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jedwards97's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
There’s no string of words that can accurately review this book. The entire work is focused on the struggle for life of survivor Haing Ngor during the mostly grotesquely abhorrent attack against human life I’ve ever encountered in any medium. My only remark is that I cannot believe this doesn’t have wider critical acclaim, for me it should have been an instant international sensation. Not solely for the unbelievable true story, it’s blaring honesty, it’s stomach curdling vulgarity, the beautiful poetic writing and perfect pacing, but for illuminating one of the darkest moments in recent history with the love of life and the will to survive against the very worst of humanity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Gun violence, Torture, Slavery, Physical abuse, Death, Suicide, Violence, and Murder
vulpex's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
This book was a much more interesting read than I expected it to be. Every person you meet throughout his life, you make a connection with. I bought this book because I honestly didn't know much about the Cambodian genocide, only that there were tours of the killing fields. Safe to say, I am now a bit more enlightened. This book gives an interesting look into Cambodian culture before the decimation of the country. I gave this book a 4.75 simply because there are so many terms that you must remember. This book changed how I viewed myself - Haing described himself as emotional and hot-headed, the first to come and last to leave. How he viewed himself, his wife, his friends, and enemies throughout the genocide was incredibly thought-provoking.
In some of the more graphic chapters, the author gives a warning to skip. I don't think this book was especially graphic or unsavory, given the story.
The fact that Haing was murdered over not giving up his wifes locket left me speechless, but given his character, I was not surprised. May he rest with Huoy forever.
In some of the more graphic chapters, the author gives a warning to skip. I don't think this book was especially graphic or unsavory, given the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Child death, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, Grief, Infertility, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Misogyny, Murder, Racism, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Terminal illness, Torture, Vomit, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Excrement
Minor: Pedophilia, Cannibalism, and Child abuse
Towards the end of this book is when
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