The Rent Collector

Sang is a 29-year-old Cambodian woman who lives on the outskirts of the largest landfill in Phnom Penh in Cambodia with her husband, Ki Lim, and her 16-month-old son, Nisay. Originally from the province of Prey Veng, Sang is a thoughtful and intelligent woman who wants to improve her life and provide a better one for her son. Sang represents the struggle of many and grapples with how to balance her own needs against those of her family, provide a better life for her child, and approach issues of spirituality and belief. For example, the story begins with Sang’s dream of her grandfather, whom she mentions and thinks of frequently. Her grandfather tells her that she will not always struggle, and although Sang believes this is a good sign, she is not content to wait for things to change on their own. She initiates change in her own life, for example, by asking the Rent Collector to teach her to read.

Although Sang reflects the spiritual practices and beliefs of Cambodia, her reaction to her dreams is typical of most people, who might consider their dreams in making decisions, but not necessarily base their actions on them.