Skin Deep

A beautiful collection of five novellas linked by their unique insight into the Thai psyche and Buddhist teachings, at times intensely moving but ultimately life-affirming and joyous.

Skin Deep is a collection of parables in the form of five novellas by Thai national artist, V. Vinicchayakul. While each parable is told from a uniquely Buddhist perspective and offers an insight into the Thai way of thinking, all contain a message that can be universally applied. A recurring theme that runs through the parables is the idea that things are not always what they appear to be, and that everything is subject to change. The collection is named after the last story, Skin Deep, which illustrates that beneath outward appearances lies as itself that is fluid and ever changing. Together, these stories offer profound reflections on Buddhist teachings of impermanence, compassion, and detachment, providing international readers with a chance to engage with modern Thai literature in a refreshing and accessible format.