Bright is the first novel written by a Thai woman to have been translated into English and if you don't think that's cool then I'm not really sure why you're reading my review! Not only is it a landmark book, it's also a bloody good one! I hope Pimwana is helping pave the way for other Thai women writers to have their work translated, because I'm greedy and want more of this. She does have another book in English, the short story collection Arid Dreams, which is published by Tilted Axis Press so I'll definitely need to get my hands on that!

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Told in a series of vignettes, Bright is the story of Kampol, a five-year-old boy who is collectively adopted by his community after his mother and father separate. Despite his father's reassurances, he does not come back for Kampol, and the boy is looked after by various adults in his housing estate. Chong, who runs the shop, and Mon, his friend Oan's mother, become his two primary caregivers, but all the adults do chip in, even if they were resentful of the additional responsibility at first. I particularly loved Chong, who is quiet, serious, bookish and often exasperated by his customers, but loving and generous overall.

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When you hear what the book is about, essentially a child being abandoned by his parents, you automatically think you're in for a bleak read. And while there are some sad parts, I was surprised by how often I found myself smiling and even laughing while reading. Kampol and his friends in the estate get up to all the usual childhood mischief: trying to befriend stray dogs, spying on the neighbours, running riot at funfairs. Pimwana depicts a portrait of working class Thailand, yes, but she also gives us a joyous depiction of childhood, finding fun and games wherever they can.

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Bright is translated by Mui Poopoksakul and she does a brilliant job. It reads so smoothly, the speech reads naturally, and all of the emotion shines through, whether it's humour and joy or melancholy and frustration. The vignette style works so well, and although we see Kampol's life only in flashes and episodes, it feels like you really get to know him and the rest of the neighbourhood.

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I recommend this to anyone and everyone honestly, but especially people who enjoy sweet and sad stories, or found family stories!