Recently translated into English, Carrion Floating By, by Chart Korbjitti, a short Thai novel from 1987, continues to demonstrate its relevance. Exploring everyday behaviors, the author seeks to demonstrate gaps in how Thai society perceives itself versus the reality of our motivations. A strong critique of modern Thai values, the story questions its readers, asking if they will pursue their self-interest for narrow material gains, or allow themselves to be preyed upon by others.
A Review of Carrion Floating By
Opening with a car accident, several people are taken to the hospital and police station. Admitting his accountability, one man finds himself responsible for settling the costs for the hospital and car repairs of all those involved. The first part of the novel consists of the characters negotiating the terms of compensation. While filing a police report, the local officer suggests a mechanic to help the parties come to terms.
The driver of the car finds himself beset by claimants, each seeking ways to maximize their financial gain from the accident. Begging, lying, coercing, he attempts to maintain his spirits as others attempt to peck away at his savings. Learning that the items in his wrecked car have been stolen push him to question the darker natures of people as the others involved in the accident become more aggressive in seeking compensation.
A partner in an advertising agency, the novel flashes back to examine the main character’s motivations. Having seen his clients overcharged and people pursuing material gain without benefits to society, he elects to begin his own firm believing the benefits of one’s work should extend to everyone. Focusing on people before profits his firm finds success, although as one partner considers starting a family, the realization that profit may need to be considered over ideals is played upon.
Constantly dealing with others seeking to renege upon their agreed compensation claim and seeking more money, the driver finds a measure of solace after several months as his debts are paid. Returning home to rural Thailand, he finds his father warning him about greed and its corrupting nature. Discovering that even the police received a commission when recommending a car mechanic opens his eye to a society where desires for money and consumerism have become the new norms. Beginning to question his own values he wonders how long can a person allow themselves to be taken advantage of, and must they choose between becoming a predator or remaining the prey?
Thai Literature in English – Carrion Floating By
Told a second person, the novel presents a challenging style for readers. A two time S.E.A. Write Award winner, Chart Korbjitti’s Carrion Floating By is spare and well – paced, his opening sequence captures the confusion of a car accident well. Carrion Floating By is rather bleak but an enjoyable read despite the deterministic notions of its ending, that we must choose between being a hustler or being hustled. The translation by Marcel Barang is serviceable and efficient, although there is a sense that nuance and descriptive turns are lost. Barang has translated many Thai novels and short stories and continues to make Thai literature accessible to English language readers.
Carrion Floating By (ISBN 978 – 616 – 90474 – 3 – 8) by Chart Korbjitti was published by Howling Books in English translation in 2010.
Brian Jungwiwattanaporn - Living an eclectic life, Brian has found online writing a great way to share and explore his interests. Having recently complete a ...
Join the Conversation