Cable Addison is pure sin walking. After a past relationship fiasco, Brianna no longer craves adventure; and that is what a relationship with Cable would be. It's too bad that her heart refuses to listen, especially when it seems danger has followed Cable to their small town.

Cable Addison longs for the quiet life. Years spent as a Navy SEAL have cured him of his thrill of adventure and he is past ready to settle down. He knows that Brianna is the woman he wants in his life. If only he can convince her of that fact. Just when their relationship seems to take a turn in the right direction, a past enemy appears and discovers Cable's newfound weakness.

BRIANNA'S NAVY SEAL is highly suspenseful and very sensual. I found myself slowly turning the pages in anticipation of what would happen. Most of the time, just when I thought I knew what would occur, I was completely surprised! I loved the fact that I could not anticipate the plot twists. As far as heroes go, Cable was honorable and extremely desirable and I fell in love with him right along with Brianna. In fact, had she not snatched him up, he would be all mine.

Natalie Damschroder has penned a perfectly enjoyable novel in BRIANNA'S NAVY SEAL and I find myself wanting to go back and read everything she has written.
***Natasha Smith for Romance Junkies***

Average customer rating:

Excellent
OUTSTANDING
I want More Passions
Wanting More
African Nights

Passion's Bedtime Stories
Brianna Nichole
Manufacturer: Brianna Nichole Enterprises, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0967007909

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2001-04-15

Passion's bedtime stories is the best collection of black erotica that I have ever read. With its classy not trashy stories, this book is definitely a must have and a keeper to be read over and over again. Can't wait until the sequel.

OUTSTANDING.......2000-04-19

THIS BOOK IS A KEEP, IT WAS HARD TO PUT DOWN. I LOOK FORWARD FOR THINGS FROM HER IN THE FUTURE. HI BRIANNA

I want More Passions.......2000-03-29

Engrossing and entertaining....Brianna Nichole brings reality of passion to life! These ethnic stories are written so well that readers will be wrapped up in each story and don't want to leave! Definitely a book to recommend!

Wanting More.......2000-03-14

Each of the stories were so vivid. By this, I mean that you could see/imagine yourself in each situation. Not only were the story lines easy to follow, but they always left you wanting more...the story ended too soon! I could only imagine the ending to the story of the African Newlyweds. The story of the couple meeting at the club for dinner definately ended too soon. What about another date? I guess I am trying to say that Brianna Nichole is a wonderful writer and I hope she has another part to Passion's Bedtime Stories!

African Nights.......2000-03-13

African Nights is a beautifully written story that exudes not only love and passion but a mutual respect between two young lovers who only have eyes for each other. Every woman wants a young lover who will not only love,honor and protect her, but one who will also respect her for the African queen that she is. Although I enjoyed the entire collection of short stories, African Nights is by far my favorite!

Brianna, Jamaica, and the Dance of Spring

Average customer rating:

Brianna, Jamaica, and the Dance of Spring
Juanita Havill
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Illness | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0618077006

Book Description

Brianna and Jamaica both want to be the butterfly queen in their spring dance performance. Instead they are chosen to be flowers while Brianna's older sister, Nikki, is chosen for the lead. But just when Nikki seems to be the lucky one, she gets the flu and can't dance her part. Will Brianna get a chance now? Once again Juanita Havill and Anne Sibley O'Brien portray a familiar scene in the life of a child with grace, gentleness, and a satisfying conclusion.

$A Mother's Touch: More Than Friends\All The Way Home\Brianna's Garden (Arabesque)$
Average customer rating:

pleasant read
Wonderful Read!
Wonderful, Heart-warming!

A Mother's Touch: More Than Friends\All The Way Home\Brianna's Garden (Arabesque)
Candice Poarch , Raynetta Manees , and Viveca Carlysle
Manufacturer: Kimani Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Anthologies | Romance | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1583140158

Customer Reviews:

pleasant read.......2000-12-16

ms.poarch story was a marvolous read, about to friends making marriage deal inorder for one to have a baby. they got more than just a baby they found love. ms manees story was also wonderful she brought to middle age people together and made their families whole. ms. carlysle story brought two peoples hearts together thru one special little girl.

Wonderful Read!.......2000-05-05

I loved all three stories about that totally crazy, unpredicable, scary, and fun thing called motherhood, so everyone tells me! . Ms Poarch and Ms Manees are big favorites of mine. The thing I like so much about novella is that they are short but have all the making of a full fledged novel. Much love to all three authors!

Wonderful, Heart-warming!.......2000-04-12

I bought this book for my mother but I'll have ti buy her another one--this one I'm keeping. What a touching colletion of stories involving love and motherhood. My favorite of the three was Rayneetta Manees' story involving a size 18 young sexy GRANDMOTHER finding love.

WAKE UP YOUNG PEOPLE HANDBOOK: Young People's Guide To Self Improvement

Average customer rating:

WOW!!

WAKE UP YOUNG PEOPLE HANDBOOK: Young People's Guide To Self Improvement
Brianna J Adams , and Patricia, Phillip Adams
Manufacturer: Outskirts Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

Astonishing answers to unspoken questions revealed!

This book hits on the most sensitive topics that our pop culture won't deal with concerning young people. It starts with the crisis in the HIP-HOP Music Craze and its devastating, negative effects on today's young people. It strikes at the hearts of our young people who have lost their way and gives them another perspective on how to change their lives for the better. No home with young people should be without a copy!

Customer Reviews:

WOW!!.......2007-02-10

I can't believe that a kid like me wrote this book!? It's crazy! She talks about topics that no one seems to care about any more. I give her 5 stars becuse she's a kid like me and she talks about the hushed topics!

Average customer rating:

Charming Romance in a Delightful Setting!
More, please :-)
Friday night book.
Wonderful Vacation Read

Brianna's Escape
Kathryn Shanahan , and Kathryn M. Shanahan
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1588518299

Book Description

When raven-haired New Yorker Brianna Donnelley pays cash for a modest ranch in Arizona and moves there two weeks later, her publisher thinks she?s lost her marbles. She can?t explain why-she just has to do it. The answer, Gregg White Eagle, walks in and sits down next to her at the local diner. She never saw such cocky warmth with a glint of mischief combined so well in one man?s eyes. Later, during a sunrise trip for a hidden crystal cave, Gregg sees the haunted look slowly drain from her jade green eyes as the warm mineral spring creates a natural whirlpool around them. Brianna invites Gregg and his grandfather to brunch afterward. Her new-found peace and delight are shattered before she can serve them all dessert.

Customer Reviews:

Charming Romance in a Delightful Setting!.......2002-02-08

For an interesting plot with twists and turns, for some minutes of sheer terror when a deranged man threatens, for moments of joy and tenderness, for sadness, and acceptance of grief, and for a happy ending, don't miss this charming romance in a setting of wilderness and desert beauty. The dialog is fast-paced and true-to-life. The relief moments when attention is directed to food and the details of preparation create mouth-watering experiences for the reader. Brianna is an excellent cook! She certainly knows the way to a man's heart! There is something for everyone in Brianna's Escape. Don't miss it!

Evelyn Horan - children's author
Jeannie, A Texas Frontier Girl Book One

More, please :-).......2001-10-02

Being a guy who'd never considered reading a romance novel before, I had no idea what to expect. What I discovered was an engaging story about a woman living her life. I found a depth of detail I really enjoyed, from the genuine warmth of the characters to the descriptions of the Arizona environment. Coming from a large family who always made the time to sit down together for dinner (and having a mother who put a heap of effort into them), I found the mealtime get togethers bringing a smile to my face. A moving read with realistic characters and attention to detail. Well done.

Friday night book........2001-09-22

A Friday night book is one I start reading and don't want to put down until I finish it. You can't do that on the other nights of the week. I work in a local library and this is the way I rate books for my patrons. A Friday night book is a five-star book.

The characters in this book are very believeable and remind you of characters in every small town. Emotionally, the characters in this book take you from hurt to sad to angry, then happy and peaceful. Just as real life does.

I do have one suggestion. This author must be a gourmet cook because of all the wonderful food mentioned. I wonder if she would consider putting a few recipes in her next book. A couple of the well-known mystery writers do this and the staff and patrons of our library enjoy trying the recipes, especially the desserts.

Looking forward to more books from this author.

Good Luck!

Wonderful Vacation Read.......2001-08-23

This is a finely tuned, well-written book for a first-time author. Her characters are believable, all-too-human people who are strong, intelligent and caring. I also liked the locations as I very much enjoy characters who move from a large city to a small location (especially out west) and have a whole new set of problems to solve. The scenes are very descriptive, making you feel you are there, which is what a good book is supposed to do.

Hope she writes many more.

Thank you.

Average customer rating:

Slow at first...but overall a good book!
Brianna
Linda Bartell
Manufacturer: Avon Books (Mm)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0380750961

Customer Reviews:

Slow at first...but overall a good book!.......2000-05-17

I decided to read this book because my name is Brianne and I have never seen a book with my name on it before. It started off slow, with out of date dialog sometimes...but I really enjoyed it when I got closer to the end. It was exciting and kept me turning pages to find out what was going to happen next! I just thought the descriptions sometimes got a little out of hand, so that's why it's 4 stars. But I would suggest it to anybody who wants a good romance novel to read.

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