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Colin Cotterill

42quotes

Full Name and Common Aliases


Colin Cotterill is a British author of crime fiction novels.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on January 7, 1952, in England.

Nationality and Profession(s)


British citizen; novelist, translator, and journalist.

Early Life and Background


Colin Cotterill was born in England but spent most of his life in Thailand. He worked as a journalist for several years before becoming a full-time author. His experiences living abroad have significantly influenced the settings and characters in his novels.

Major Accomplishments


- Publication of The River of Time: This novel marked the beginning of Cotterill's career as a crime fiction writer.
- Innovative use of historical context: He expertly weaves historical events into his stories, making them both engaging and informative.
- The Dr. Siri Mysteries series: This series follows the adventures of a 70-year-old coroner in Laos during the Cold War era.

Notable Works or Actions


Some notable works include:
_Revenge of the Flower Girls_ (1999)
 _The Woman Who Wouldn't Die_ (2001)

He also translates books from Thai into English and is involved in various charity activities, including fundraising for cancer research and supporting literacy programs.

Impact and Legacy


Colin Cotterill's work has been praised for its unique blend of mystery, humor, and historical context. His writing style combines elements of the traditional whodunit with a strong sense of place and culture, making his stories both entertaining and informative.
His contributions to literature have also helped raise awareness about social issues in Southeast Asia.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Colin Cotterill is widely quoted for his engaging storytelling style and insightful commentary on the region. His books offer a glimpse into Laos' complex history, making him an important voice in contemporary crime fiction.

Quotes by Colin Cotterill

Colin Cotterill's insights on:

You didn’t have to travel very far out of Vientiane before the road turned to pebbles and potholes. Traveling in a truck was like falling down an endless flight of uneven steps in a coffin.
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You didn’t have to travel very far out of Vientiane before the road turned to pebbles and potholes. Traveling in a truck was like falling down an endless flight of uneven steps in a coffin.
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As Siri walked along that oh-so-noisy riverbank on his way to work, he saw a pelican gliding above the surface of the water. It was a marvelous bird, proud and resourceful, and he imagined how it would taste with a little chili paste and fresh yams. Hungry people made poor environmentalists.
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As Siri walked along that oh-so-noisy riverbank on his way to work, he saw a pelican gliding above the surface of the water. It was a marvelous bird, proud and resourceful, and he imagined how it would taste with a little chili paste and fresh yams. Hungry people made poor environmentalists.
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If nothing else, my analysis of George W.’s oratory style had taught me that a sincere countenance and a confident stance were sufficient to distract your audience from the fact that you were talking rubbish.
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If nothing else, my analysis of George W.’s oratory style had taught me that a sincere countenance and a confident stance were sufficient to distract your audience from the fact that you were talking rubbish.
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He’d come to believe two conflicting ideas with equal conviction: that communism was the only way man could be truly content; and that man, given his selfish ways, could never practice communism with any success. The natural product of these two views was that man could never be content. History, with its procession of disgruntled political idealists, tended to prove him right.
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He’d come to believe two conflicting ideas with equal conviction: that communism was the only way man could be truly content; and that man, given his selfish ways, could never practice communism with any success. The natural product of these two views was that man could never be content. History, with its procession of disgruntled political idealists, tended to prove him right.
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Human beings mistakenly believed alcohol was a disguise that stopped real life from recognizing them. In fact, it was just a temporary hiding hole...
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Human beings mistakenly believed alcohol was a disguise that stopped real life from recognizing them. In fact, it was just a temporary hiding hole...
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Fear helps us survive. I’ve spent a larger portion of my life being afraid than I have being in control. But, here I am. Forget this escape idea, son. It won’t help you or your family. Play the game. Find a tall tree somewhere. A tree that’s survived all the coups and massacres of history. Go to that tree and dig a hole near its roots and bury your pride there.
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Fear helps us survive. I’ve spent a larger portion of my life being afraid than I have being in control. But, here I am. Forget this escape idea, son. It won’t help you or your family. Play the game. Find a tall tree somewhere. A tree that’s survived all the coups and massacres of history. Go to that tree and dig a hole near its roots and bury your pride there.
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There was a Lao proverb that called teachers the engineers of the soul.
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There was a Lao proverb that called teachers the engineers of the soul.
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Chom. Don’t you have an urge to see justice done?” “It’s not nearly as strong as my urge to reach forty with a complete set of limbs.
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Chom. Don’t you have an urge to see justice done?” “It’s not nearly as strong as my urge to reach forty with a complete set of limbs.
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Don’t tell me you’ve offended that one too.” Daeng shook her head. “Have we offended that one?” Siri asked. “Don’t recall,” said Civilai. “Wait. Isn’t he the one whose limousine we filled up with ducks?” “No. That was the Vice-Minister of Agriculture.
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Don’t tell me you’ve offended that one too.” Daeng shook her head. “Have we offended that one?” Siri asked. “Don’t recall,” said Civilai. “Wait. Isn’t he the one whose limousine we filled up with ducks?” “No. That was the Vice-Minister of Agriculture.
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Concentrate on the small things and do them well.
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Concentrate on the small things and do them well.
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