The Jasmine Bar

Unlike others in the genre, The Jasmine Bar is set in both Thailand and the UK, and so much more than just another formulaic tale of exploitative men and cheating bar girls. Rejected by co-worker Rose, reclusive factory worker Jon Verity finally takes his finger off Life's snooze button, and drawn by tales of lurid nightlife takes an impulse holiday to Thailand. Pattaya too seems like just another hideous mistake, but in time he meets irresistibly funny and sexy bar girl Ashai. Events conspire to prevent them pursuing the unlikely relationship, but a second trip to Thailand sees things developing, along with emotional visits to the river Kwai, and Ayuthaya, former capital of courtly old Siam. Back in the UK once more, the future looks bright until an HIV scare, communication problems, a few home truths from Rose, and warnings from a friend about the avaricious nature of bar girls all combine to make him begin to doubt her. A third trip to Thailand goes badly and when he catches her deceiving him he bitterly ends the relationship. But is she just another cheating bar girl, or is the truth more sinister? Too late, a chance meeting with a friend of Ashai's not only proves she'd been sincere all along but provides startling insights into her motives and her whole life. If you liked Suzie Wong and Private Dancer, you will love this book Funny, poignant and shocking in turn, the Jasmine Bar is a story like no other (Includes adult themes)