The Rent Collector

By: Camron Wright

Narrated by: Diane Dabczynski

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Survival for Ki Lim and Sang Ly is a daily battle at Stung Mean Chey, the largest municipal waste dump in all of Cambodia. They make their living scavenging recyclables from the trash. Life would be hard enough without the worry for their chronically ill child, Nisay, and the added expense of medicines that are not working. Just when things seem worst, Sang Ly learns a secret about the ill-tempered rent collector who comes demanding money - a secret that sets in motion a tide that will change the life of everyone it sweeps past. The Rent Collector is a story of hope, of one woman's journey to save her son and another woman's chance at redemption. It demonstrates that even in a dump in Cambodia - perhaps especially in a dump in Cambodia - everyone deserves a second chance.

©2012 Camron Wright (P)2013 Shadow Mountain

Good story but has some issues

I thought this was a good story and has some good messages. I found myself getting a little emotional at times as I was listening because of the strong themes of friendship, motherhood, and kindness. However, I was quite distracted by the reader. The fake accent and breathy reading made it difficult to connect with the reader. Also, throughout the book the author used many English/American phrases or sayings which made it difficult for me to find the story authentic to Cambodian culture. At times these phrases were used so often and in such an obvious way that I found myself rolling my eyes as I listened to the story.
All that said, the story itself was still good enough that I wanted to keep listening and I finished the book.

Give It a Chance

This hasn't been my favorite book, but overall, it's a good story. The story started off slow and I found the characters frustrating. It was also a bit predictable. At first I thought I'd be returning it, but decided to keep going. By the end, the writing had improved and the overall story was much better.

Some positives:
* It provides some different perspectives on life.
* Introduces you to some different ways of thinking, even if they are frustrating.
* Simple writing. I think the book could easily be read and understood by someone in 6th grade on up.
* Was a touching story, even though it was a bit cliché.

Some negatives:
* Story is really simplistic, which made it less captivating.
* The narration took some getting used to and detracted from the story.
* Found the character's personalities to be a little too conveniently crafted to tell the story, which made it harder to identify with them.

Good story ... but too long

It's a good story, but everytime you think it is about to end it limps into another episode.

Poor representation of Cambodian Culture

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I've been living in Cambodia for the past 5 years and I had to put this audiobook down after the first couple of chapters. The way the characters talk to one another, and the internal dialogue of the main character doesn't seem realistic. But for someone who is less familiar with the Khmer language and culture, I think this could be a great story with a great message.

How could the performance have been better?

The other reason I had to put the book down was because of the narration. The narrator speaks in a really strange accent and I have never in 5 years of living in Cambodia heard someone speak with that accent. For example, Khmer people speaking English never pronounce consonants at the ends of words. But this narrator pronounces them very sharply.
The accent just doesn't work for me.

Great story, struggled to finish

Overall it was a good inspitational story. Although, many times I found myself wanting to put it down and not complete it. After finishing, I would have just been fine if I hadn't. It was much to slow for me and I would have rather just heard a condensed version or a summery of her story.

Liked the story

I liked this book. It's not one of my favorites, but it was pretty good.

A feel good type of book.

Another book club book and I loved it. This is not my normal type of book and I wouldn't have read it if this book wasn't a book club selection. I have recommended this book to many people and those that have read it have enjoyed it. My favorite part is the Cambodia version of Cinderella. I had read this book first and I liked it so much I purchased the book with a full credit. Unfortunately the narrator sounded too young for this story. but that doesn't distract too much from the wonderful story.

Excellent book, excellently read

What did you love best about The Rent Collector?

The characters were well-developed. When I finished reading the book, I felt like I would miss my old friends.

What did you like best about this story?

I like that the characters had interesting backgrounds. In the end, there was an understanding of why they had become who they were. It offered interesting insight into the complications of the human condition.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed the scene when the two main characters said their good-byes in the dump.

Who was the most memorable character of The Rent Collector and why?

Sopiap for sure. She was a difficult and complicated woman. As her story unfolded, she became very lovable.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book. The woman who narrated was excellent. Her various voices were distinct in unique. Her narration pulled me into the story.

Makes you think.

Would you listen to The Rent Collector again? Why?

Yes, I would listen again. The audiobook really makes you think about what's important in life and makes you re-evaluate your priorities.

What does Diane Dabczynski bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator perfectly brings out the characters' voices and tones and gives such humanness to the characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. A very pleasant listen.

Must read!

This is a surprisingly beautiful book despite the unfortunate setting. Don’t miss it – you’ll be glad you did!

Unusual story

This was an unusual story so made it interesting. The first two thirds were amazing. I couldn’t put it down. However, the last third was dragged out and a bit disappointing

An unexpected story in an unexpected place

I really enjoyed this book, perhaps because I am an English teacher myself. I loved learning about Cambodia, experiencing the intense emotions along with the characters, the irony and metaphors in the book, and I appreciated the idea of joy found in simplicity.

Happy ending love them

Hey yeah Want to believe almost Everything, in this story, for the rubbish dump real people.
Also literacy such a Gift for great potential