Book description
In 1980, at the age of ten, Loung Ung escaped a devastated Cambodia
and flew to the US as a refugee.
She and her eldest brother, with whom she escaped, left behind their
three surviving siblings, and her book is alternately heart-wrenching
and heart-warming, as it follows the parallel lives of Loung and her
closest sister, Chou, during the 15 years it took for them to be reunited.
Their two worlds were very different, and Loung's depiction of the
contrast between her life in the affluent West and that of her sister,
who navigated her way through landmine-strewn fields and survived
raids by the Khmer Rouge, is laced with the guilt she feels about
being the lucky one.
This powerful story helps us to understand what happens when a
family is torn apart by politics, adversity and war. It is also the
compelling and inspirational tale of a remarkable woman.
I encourage everyone to read this deeply moving and very important
book -- Angelina Jolie What could easily be a tale of despair and defeat
becomes, through simple and poweful prose, a celebration of courage and
humanity The Times A rich narrative that explores the ravages of war and
strength of family bonds ... far too relevant to our own time -- Amnesty
International Heart-rending and eloquent ... A moving reminder of human
resiliency and the power of family bonds Newsweek Change the names of
the characters, give them another country of origin, and this story of
dislocation becomes a tragedy millions of immigrants have lived through
but seldom talk about Washington Post Loung Ung is a National
Spokesperson for the Campaign for a Landmine-Free World and has featured
in the
New York Times
,
Washington Post
and
Sunday Times,
as well as
Glamour
and
People
magazines.
