With the awards to be announced today, two of the main publishers, Matichon and Amarin Printing, have the most authors among the 10 finalists. They are among leading publishers of contemporary novels for readers who have lost interest in Thai literature.

Amarin's "Nawn" (Sleeping) by Sakchai Lakkanavichien is a dark novel about a protagonist "KL" who is alienated by the cyber world and lives in a country called "Grotesque". Suffering with depression, KL eats dog food, the author's metaphor for processed food. Critics may view this book as either destructive, dishonest fiction or as a warning to the new generation.

The most comedic novel of the entries is "Look Sao Rue-si" (Hermit's Daughter ) by Paritat Hutangkul. It tells the story of driver Uncle Mong living with a greedy young wife and daughter who coax him to get a new job. He becomes a hermit, vowing to stay quiet and only speaking for 10 minutes when it is a full moon. The public gives him enough attention to make him rich. Despite being satirical, the book doesn't impede the reader's pride in the same way as "Sleeping".

A third contemporary novel, "Dek Kampra Haeng Suang Sawan" (Orphan of Heaven) by Panu Trivej, gives views of conflicting characters, including a transgender. At 25, Panu is the youngest of this year's finalists.

Two finalists write about the conflicts in the South. "Koranee Kadtakam Kong Toh Imam Storpa Karde" (The Murder Case of Tok Imam Storpa Karde) is by Siriworn Kaewkan and "Len Ngaow" (Playing with Shadows) is by Chiraphat Ungsumalee.

Siriworn's novel explores the divisions in a small village by investigating the killing of a Muslim leader. The novel reads like an eyewitness account. It's laudable for conveying a fresh perspective of the conflict through the eyes of the villagers themselves, including a teacher, son, journalist and head leader.

In contrast, "Len Ngaow" takes a different approach. Instead of looking at the violence, the writer brings us a close-knit family and friends. One character says: "I am Thai, but my religion is Islam." Besides the intimate dialogue, the author is a master of extended metaphor and imagery.

Panumart Phumtavorn, author of "Kieubao Bangmay", takes the same approach by building the story based on relationships among family members and friends. She portrays the lives of long-time Vietnamese immigrants. By focusing on the relationships, the author is empathetic to their dreams and desires, giving light to a life most Thais haven't seen.

Of all the authors, Prachakom Lunachai bares his soul most with "Kien fun duay cheewit" (Draw Your Dream With Your Life) with a style that blends fiction with autobiography. Using his own voice, he draws readers into his struggle as a writer.

Prachakom has two books on the shortlist. "Klang Talay Luek" (Middle Deep Ocean) draws from his experience of the sea and is an entertaining adventure of the lives of fishermen.

"Rang Phra Rung" by Thepsiri Suksopalord is by far the most ambitious entry and explores the religious values of Buddhism. The author writes the novel in honour of the late Buddhadassa Bhikkhu, a revered monk from Surat Thani. The novel reflects superstitious beliefs that co-exist with Buddhism in a bid to draw a big picture of Thai society.

"Kwam Suk Kong Krati" (The Happiness of Krati) by Ngarmphan Vejjajiva is the only book aimed at children. It tells a story of a little girl named Krati who leads a happy life with her grandmother and cousins. Although she mourns the loss of her mother, Krati's memories of her mother bring pure happiness, her spirit lingering in Krati's heart.

Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra

The Nation