The Jasmine Bar — John Anthony

Unlike others in the genre, The Jasmine Bar is set in both Thailand and the UK and so much more than just another formulaic tale of exploitative men and cheating bar girls. Rejected by co-worker Rose, solitary blue-collar worker Jon Verity finally takes his finger off Life’s snooze button and takes an impulse holiday to Thailand. Pattaya too seems like just another hideous mistake, but in time he becomes smitten by little Ashai, and a second trip sees things developing, along with emotional visits to the river Kwai, and Ayuthaya, former capital of courtly old Siam. Back in the UK once more, the future looks bright until an HIV scare, communication problems, a few home truths from Rose, and warnings from a friend about the avaricious nature of bargirls all combine to make him begin to doubt her. A third trip to Thailand goes badly and when he catches her deceiving him he bitterly ends the relationship. But is she just another cheating bar girl, or is the truth more sinister yet more sweetly poignant than he could ever have imagined? If you liked Suzie Wong or Private Dancer, you will love The Jasmine Bar. Funny, challenging, and shocking in turn, this a story like no other. Contains adult themes.