The story of this small family is set in a garbage dump in Phnom Penh, Cambodia-- it's where they scrounge for a living, sleep, prepare meals, raise their son, are robbed, beaten.  Depressing? Yes, but it's also a story of inspiration and hope, with characters who are determined and optimistic.  You many find the reading heavy through the first few chapters, but you'll likely be full of hope at the end. 

The mom, Sang Ly, wants a better life for her chronically ill toddler, Nisay. She convinces the curmudgeonly alcoholic rent collector, Sopeap Sin, to teach her to read.  Stories of the characters within the garbage dump unfold, often with sorrow, but also with support and strength of the human spirit. The plot is both enlightening and disturbing and always keeps your interest.

I don't enjoy books written by lazy authors, and Wright is not-- his use of words takes this writing to another level. Sopeap Sin insists that Sang Ly respect and appreciate literature. And Sopeap Sin would appreciate The Rent Collector, because it is good literature.