“THE RENT COLLECTOR” by Camron Wright
This is a tale of hope and beauty that takes place in one of the dirtiest paces in the world…a massive place called Stung Meanchey. It’s an actual municipal garbage dump in Phnom Penh, Cambodia! THE RENT COLLECTOR is based there. It’s not a true story, but is inspired by real people who call Stung Meanchey home…who live in huts created from debris collected from the dump. The residents scavenge for recyclables to sell, to provide for their families. If that’s not hard enough, they also must pay rent to their cranky, often drunk rent collector. The author gives an accurate picture of life at the dump as well as the incredible spirit of those who love and live to preserve their families. It’s a story about what it means to be human and about literacy and the way it can change lives. More than that, it’s a narrative about one woman’s journey to save her sick baby son (a resident of Stung Meanchey) and another woman’s chance at redemption (the rent collector…) Far from depressing, it’s a beautiful story of hope and humanity.
My husband and I have spent some time in Cambodia and have learned much of its history, so picturing it all wasn’t too difficult. Too, it was nice to have pictures of the real people available at the end as well as some background into the inspiration for the story.
For a story that celebrates and encourages the best from within and teaches us to “judge not,” THE RENT COLLECTOR is a most memorable read.