The field of the great - A Thai novel

This vivid chronicle of an upcountry district in the heart of Siam  is told through the rise of Ruen, an aspiring timber trader  who leads a small community of farmers in its fight against nature  and against man at the turn of the last century (1890-1909).  Epidemics, fires, floods, famine and banditry  forge a common will to survive and prosper despite all odds.  Children are born and die.
Families flee and return.  Under the lure of money, simple men break their words,  until they know better. Freedom and friendship  are the guiding principles in Ruen's fighting world.  He marries Sutjai, beds her best friend Jampa,  and worships Lamiat, the wife of his worst enemy.  This epic social fresco and ode to human endeavour  and wilfulness, written in lush, swift prose,  will take you through a wide sweep of emotions.