Colin Cotterill has written a series of mysteries that are quirky and original, full of humor and pathos, and beautifully written. It was an unexpected treat for me to discover this delightful series, and I heartily recommend Siri Paboun and his intrepid crew.
There are five Siri Paboun novels at present, each complete in itself, but together presenting a snapshot of a place and an era. These stories start in 1975, when the Communists take over Laos to the immense surprise of everyone, not least themselves. At least 500,000 of the newly liberated citizens of this enlightened country have chosen to swim across the river or otherwise decamp to Thailand at the opening of the first book, The Coroner's Lunch.
When the story opens, the previous official coroner has fled elsewhere, so Siri P. Siri Paboun, an elderly doctor who fought for Laotian freedom, has been appointed the official coroner. Although he lacks the training and the equipment, refusing the job is not an option. A supporter of the new regime, Siri is hopeful that the Pathet Lao (the new Communist regime) will eventually get their act together and start governing efficiently, but skeptical of this happening any time soon. The new government is devoted to bureaucracy, requiring lengthy forms to be filled out for every trivial action, mandatory meetings, and pompous pronouncements. Under the new regime, Laotians are meant to "volunteer" for menial jobs, such as painting the new civic center, in their spare time. Vietnamese "advisors" are also present and must be reckoned with.
Siri improvises from day to day, performing his assigned duties to the best of his ability, ably assisted by his nurse, Dtui, and by Gueng, a Down's syndrome man who performs the menial tasks of the lab with great patience and zeal. The three of them manage to run the enterprise competently and resourcefully and to enjoy life despite obstacles put in their way.
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