On Bitter Laughter and the Sweetness of Truth - Wad Rawee

On Bitter Laughter and the Sweetness of Truth
By Wad Rawee

The first and definitive collection of literary criticism by Wad Rawee—the voice that refuses to let Thai literature stagnate.

In our contemporary world, one might argue that there is no "necessity" for a reader to engage with literary criticism. However, if one’s desire for literature extends beyond mere entertainment—seeking instead the hidden nuances, the interplay between truth and deception, and the ultimate value of "the fiction" itself—then understanding the frameworks through which stories are told becomes essential.

Historically, rigorous literary discourse in Thailand has been confined to the ivory towers of academia or the niche pages of esoteric journals, often dismissed as a specialized task for "the professional critic." Wad Rawee seeks to dismantle this gatekeeping, asserting that the act of reading and speaking truth to what is read belongs to everyone.

"Thai literary criticism is perhaps the most underdeveloped and stagnant sector of our literary circle—an intellectual wasteland devoid of vitality. This stems from the fallacy that criticism is the sole domain of 'critics' and not 'writers' or 'readers.' To separate criticism from the writer is unnatural to the developmental process of the mind. In truth, the 'critic' is a self-imposed construct; intellectual engagement is a universal right."
— Wad Rawee

On Bitter Laughter and the Sweetness of Truth is an intense, incisive collection that breaks down every barrier of conventional perspective. It invites discussion, exchange, and radical critique, aiming to expand the narrow borders of "literature" by any means necessary.

This volume is crafted for three distinct types of readers:

1. The Conversationalist: Those who seek a companion to deconstruct a story after the final page is turned—the intellectual equivalent of a "post-credits" deep dive.

2. The Treasure Hunter: Readers looking for their next obsession; this book will make you put it down just to go out and find the seminal works discussed within its pages.

3. The Provocateur: Those who struggle with the very idea of criticism and wish to challenge their own intellectual boundaries.

While literary criticism is rarely a bestseller, when the author is Wad Rawee, the sheer intensity and uncompromising commitment to truth make this a "must-publish" volume for any serious collection.


Details
▪️Format : Paperback
▪️Piyavit Tepumnuaysakul : Editor-in-Chief
▪️Aekkasit Thiamtham : Editor
▪️Designed by ● SM STUDIO | Chirawat Rotaim ●
▪️Published : March 2024
▪️Length : 328 pages
▪️ISBN : 978-616-562-088-8
▪️Dimensions (in) : 5.25 x 8.25
▪️Price : 350 THB