"The Rent Collector" is a poignant novel set in a Cambodian dump, where the main character, Sang Ly, lives in a makeshift home with her family. Every day, they struggle to survive in harsh conditions while trying to find hope and meaning amidst their challenges. Sang Ly's life revolves around the relentless burden of collecting rent for the home they occupy, which underscores her desperation and determination to improve her family's circumstances.
As the story unfolds, Sang Ly encounters the titular rent collector, a seemingly cruel figure who has a profound influence on her life. Instead of being a source of fear, the collector becomes a teacher, introducing Sang Ly to the world of literature and storytelling. Through this unexpected relationship, she discovers the transformative power of words and how they can illuminate even the darkest paths in life.