I am glad I picked this book. It starts strong with a supernatural event that places the protagonist, young Chanchai, in the intriguing world of 1864 Bangkok, with golden temples, narrow streets, river houses on bamboo rafts, and exotic surroundings. Used to making it on his own, Chanchai finally gets a break when he is taken in by the caring Prisana and her group of orphan children.

He sees himself as small and worthless, which becomes painfully clear when he compares himself to a giant sacred elephant. The story moves between heartbreak and loneliness, but also brightness and happiness. His childhood gave me Slumdog Millionaire vibes.

I found the environments in the book beautifully described. I immediately liked and felt strongly for the characters. Full of memorable encounters and history, the story then spans many decades. With every new ‘era’ of Chanchai’s life, I felt like I was experiencing something new alongside him. And through it all, there is the mystery of his origins waiting to be solved, with a silver-haired man reappearing...

This story was truly an amazing journey. 

~ Anna