The Rent Collector by Camron Wright tells the story of Sang Ly, a 29-year-old Cambodian woman living with her husband and ill 16-month-old son in the Stung Meanchey dump. Amidst challenges like illness, poverty, and gang violence, Sang seeks a better life through literacy, forming an unexpected friendship with Sopeap Sin, the formidable rent collector. The novel explores themes of the power of story, education, and resilience.

This story addresses themes including the traumatic impacts of genocide, terminal illness, and issues of extreme poverty.

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright resonates for its emotional depth and compelling narrative, winning praise for its ability to shed light on the resilience and hope within dire circumstances. However, some critique the novel for its predictable plot and idealized characters, feeling it lacks nuance. Overall, it’s a moving, albeit somewhat simplistic, tale.

Readers who might enjoy The Rent Collector by Camron Wright are those who appreciate moving, character-driven stories of resilience and hope. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Markus Zusak's The Book Thief will find themselves equally drawn to this poignant tale set in the slums of Cambodia.

Inspirational / Heartwarming / Melancholic / Hopeful / Mysterious

- The Rent Collector was inspired by a documentary film titled River of Victory, created by the author's son about a family living in Cambodia's Stung Meanchey landfill, one of the largest municipal waste sites in the world.
- The narrative incorporates elements from various literary works and Cambodian folklore, showcasing the power of storytelling and literature to inspire change and hope.
- Though The Rent Collector is a work of fiction, its setting and many characters are based on real individuals and situations encountered by the author during a visit to the landfill community.

**Sang Ly**  
A 29-year-old Cambodian woman living near a landfill in Phnom Penh with her family, determined to improve her life and her son's future through literacy and personal growth.

**Soriyan/Sopeap Sin**  
Known by multiple names, including the Rent Collector, she evolves from an antagonist to Sang’s mentor, embodying complexity and unexpected wisdom.

**Ki Lim**  
Sang’s devoted husband who works as a picker at the dump, showcasing love and support in their partnership, and demonstrating bravery in protecting his family.

**Lucky Fat**  
A cheerful adolescent from Stung Meanchey known for finding loose money and possessing a unique blend of humor and wisdom.

**Lena**  
Sang’s mother who joins them at the dump and views their situation as an adventure, providing a positive outlook and support for her family.

**Bunna Heng**  
The healer from Sang’s home province who, despite guilt from past events, plays a crucial role in Nisay’s health treatments.

**Nisay**  
Sang’s 16-month-old son, whose illness represents a central concern for Sang, driving her to seek various remedies for his improvement.

**The Real Sopeap Sin**  
A young girl who worked for Soriyan before the revolution and ultimately sacrificed her life, leaving a lasting impact on Soriyan.

**Maly**  
A 12-year-old girl at the dump, whose circumstances make her vulnerable, and who receives protection from the community.

Camron Wright

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Chapters 1-3

The Rent Collector Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

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Chapters 7-9

The Rent Collector Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

The Rent Collector Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

The Rent Collector Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-18

The Rent Collector Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-21

The Rent Collector Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-23

The Rent Collector Chapters 22-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-25

The Rent Collector Chapters 24-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-28

The Rent Collector Chapters 26-28 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 29-30

The Rent Collector Chapters 29-30 Summary & Analysis

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The Rent Collector Character Analysis

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Introduction

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Before Reading

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The Rent Collector

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