The Rent Collector

The Rent Collector

• Genre: Fiction; historical fiction
• Originally Published: 2012
• Reading Level/Interest: College/adult
• Structure/Length: 56 chapters; approximately 288 pages; approximately 9 hours, 12 minutes on audiobook
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: The novel follows Sang Ly, a young woman living with her husband and son in Stung Meanchey, a massive landfill in Cambodia. They earn a living by scavenging and selling items found in the garbage. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they encounter Sopeap Sin, the enigmatic “rent collector” who collects debts from residents. As Sang Ly learns more about Sopeap and discovers her hidden talents, she finds herself on a path to literacy and empowerment. The central conflict revolves around Sang Ly’s determination to rise above her circumstances, find hope, and build a better future for her family.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of poverty, death, gang violence, childhood illness, and alcohol addiction

Camron Wright, Author

• Bio: American author known for exploring themes of hope, resilience, and personal growth in his novels; his writing often reflects his interest in diverse cultures and experiences; known for his ability to create emotionally resonant stories that inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and perspectives
• Other Works: Letters for Emily (2002); The Mason Jar (2015); The Orphan Keeper (2016); The Other Side of the Bridge (2017); The Last Summer (2019)
• Awards: Best Novel of the Year (Whitney Awards)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Power of Story
• The Influence of the Past
• The Importance of Education
• The Balance of Good and Evil

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Develop an understanding of the historical and sociological contexts related to the effect of the Khmer Rouge’s political regime on the population of Cambodia, which impacts Sang Ly’s desire to receive an education.
• Analyze paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of The Power of Story, The Influence of the Past, The Importance of Education, and The Balance of Good and Evil.
• Draft and present a research paper that demonstrates an understanding of the correlation between poverty and literacy rates, based on text details.