Our hotel in Bali: How two young Americans made a dream come true : a story of the 1930s

This heartwarming but level-headed book entertains and informs the reader on varied levels.

First, there is the simple tale of falling in love with a PLACE and following the dream of building a home there. That'll appeal to those of us crazy enough to create our dream house. Whether a person builds with straw, wood, or bricks, he or she earns membership in the dubiously grand brotherhood of homebuilders. Fellow members: you will recognise your project in this book; you'll laugh, groan and perhaps sob, along with the author, whose slightly dry, self-deprecating humor buoyed her in times of good and bad.

Secondly, the book focuses on the author's cultural clashes with the Balinese. She is never condescending, never patronizing, & refreshingly never glorifying towards the Balinese. Little by little, through trial and error, Louise and her husband learn about how to communicate with, how to get along with, and how to employ these unique people. Expatriate westerners living in Bali will see themselves in the foibles and complications arising in the author's interactions with the Balinese.

Thirdly, it's a great little taste of Balinese culture, circa 1935. If you're going to Bali, or have been to Bali, or you just like the IDEA of Bali, you'll find much to appreciate in the intimate, non-travelogue descriptions by this author/artist.
A delight.