Sammy (Samart)

Sammy is a Bangkok-born American freelance photographer, who eventually settles down as lodge owner in Vermont. Privileged by the wealth his parents have, Sammy is free to live without the pressure of making enough money to provide for himself. His parents' affair and divorce still trouble him in his adult life and his relationships with both Pehn and Apirak are strained by emotional and physical distance.

Throughout the novel, Sammy demonstrates an aversion to commitment. In his adult life, he moves from London to Stockholm to New York to Los Angeles to Bangkok (temporarily) to New England. Furthermore, he avoids long-term jobs and romantic relationships. His freelance gigs are temporary and sporadic and his short-term romances with Anya and Nee suggest that intrinsically, he does not wish to settle down.

Sammy's commitment "phobia" fades by the end of his narrative. After having an affair with Betty and...