A review by jayisreading
The Blind Earthworm in the Labyrinth by Veeraporn Nitiprapha

challenging emotional sad slow-paced

4.0

The Blind Earthworm in the Labyrinth was the first Thai novel I have ever read, and I want to say that it may not have been the best place to start in Thai literature not because it was bad (quite the contrary) but, rather, because it was rather difficult. For one, the novel’s nonlinear and near-fever dream approach made it hard to figure out what was happening. More than that, though, it was primarily because I’m not at all familiar with the storytelling structures and cultural elements that Nitiprapha was referencing (e.g., Thai soap operas). Yet, despite struggling a fair bit, I was so captivated by the language. The book is a multisensorial experience, taking the reader through stunning descriptions of food, plants, and music that are integral to who the characters are and not just setting up the mood and scenery. In addition, the melancholic nature of this novel is almost palpable; you really feel the quiet yet intense heartache that these characters feel as the story wanders from one place to the next. It’s more than understandable why Nitiprapha described her novel as “a melodrama of shipwrecked romance.”

I can only imagine how much more beautiful the book must be in the original language. I have nothing but praise to heap on Rithdee for taking up what seemed to be an incredible challenge translating this novel into English, based on his note that he provided at the start of the novel.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Suicide, Grief, and Suicide attempt

Moderate: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, and Drug use