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

Audie Award Nominee, Inspirational Nonfiction, 2013

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.

©2011 eChristian, Inc. (P)2011 eChristian, Inc.

The book itself is riveting but ...

The narrator sounds like a disembodied electronic voice. For the first time, I am thinking I would have been better off reading the actual book. I listen to many of the Great Courses books, mostly historical books and thankfully I have never encountered this type of narration because I would,I have no doubt, stopped listening to them. The narration is so distracting that I am not going to continue and will return this book. Live and learn.

Beautifully told !

I listened twice !! I’ve seen all versions of movie but the audio was better than any screen play !!

Anna Leon Owens

I liked that this book shared more about Anna Leon Owens.I've known her name from movies but this was the first book that gave me more insight into her.I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about her.

Excellent

Knowing that it is based on a true story captivated my interest. So much better than the movie.

A Classic

This is one of my favorite childhood books. I'm so grateful this is unabridged and so well done.
We forget that at one point, slavery was not only a law of lands but a hallowed tradition in many lands. The mix of culture here is a brilliant but violent clash. The sense of this woman of one world in another could be a trip to fairy land but it is all real. all in a not very long ago. highly recommended.

Great 19th Far East Narrative

Interesting background story on the King and I play. Well researched with a lot of personal dialogue between Anna and the Siamese Royals & support. Her position as teacher & associate secretary was important in the transition of the country at a pivotal time when slavery was waning worldwide and at the onset of the evolution of women's role in society was being reconsidered.

fascinating

I loved this book. it took me into a world both amazing and dreadful. nice

A favorite

I have always loved the story of Anna and the King. This was a refreshing change from the romance of the other versions I have enjoyed. The book appears to have been well researched. I really loved the historical references and timeline. The rights of individuals, especially privileged women and their attitudes was far different from that presented elsewhere.

The narration was precise and smooth. I found myself changing some speaking habits I had become lazy about.

Wonderful experience, will definitely be listening again.

So Glad I Found This!

I remember watching the King and I with my mom as a little girl. I am so glad that I found this biographical history of the time that Anna Harriette Leonowens was governess for King Mongkut (Rama IV) of Siam in 1862. She served as governess and personal secretary until 1867 when she left Siam for health reasons. Anna was an amazing woman who had no problem with standing up to the king for herself and for the other women and children under her supervision. I’m not saying she wasn’t nervous about her actions and words to the king from time to time but she did what she thought was right and just. The author’s note at the end was helpful in realizing the research that was done to tell Anna’s story. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommended!

Fantastic story, narration took a little getting used to!

Amazing 'true story' journey through Siam at a truly transformational time told through the eyes of an incredible woman, Anna. Anna's fairly unique perspective for the time contributed in their own way to the birth of modern day Thailand, including the abolition of institutional slavery. Amazing insight into the customs and life style of old Siam.

Narrator took a little getting used to - odd slightly stilted over emphasized diction. Got past it in the end and enjoyed every part of the story.

All in all amazing :)