When Fiction and Politics Collide
Some of you may have been following developments during the past few months inThailand: government opposition has grown so strong that the once-peaceful country has seen political demonstrations that left thousands injured and nearly 30 people dead. In recent weeks the demonstrations in the center of Bangkok have been so violent that several international hotels asked their guests to leave and find accommodation in a safer part of town. There is concern for the safety of tourists as well as locals.
Clearly this is enormous news in Thailand, but probably not many people gave it a second thought outside Asia unless they plan a trip there, or perhaps have visited in the past. The country known as the “Land of Smiles” is now the land of riots and tear gas.
The events in Thailand, though perhaps coming to a conclusion now the government is in negotiation with the opposition, have worried me not just as a supporter of democracy or someone who has spent a lot of time in the country. Of course I hope the situation is resolved for the sake of the people, but the events have come to affect me in a secondary way:
My latest novel, due out within a month, is set in Thailand. When I started the book, this political situation and violence hadn’t happened yet. I haven’t incorporated any of it into my story, but it feels wrong not to acknowledge it or address it somehow.
Only a portion of the story takes place in Bangkok, and it’s not at all a political story though Thai government and law-enforcement officials are part of the action. So, I’m curious what other authors and readers think. Should I mention the current political situation in an introduction? Just ignore it? I don’t want to seem insensitive or uninformed, and I’m guessing most people reading the book won’t be aware of what’s been going on recently. The timing is unfortunate for me.
I’m open to any suggestions or comments. Thanks.
One Response to “When Fiction and Politics Collide”
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This is your Rarer than Rubies novel? The jewel thief one? If the premise is more like “Romancing the Stone,” I wouldn’t do a forward, maybe an afterward. Very brief. You could address it in a sequel after the situation plays out.