Woman between Two Kingdoms: Dara Rasami and the Making of Modern Thailand.

The book "Woman between Two Kingdoms: Dara Rasami and the Making of Modern Thailand" by Leslie Castro-Woodhouse explores the formation of modern Thailand through the lens of Dara Rasami, a consort to King Chulalongkorn and daughter of the king of Chiang Mai. The author highlights the often overlooked role of women and those on the peripheries of the nation-state in Thai history. The book delves into Dara's political influence, her role as a hostage and diplomat, and her promotion of "northern" culture. It also examines the legacy of Dara in Chiang Mai and the political implications of her actions. The conclusion reflects on the demise of polygyny and the continued importance of women in embodying identity in post-1932 Siam. Overall, the book provides a nuanced understanding of modernity, nation, and identity in Thailand and Southeast Asia. [Extracted from the article]