It's no secret that Jiraporn Wiwa's latest fiction, Sontisanya Flamingo (The Flamingo Treaty), is currently one of Salmon Book's bestsellers. The 34-year-old freelance writer has previously released illustrated essays that take you to the best markets and street-eats in Bangkok, as well as collections of short stories, but this novel lets readers savour her rich imagination in a fuller form, as Jiraporn fleshes out the complications between lovers and the fancies of a cat and flamingo striking up a fishy friendship.
In a quaint world populated by personified animals, the main character, a writer cat called Mee, gets thrown into a bizarre tumult of secrets when she interviews a flamingo businessman about his latest business venture -- machines that can turn confessed secrets into energy. The darker and deeper the secret, the more energy it yields. It seems that the mysterious flamingo is letting her into his confidential world so she has new inspiration for her books, yet the agreement she's signed in order to use his resources takes a toll on her relationships.
What are you reading now?
The Moomin books by Tove Jansson, which was translated into Thai under Amarin on the occasion of its 70th anniversary. I never paid much attention to these hippo-like trolls -- I just knew they were characters from Finland that were very popular in Japan, with cute gifts sold everywhere. Then I found out some fun facts about the author, who wrote it during World War II and used innocence in literature to escape the repressed grievances of war and the insanity of Hitler.
Amid the flowery language, girlie tenderness and childish adventures, there is sorrow and lots of other things. When you read about adults who are masqueraded under these childlike pretences, you cannot help but think of Jansson's frustrations when she was writing it.
What is your favourite book of all time?
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. It's a book that takes long to read and I can't really remember the details, but I still strongly remember that this was the book that let me know what it feels like when you come across a book that can explain feelings you don't know how to explain. People say we love books that speak for us, and this book made me feel that I want to speak for others.
What is one book you've wanted to read but never gotten around to?
Mastering The Art Of French Cooking by Julia Child. I watched the movie Julie & Julia and liked it a lot. I want to cook the same dishes and want to read the detailed and well-thought-out cookbook by Julia.
What do you usually like to read?
I like to read Japanese literature, maybe because it's a country we're unconsciously close to. We grow up with Japanese culture, Japanese movies and like Japanese-ness, so when we read [about them], it's easy to imagine, yet at the same time, they have a strange distinctiveness that stands out.
Did any author inspire you to start yourself?
I grew up with books by Suwanee Sukonta in my school library and used to have daydreams about growing up to be a cool writer like her.
Who is your favourite author?
Banana Yoshimoto. I like her feminine delicateness that is not blubbering nonsense, and how she can explain the pains of humans in a crystal-clear manner.
What is one book with animal characters that you would recommend?
Animal Farm by George Orwell -- it's the first that comes to mind! When you think of books with animal characters, you think of fairy tales that are cute and friendly, but reading this book is nothing like that at all. It talks about society and dictatorship and completely changes the perception one would have of this type of literature. I think it suits our country, too!
