The King and I
The King and I
Book Brief
168
Play • Fiction
Bangkok, Thailand • 1860s
1951
Adult
12-18 years
Super Short Summary
The King and I by Richard Rodgers follows the story of British schoolteacher Anna Leonowens, who travels to Siam in 1862 to tutor the children of the King. Despite cultural clashes and initial contract disputes, Anna helps the King modernize his country while grappling with her feelings for him and the political complexities of the situation. The musical touches on sensitive topics, including colonialism and cultural differences.
Romantic
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
1,101 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The King and I by Richard Rodgers boasts timeless melodies and engaging characters, earning widespread acclaim for its rich musical score and heartwarming narrative. Critics laud its cultural exploration, though some note dated representations. The central performances and staging receive high praise, but a few reviews mention occasional pacing issues. Overall, it remains a beloved classic.
Who Should Read The King and I?
The ideal reader for The King and I by Richard Rodgers enjoys classical musicals, rich storytelling, and the complex interplay of culture and tradition. Fans of West Side Story and My Fair Lady will appreciate its captivating score and thought-provoking narrative. The novel suits those who cherish timeless, musical theater experiences.
1,101 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The King and I was a groundbreaking production for its time, featuring a large Asian cast and focusing on a cross-cultural story, which was unusual in 1950s Broadway.
The song "Getting to Know You" from The King and I became one of the standout hits of the musical and has since been covered by many artists over the decades.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
At the time of its opening in 1951, The King and I received critical acclaim, going on to win several Tony Awards including the Tony Award for Best Musical.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
168
Play • Fiction
Bangkok, Thailand • 1860s
1951
Adult
12-18 years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!