First They Killed My Father
By Loung Ung
- Release Date: 2010-10-12
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Description
“A riveting memoir. . . an important, moving work that those who have suffered cannot afford to forget and those who have been spared cannot afford to ignore.” — San Francisco Chronicle
From a childhood survivor of the Cambodian genocide under the regime of Pol Pot, this is a riveting narrative of war crimes and desperate actions, the unnerving strength of a small girl and her family, and their triumph of spirit.
One of seven children of a high-ranking government official, Loung Ung lived a privileged life in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh until the age of five. Then, in April 1975, Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge army stormed into the city, forcing Ung's family to flee and, eventually, to disperse. Loung was trained as a child soldier in a work camp for orphans, her siblings were sent to labor camps, and those who survived the horrors would not be reunited until the Khmer Rouge was destroyed.
Harrowing yet hopeful, Loung's powerful story is an unforgettable account of a family shaken and shattered, yet miraculously sustained by courage and love in the face of unspeakable brutality.
Reviews
Very sad
5By Roblox name:mickygirl5It’s very sad and also I’m Cambodian I saw the trailer and there was so much stuff it so sad :( but what makes me happy is I’m Cambodian :..)A tale of extraordinary courage
5By MJRsSeneca2Wow -a dramatic very well written tour de force with clarity of descriptions that vividly convey the experience of chronic deprivation the pangs of starvation fear anxiety and suffering. How this orphaned little child survived is as astonishing as her courage and will. Its a very sad emotive story and despite eventual immigration to the US it is clear the trauma to her soul of what she saw and endured will never fully heal. This in one of the most impactful books i have ever read and i offer humble thanks to Ms. Loung Ung for sharing her story with me and the world. We must all continue the never ending fight against evil corrupt incompetent uncaring governments because as long as there are evil and terribly misguided men as there continue to be, this type of disaster can certainly recur.Wow
5By Jessiep813This book grabbed me in the first page. I finished it in a week which is fast for me. I am dying to watch the movie on Netflix now that I am doneHug Your Parents
3By sage mclaneit’s a god book, although there are a few words that shouldn’t be there (just typos). It’s very sad, and a book that’ll make you want to hug your family a little tighter.Emotional
5By 👍👍👍🍕🍕This book was important for me to read to learn about my family’s history and the history of Cambodia. Reading this I became more aware. It also helped me connect to Cambodia through Loung‘s descriptions. It was well written and I’m glad that it became a movie. Overall, best book I’ve EVER read.Remarkable
5By jaysf1129I couldn't put this book down. She brought me with her from her child point of View to the one of the worst humanitarian crisis in history, with honesty, and beautiful words. I can't wait to see the movie !!It was ok
2By Simon AsnesTo long thoughEye opening
5By Cyclops7747Loung ung did a phenomenal job writing this book and putting into words her awful experience through the Cambodian genocide. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs touching up on this gruesome period in history.Moving and heartbreaking
4By Leftovers left no endingIt's hard to "review" a book like this; the author's ability to retro her experiences in her own childhood narration highlights how harrowing her experience was. The confusion and loss. It's very hard hitting and difficult to accept at times, and at times angering, that such horrible things could happen. It's also inspiring to see her come through it all. Very moving.Must Read
5By apchristine07Enriching! Her story really instilled both optimism and courage.