Reviews (8)

Terrified and terrifying
Prof. Chandler gives us a remarkably deep analysis of Pol Pot's secret prison S-21, which within the autogenocide of the Cambodian people stands out as a haunting symbol. It reflected the unlimited paranoia of Angkar and its schizophrenic regime that 'was at once terrified and terrifying, omnipotent and continually under threat'. Disturbing
David Chandler has made extensive use of the archives of S-21, with photographs and "confessions" to show the absurd paranoia of the leaders in Democratic Kampuchea. An excellent book, with some aspects that put me off, though: blunt anticommunism, some assertions about Soviet, Chinese and Vietnamese leaders that are rather anecdotal than based on serious historic scholarship, and weird comparisons between the turturers at S-21 and psychoanalysts.

The Psychology of Horror
David Chandler's "Voices from S-21: Terror and History in Pol Pot's Secret Prison" is a good book for a novice like me. Chandler starts by framing the book around the S-21 institution and its configuration. Chandler then dedicates and entire portion to the memoirs of the purges; the allegation santebal leveled at prisoners; and the various approaches of "politics" and"torture." The book concludes with short commentary of the "why" of S-21. Chandler's "Voices from S-21" is effectively a detailed history of the inner workings of the Khmer Rouge's secret police. Known as "santebal", and working out of a prison complex called S-21, the Khmer Rouge killed, tortured and interrogated "enemies" of the Democratic Kampuchea (DK). Due to the secretive nature of the Khmer Rouge, S-21 was "the place where people went in but never came out" (p. 7) - and this is an important issue to consider. Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Asia - Southeast Asia    3. Cambodia    4. Genocide    5. Government - Comparative    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Political persecution    10. Political prisoners    11. Torture    12. Violence in Society    13. 20th century    14. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    15. Central government    16. History / Asia    17. Political imprisonment   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - General    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    4. Biography: general    5. Cambodia   

Reviews (7)

Outstanding Photos and history
I purchased three books on Angkor Wat after my week visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia and this book was by far the best I have seen.The photos are excellent and the narration in very informative.It is expensive but worth it.

Awesome Angkor
Wow, what a spectacular book, truly amazing.I was blown away by the quality of the photography, the reader actually feels like they are in the jungle amid the ruins of Angkor.I have never visited Angkor Wat and probably never will, but after experiencing this book, I feel somehow that I have been there.The quality of the book is superior and the book even comes in a wonderful case.The publisher should be congradulated, it's a luxurious book.Some books are extremely expensive and you wonder why, I can assure you, you will not ask that about this one.If you have any interest in this subject or just like to own beautiful things I urge you to purchase this book, it will be a jewel in your book collection

A Must-Have Book on Angkor Temples
Through his magical photographic eye, Jon Ortner has created a wondrous collection of striking images and scholarly prose.His perfectly lit photographs and well-documented historic descriptions allow one to easily understand this complicated ancient subject.Each temple is clearly organized into relevant sections from the central Angkor area to the rare and never-before-seen temples in the outer lying areas.If you have visited Angkor - Ortner's book is the perfect addition to your library.Or, if you have not visited, this book provides the perfect impetus. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Angkor (Extinct city)    2. Archaeology    3. Architectural & Industrial    4. Asia - Southeast Asia    5. Cambodia    6. History - General History    7. International Architecture - Asian    8. Pictorial works    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Temples    12. Asian / Middle Eastern history: c 500 to c 1500    13. History of art: c 500 CE to c 1400    14. Places & peoples: general interest    15. Religious buildings    16. South East Asia    17. Photography    18. History    19. Travel   

Reviews (1)

highly recomended
This work pulls together a wide range of material covering the history of Buddhism in Cambodia.Considering just how bare the book shelves are on this topic, I can only jump with joy that it has appeared. Problems with the historical record are carefully pointed out with ample references and cautionary notes for those who would look further.This book should be an essential part of anybody's collection on the development of contemporary Buddhisms in Southeast Asia. Just one small point: there is a most welcome inclusion of oral histories (for example with reference to the origin of place names - but there is insufficient warning that there are often many legendary origins for names - a case in point is the origin of the name of Phnom Sambau and Phom Krabau - certainly Harris is correct, but this is not the only version by any means.Highly recommend this book to anybody interested in the area but would equally strongly suggest reading it alongside Marston and Guthrie (2004) to round out some aspects of modern Buddhism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Buddhism - History    4. Buddhism and politics    5. Cambodia    6. History    7. Political atrocities    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. History of religion   

Editorial Review

Dith Pran, the Cambodian photojournalist portrayed by Haing S. Ngor in Read more

Reviews (11)

How did the world let this happen?
This is one of the most powerful books I have read. The writing may not be the greatest. After all it is not a novel; it is a composition of the stories of Cambodians that have survived horrendous atrocities. Before we blame the U.S. we must realize thatThe U.N. and the rest of the world failed to take action as well. Would the public have supported sending troops into a situation similar to Vietnam? Is Burma the next killing field? We still ignore similar circumstances that are occurring as I type this review.

Children of Cambodia's Killing Fields: Memoirs by Survivors
This book of memoirs is deeply moving with one eulogy to a mother which I will never forget.It brought me to tears and crying out loud.Books such as these should be read by our youth before they enlist in the armed services.Naive Americans such as Jessica Lynch might not be so swept up by the manipulative promises of military recruiters if they became more informed before they enlist.

Excellent
This is a good introduction for anyone who wants to learn about life under the Khmer Rouge.The stories may be different, but they all provide a vivid detail of children struggling to survive Pol Pot's regime. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Historical - General    4. History    5. History: World    6. Asian / Middle Eastern history    7. Biography & Autobiography / Historical    8. Biography: general    9. Cambodia    10. The Holocaust   

Reviews (1)

Adventure-of-a-lifetime guidelines for smart traveling
The Treasures And Pleasures Of Vietnam And Cambodia: Best Of The Best In Travel And Shopping is an amazing, "user friendly" touring, travel, and shopping guide. Individual chapters focus upon the marvels of Vietnamese and Cambodian cities, as well as adventure-of-a-lifetime guidelines for smart traveling and shopping. Filled with sensible advice, maps, addresses, tips, great places to go and an easy index, The Treasures and Pleasures of Vietnam and Cambodia covers everything short of being a primer in the native language. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to these exotic and beautiful lands, The Treasures And Pleasures Of Vietnam And Cambodia is a "must" for getting the most out of a business or vacation trip to these exotic lands. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Southeast    2. Cambodia    3. Commerce    4. General    5. Guidebooks    6. Indo-China - History    7. Shopping    8. Travel    9. Travel - Foreign    10. Travel Guides    11. Vietnam    12. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (12)

Excellent book
Excellent book!The subject matter is tough to handle at times, but I've bought this book for a few friends because it is so good.

In response to Julia Truelove
I thought the book was a little jumpy.It deffinitely wasn't the best book I have ever read in my life.But then again, the purpose was not to be a literary classic.The purpose of this book is to raise awareness.So the book does it's job.
Self-serving to the author
I agree with Anne Scialottas review.I am not a Christian so I found Haugen's prostelitizing appalling and self serving.I think a problem such as the gross injustice and sexual abuse of young girls is a problem that everyone needs to be aware of (leave the silly religious zealot soap-boxing out of it)and make the government aware of the problem, then instead of giving lip-service, DO something about it as U.S. politicians with power to do so,.. no one cares if you are Christian. If you are a Christian, that is wonderful.Many other religions and nations that do not practice Christianity should be addressed and have just as much (if not more) love and compassion for the human condition and the oppression/abuse of poor people. Anne pointed out that not just women/girls in Vietnam are in this situation. In fact it is going on in brothels right under the author's "hero" (as he calls him adoringly "Our President, George W. Bush" nose)As if Bush is some leader or Jesus Christ -like savior for the poor people in this horrible situation.( Bush has been sending our military to kill those in Iraq for years now!) Oprah Winfrey's recent show pointed out about brothels just blocks from the White House where our own US citizens children and pedophiles promote and participate in the sex trade industy. (YES, the Administration is aware of it!) I feel this author seems to portray Vietnamese people as sinful, "not-'saved" therefore scorned as non-Christians(so not HOLY as he himself and his arrogant organization IJM is)He boasts ad-infinitum early on in this book about all of their amazing accomplishments to rescue the young girls via "daring" sting operations, endangering their own lives(!) all the while interspersing bible phrases and quoting scripture.He certainly puts himself on a pedastal along with his co-horts.I feel his goal as Anne stated is to raise money (which I would not trust at all)and tout his own Christian rhetoric and create his own followers. This "cause" of his might well be a self-serving ruse for self-importance and to gain popularity and notoriety for himself and the other gullible Christians in his circle. Taking these girls to a rescue place and most-likely brain-washing (traumatizing no doubt)conversions to Christianity(as happened to our Native American Indians in the US)Those swept up in the nauseating Christian revival movements may be impressed with his so-called social work/saving these girls.In general , the only good point may be (partially) helping to bring to light this problem to the forefront of the American public awareness;his narrow-focused, faith-based work seems somewhat unintelligent and certainly not close to scholarly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - Emergency Medical Services    2. Asia - Southeast Asia    3. Cambodia    4. Children's Studies    5. Church work with prostitutes    6. Counseling    7. Disaster Relief & Rescue Operations    8. History    9. History: World    10. International Justice Mission    11. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    12. Politics / Current Events    13. Prostitutes    14. Prostitution    15. Rehabilitation    16. Political Science / General   

Reviews (2)

Wished I brought this with me
I just recently returned from a visit to this amazing city. It's huge and so utterly incredible. I sure could have used this book to help understand what I was looking at. This book has great photos, history and temple layouts. I bought a guide book at one of the temples (one needs it because a local guide isn't always understandable) and it is not even half as good as this book is. If you're planning a visit, this book is essential.

Excellent guide!!
First of all, you got to know the author Jean Laur was the Director of Angkor monuments from 1954 to 1959. He's very knowledgible about Khmer Angkor and the architects. Now, if you want to know about Angkors (all of the monunents in Cambodia) you got to read it from the source--the director of Angkors himself!! You can't never go wrong with this book. Every Angkor monument in this guide has some illustrated picture. Surprisingly the monument names are both in English and Khmer. I got 4 copies and gave them to my Khmer friends. They love it, especially the Khmer character names of the monument !! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Asian    4. General    5. History - Medieval    6. Sculpture    7. Architecture / General    8. Art / History / General    9. Cambodia    10. Religious buildings    11. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (3)

An absolute must-read for scholars and lay people alike
Why Did They Kill?: Cambodia In The Shadow Of Genocide by Alexander Laban Hinton (Associate professor of Anthropology, Rutgers University, Newark) explores the cultural and political underpinnings of one the most heinous holocausts of the twentieth century, perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia from April 1975 to January 1979. Approximately twenty percent of Cambodia's population died due to starvation, malnutrition, disease, and outright execution due to the drastic policies the Khmer Rouge implemented trying to transform the nation into a purely agrarian state. The Khmer Rouge regime was unusual among genocidal states in that, though it did target muslim, Chinese, and Vietnamese citizens, much of the killing was ethnic Khmer exterminating ethnic Khmer, a perplexing feature that sets it apart from many ethnicity or religion-based genocide situations. Indeed, the Khmer purged so many of its own cadres that its destructive ways weakened itself and contributed to its downfall when Vietnam invaded. Why Did They Kill? strives to answer its title question drawing upon the author's extensive anthropological study and expertise, and includes numerous interviews and testimonies, as well as insights into human psychology and sociology. Why Did They Kill? postulates that societies can be "primed" for genocide when saturated by certain features such as severe class distinctions, the absence of an international response, moral restructuring, socioeconomic uphevals and more, and then "activated" into mass killing by various triggers, especially idealogues who spread a climate of fear to induce violence. Chilling yet meticulous in its search for answers, "Why Did They Kill?" is an absolute must-read for scholars and lay people alike striving to understand genocide in Cambodia as well as the horrific underpinnings and workings of so-called "idealogical genocide" in general.
Obedience -- last refuge of killer, observer, victim
Alexander Hinton obviously put heart and soul into this work. Our intellectual side never ceases trying to understand the beast that lies deep within every human.
Essential reading
Deep and deeply disturbing study of genocide and of Cambodia.This book is essential reading - easily the most insightful work on the motivations of people which give rise to genocide and a mine of information on the origins, history and consequences of the period.A superbly researched and well-written study.Anybody interested in what happened in these years in Cambodia, as well as anybody interested in what motivates societies and the individuals that constitute those societies to act as they do should read this book - but be aware that the book may also be a mirror. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1975-1979    2. Asia - General    3. Asia - Southeast Asia    4. Cambodia    5. Ethnic Studies - General    6. General    7. Genocide    8. History - General History    9. Political atrocities    10. Politics and government    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. Anthropology    14. Social Science / Ethnic Studies   

Reviews (22)

Better History Than Biography
I read this book knowing virtually nothing of Pol Pot or the history of the Cambodian revolutionary movement.Having read the book I feel it works far better as a history of modern Cambodia and the rise and fall of the Khmer Rouge than it does as a biography of Pol Pot, hence my rating.My expectations of Short's work are high having greatly enjoyed his biography of Mao which is overflowing with the kind of personal detail and insight that is absent from this work. I would speculate that this may have something to do with the availability of source material and perhaps with the cultural issues around the definition of truth in Cambodian culture which Short alludes to in the book.
A sober look at one of the 20th century's deadliest regimes
Those looking for a biography of Saloth Sar (aka Pol Pot) may be surprised to find that this is not so much a chronicle of Pol's life, but rather a thorough account of Cambodian political history from the post-World War II era on. Nonetheless this is an invaluable book about the tradegy that the Khmer Rouge unleashed upon Cambodia.
Excellent
Pol Pot was the ruler of the Khmer Rouge and the Prime Minister of Cambodia from 1976 to 1979.He was the de facto leader since mid-1970s. During his time in power Pol Pot together with his cronoies created an aggressive regime of agricultural reform.A society rife with paranoia.A society designed to create a utopian Communist society which was known for repressing intellectuals.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - Southeast Asia    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Cambodia    7. Genocide    8. Historical - General    9. Military    10. Modern - 20th Century    11. Pol Pot    12. Political Discontent And Violence    13. Political atrocities    14. Politics and government    15. Presidents & Heads of State    16. Prime ministers    17. Southeast Asia - History    18. History / Southeast Asia   

Editorial Review

Written in the present tense, Read more

Reviews (137)

"My beautiful girl" he says to me as his lips quiver into a small smile, "I have to go away with these two men for awhile"...

Recommended...
"First They Killed My Father" is Loung Ung's gripping tale of her survival of the Cambodian holocaust. Born to middle class parents, Ung was living a happy childhood in Phnom Penh when the Khmer Rouge rolled in in April 1975. Soon her family, and all city dwellers, were driven out into farming villages to work in labor camps. The family splits up for various reasons, and some don't survive.
Like a bucket of cold water
This book surprised me.
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Subjects:  1. 1975-1979    2. Asia - General    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Cambodia    7. Childhood Memoir    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Political    10. Politics and government    11. Southeast Asia - History    12. Ung, Loung    13. Women    14. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (5)

Murderous utopia
Pin Yathay's biography is a unique dramatic and shocking report on the Red Khmer regime in the 1970s in Cambodia. A Book Of Rare Quality
This tragic biography traces the story of an educated man and his family in Phnom Penh.Subjected to the indescribable barbaric cruelty that the Khmer Rouge inflicted on its own countrymen, the writer provides the reader with their sense of hopelessness that gripped their nation less than 30 years ago.His hardship and ultimate triumph is the very definition of human survival and the will to survive.Anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of the plight of the Cambodian people under the Khmer Roughe MUST read this book.I can guarantee that when you finish reading this book you will undoubtedly take a moment to think about humanity itself.

very very very moving!!!!
this book should really help all of us appreciate our lives. It is amazing what he and his family went through! I could not put this book down! BY the way, does anyone have any recent info on the author? It would be interesting to see what he is up to now, and how his life is going, and if he ever contacted his son Naweth, or obtained any information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1975-1979    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Cambodia    6. General    7. History    8. Pin Yathay    9. Political atrocities    10. Political refugees    11. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (15)

A Classic
I was drawn into this book after first viewings of the film "The Killing Fields."At the time, I was unaware of a lot of the background to many of the events depicted onscreen, and was looking for something a bit more detailed.
Haing Ngor Review
What a great story of determination and power. The irony of it all was, that, after all the suffering he went through, he died because of someone trying to steal his watch. Haing Ngor Review
What a great story of determination and power. The irony of it all was, that, after all the suffering he went through, he died because of someone trying to steal his watch. Read more

Subjects:  1. 1975-1979    2. Asia - Southeast Asia    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Cambodia    7. General    8. Haing Ngor    9. History    10. Political refugees    11. Refugees, Cambodian    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (5)

History as a personal quest
Peter Maguire's mix of personal travelogue and historical study works well, with the author lingering on the question of impunity and the ineffectual international community, whilst interviewing victims and perpetrators of Khmer Rouge crimes on many visits following his first trip to Cambodia in 1994. That first exciting yet unnerving visit in 1994 is something the author and myself have in common, as we do the loss of a close Cambodian friend in recent years. His loss was Sok Sin, well known as every journalist's 'fixer' and Maguire's tale of his demise is poignant. His interviews with the suvivors of Tuol Sleng such as Bou Meng, Vann Nath and Im Chan contrast sharply with the soul-less KR photographer Nhem En and guard Him Huy, whilst DC-Cam and Youk Chhang rightly emerge as a beacon of light in the chaos that is Cambodia. He also tracked down Mai Lam, the Vietnamese colonel who'd turned Tuol Sleng into a Genocide Museum though ultimately their discussions were stymied. I found the book stimulating, frustrating, insightful and vexing in equal measures, with Maguire admitting up front that he ultimately failed to come to any clear-cut conclusions. However, the journey to get to nowhere is an interesting one.
Magnificently Disturbing
This remarkable book takes the reader deep inside the minds of a culture so hard to penetrate that I am returning this year to Cambodia just to attempt to understand the obvious - here is a country in a state of denial. "Facing Death in Cambodia" very effectively analyses Cambodia's culture of compliance, a nation meek to authority, and seemingly paralyzed by a recent past so convulsive that to even think about it is an invitation to "bad karma" - even among survivors and the unindicted killers of their children who sometimes share the same street. Mr Maguire excells at the job of rendering the 75-79 story in human terms. His portraits of the familiar figures like the photographer of those shattering Tuol Slong ID pictures are very important to our understanding of what sort of mental gymnastics many at the heart of the genocide are capable of.The heroic Vann Nath, whose miraculous survival is powerfully and touchingly explained in the book, emerges as a beacon of clear sightedness.Yet even here there is paradox - the survivor is eager to greet the photographer almost as an old friend. The author's tenacious search for the mind set and value system of the killers, and how D.K.'s perverted ideology can be effortlessly justified in Cambodia's "culture of impunity", make for provocative reading. I was particularly impressed by the author's descriptions of lurking violence. The weserner's stereotypes of the smiling Khmer do not long survive exposure to present reality. When Mr. Maguire takes you through the marketplaces and cafes of Phnom Penh, don't expect a comfortable ride. In one shattering passage,we are told how quickly peasant vengeance in the street over seeming trifles turns to horror in a blink.Overall, this book is one of the most important documents of Cambodia's modern history. Mr Maguire has no illusions that this beautiful, tormented country's battle to start over is going to be over soon. Here is a writer of compassion and power, and his book is an excellent one.

Dealing with Mass Murderers
This is a clear and concise book about the horrendous regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge (1975-1979)and the aftermath. The author asks the question: why haven't leaders of the Khmer Rouge been prosecuted for the mass murder they perpetrated on their own people.He finds a partial answer by looking at international politics and the machinations of Cambodian leaders, the UN, and the US and everyone's lack of priority in seeking justice in Cambodia.
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Subjects:  1. 1975-1979    2. Asia - Southeast Asia    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Cambodia    6. Historical - General    7. History    8. History - General History    9. Political atrocities    10. Trials (Genocide)    11. World - General    12. ASIA    13. Asian / Middle Eastern history: from c 1900 -    14. Current Events / International   

Reviews (1)

excellent collection of essays
This collection of essays covers some of the key aspects of Buddhism in Cambodia today and their historical context. A really first class publication with reliable information not found elsewhere.The primary focus is on contemporary Cambodia. Well produced, well written, well priced.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Buddhism    3. Buddhism - General    4. Buddhism - History    5. Buddhism and politics    6. Cambodia    7. General    8. History    9. Religion    10. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    11. Anthropology    12. Religion & Beliefs   

Reviews (4)

This is what a history book ought to be
Chandler presents a rather complete picture of the long history of Cambodia in about 250 pages. He's concise--what a blessing from a historian. He highlights the most important AND the most interesting details about each period in Cambodian history, and avoids the common problem of banality that many history books have. It's truly a good read, and an easy one, too. It's written in a very clear style--another of its strong points. Good.
This is a very succint but adequate history of Cambodia, which started some 2,000 years ago with the Funan empire (1st to 6th centuries AD) and reached its peak with the Khmer empire (9th to 13th centuries AD) and its famous Angkor monuments. From then on, it was a steep downward slide into oblivion. Another masterpiece, now available in Khmer translation.
Those who are fascinated with Cambodia, the Khmer language and the Cambodian people treasure the work of David Chandler. Clear and logical presentation are to be taken for granted. The author has for years set the standard toward which the next generation of Asia scholars strive.Even more rare than his impressive intellect is David Chandler's collegial approach to his subjects and his fellow researchers.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Asia - Southeast Asia    3. Cambodia    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Indo-China - History    8. Asian / Middle Eastern history   

Reviews (3)

Surprised and pleased to see Coe knows Angkor!
I was at the SF Asian Museum seeing what turned out to be a not-great exhibit this weekend, and wandered into the book store thinking I'd pick something up in advance of a trip to Cambodia in the fall.Shock of shocks, I found that Coe, whom I've read avidly for his great coverage of the Maya, knows the Khmer as well.
Great Research Text
The most thoroughly researched text that I found regarding the temples and historic context of the "Classic" Khmer period.Not the best guide once you get to the site -- that would be Laur's illustrated guide.If you miss the boat on ordering both of these texts prior to your trip, you can get them both in the bookstore in Seim Reap.Some of the street vendors at the temples peddle illegal copies of the Coe book. Info as of 10/05.

Angkor and the Khmer Civilization
The great Khmer Empire, best known for its astonishing temples at Angkor, has long fascinated visitors, arm-chair tourists, and scholars alike. In his new book, "Angkor and the Khmer Civilization," archaeologist Michael Coe has written what I believe is, simply, the best current (2003) presentation of the history and culture of this wonderful (literally: full of wonders) ancient civilization. Reading Coe's book is like having a delightful one-on-one conversation with a first-rate thinker, scholar, and teacher. Coe's writing is superbly well-organized, logical, fascinating, concise, and comprehensive. The book is enhanced by numerous high-quality photo illustrations and maps, fully referenced bibliography and notes, and a better-than-average topical index. Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient Archaeology    2. Archaeology    3. Archaeology / Anthropology    4. Asia - Southeast Asia    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Asian / Middle Eastern history: c 500 to c 1500    8. Cambodia   

Editorial Review

"Chea, how come good doesn't win over evil?" young Chanrithy Him asks her sister, after the brutal Khmer Rouge have seized power in Cambodia, but before hunger makes them too weak for philosophy. Chea answers only with a proverb: When good and evil are thrown together into the river of life, first the Read more

Reviews (37)

Should be required reading
I met Ms. Him at a book signing and have a hardcover signed by her.She is a beautiful, gentle woman with one of the most musical voices I have ever heard.To listen to the stories of unspeakable horror that issued from her lips as she read a passage chilled me.She is my age; while I was struggling with Algebra, she was sturuggling with pure evil.I promised her that I would do my best to never let her story be forgotten.My children will be required to read this when they reach the age she was in the book.
A Must Read
This is a great biography of a Child's perspective of the Khamer Rougue take over in Cambodia in the 1970's. Chanrithy's story will stir up every emotion in you. This is a real story about survival during a very dark time in history. Her escapes from labor death camps, while nearly dying from starvation and sickness. The constant fear of military attack, or excecution by the Khamer Rouge soldiers. The loss of innocence, freedom, family, Friends, a life she once knew and culture she once cherished.
Vivid, shocking account of destruction of Cambodia
This is a great story illustrating the strength of the human spirit and the will to live and thrive against all odds.Chanrithy Him effectively loses her childhood when her home is bombed as a small child by the Khumer Rouge and her family is thrown into the middle of war-torn Cambodia, struggling to stay together and to survive.Hers is an amazing firsthand account of the horrors of slavery, execution, starvation and disease her family went through in a relatively modern era of the 70s.The clippings from the US newspapers of the time detailing the events overseas bring to mind the huge differences between a country of freedom and prosperity vs. a country being torn apart by bombs and ruthless individuals. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Childhood Memoir    6. Ethnic Cultures - General    7. General    8. Women    9. Asian history: Vietnam War    10. Biography: general    11. Cambodia    12. Vietnam