Anna and the King of Siam: The Book That Inspired the Musical and Film The King and I

by Margaret Landon Narrated by Anne Flosnik

Overview

Anna Leonowens, a proper Englishwoman, was an unlikely candidate to change the course of Siamese (Thai) history. A young widow and mother, her services were engaged in the 1860's by King Mongkut of Siam to help him communicate with foreign governments and be the tutor to his children and favored concubines. Stepping off the steamer from London, Anna found herself in an exotic land she could have only dreamed. It was a lush landscape of mystic faiths and curious people, and king's palace bustling with royal pageantry, ancient custom, and harems. One of her pupils, the young prince Chulalongkorn, was particularly influenced by Leonowens and her Western ideals. He learned about Abraham Lincoln and the tenets of democracy from her, and years later he would become Siam's most progressive king. He guided the country's transformation from a feudal state to a modern society, abolishing slavery and making many other radical reforms.Weaving meticulously researched facts with beautifully imagined scenes, Margret Landon recreates an unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land. Written more than fifty years ago, and translated into dozens of languages, Anna and the King of Siam (the inspiration for the magical play and film The King and I)continues to delight and enchant readers around the world.

Editorial Reviews

MARCH 2013 - AudioFile

Enter the exotic world of Siam (Thailand) as seen through the words of Anna Leanowens, who teaches the children and wives of the King of Siam S.S.P.P. Maha Mongkut. Anne Flosnik narrates this charming story full of vignettes about the various characters in the harem, the palace, and nestled along the river in Bangkok. Flosnik flawlessly delivers the complicated Asian names. Switching seamlessly from narration to dialogue, she draws the listener into the story of Anna’s life, now immortalized in the play and movie THE KING AND I. Flosnik’s narration is magical and musical as her soft voice rises and falls with the varied emotions expressed by Anna as her amazing experience is depicted. Take a few hours to reacquaint yourself with this story of love, laughter, and life in a foreign land. M.B.K. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2013 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170342600
Publisher:	EChristian, Inc.
Publication date:	12/01/2011
Edition description:	Unabridged

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