Following in the footsteps to Cambodia with Anna Jaquiery – Death in the Rainy Season

The Setting of Death in the Rainy Season….

Set in Cambodia – Phnom Penh and in Siem Reap in particular – this book evokes both time and place with a difference. Never before have we felt the rain on our faces and been wowed as the temples of the region rise up from the page. It’s as if you can see the actual view as you turn the pages, like you’re clicking the button on a camera. The culture, time, place and history are emblazeoned on your mind with every click of the page:

So now to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap where Morel visits in Death in the Rainy Season

Anna Jaquiery is your guide..

Chance would have it – one of our fellow booktrailers has just popped over to follow in the footsteps of Morel! A few pics from his travels below….

Following in the footsteps of Morel at one of the impressive temples C) thebooktrail

Anna:  “In Siem Reap the temples are unforgettable – the Bayon is probably my favourite. I’d also recommend taking a river cruise. In Phnom Penh, my favourite thing is to walk around the city. There is so much life in the streets. I’d recommend a visit to the National Museum, a shopping expedition to the Russian market, and at the end of the day a drink at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, watching the sun set over the river.

Rainy Season (c) The Booktrailer

Keith for the booktrail: I think the most interesting part of the journey to Cambodia was the sheer size and varied culture which I had never experienced before. The people are amazing and so friendly and to have just read Death in the Rainy Season prior to the trip, I was amazed at how Anna had managed to portray even the slightest nuances of the culture and the landscape in every detail of her novel. Not just in the police investigation (and luckily we saw nothing of that!) but the weather, the sheer size and impressive nature of the temples and the role religion played in every day life and in people’s beliefs. It was fascinating to actually feel I was following in Morel’s footsteps and reading the book on site was quite something!

This view I enjoyed with Morel on my right and a beer on my left. Morel is a great character..

Reading in the Cambodian light (c) the booktrail

This has to be one of the most amazing and culturally fascinating countries I’ve been to and Death in the Rainy Season has now taken on a new meaning and significance. It’s as if this is now my guide book of sorts. It’s definatley a lasting memory of my visit to one of the most fascinating countries ever. And to see if through the eyes of Anna and Morel..well that is just something else.

With thanks to Anna Jaquiery and booktrailer Keith for the happy memories!