Gold by the Inch

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Exploring themes of desire and exploitation, a young New Yorker of Asian descent returns to Bangkok after personal loss, only to become infatuated with Thong, a beautiful male hustler. As he navigates this obsession, the narrator confronts the complex interplay of personal and national identity against the backdrop of Southeast Asia's tumultuous history and vibrant modernity. Lawrence Chua's striking prose captures the essence of the region's culture, colonial past, and contemporary issues, making this debut a compelling read.