Your decision to purchase this book depends mainly on what it is you seek. If you expect an interesting and easy-flowing narrative, such as portrayed in movies and musicals claiming to be based on the book, you will be sorely disappointed (as I was). If, however, you hope to find a long and intricately-detailed account of all things Siamese, -- her history, court protocols, geography, literature, art, culinary offerings, imports, exports, manner of travel, religion as it relates to Roman Catholicism, architecture, precious metals, customs, superstitions, foreign relations, clothing and hair styles, manner of war craft, flora and fauna, "etc.", -- sprinkled with minimal anecdotal vignettes of Mrs. Leonowens' experience in the many-faceted country and not at all mentioning cats, you, my friend, are in for a very special treat.