The English Governess at the Siamese Court

In 1862, Anna Leonowens moved with her youngest child to Siam to serve as governess and translator to the king and his family. Leonowens wrote an account of her adventure, the basis for the play and movie ANNA AND THE KING OF SIAM, detailing arguments with the king, reflections on daily life in Siam, and insights into the religions and philosophies of those she encountered. Nadia May makes a valiant effort at infusing feeling into the work, but her superb performance doesn't transcend Leonowens's burdensome detail. Recounts of and interactions with the royal family are delightful, but Leonowens often falls into judging and belittling her hosts rather than reporting. May keeps her tone light and humorous at these times, but it isn't enough to remove the shock one feels at such politically incorrect viewpoints as seen from our modern vantage point. H.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine