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A review by krystaaal
Away from Beloved Lover: A Musical Journey Through Cambodia by Dee Peyok
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Before reading Dee Peyok's "Away From Beloved Lover," my experience with Khmer music began since birth. Khmer music blasting through the home or in the car was my Khmer American norm. I didn't always understand the lyrics nor did I always enjoy the songs (my parents preferred the more slow, makes-you-fall-asleep songs). It wasn't until later in life that I began to grow appreciation for Khmer oldies, especially after watching the screening of "Don't Think I've Forgotten" in San Francisco where John Pirozzi, Dr. LinDa Saphan, and Laura Mam's mother, Thida Buth, were in attendance.
"Away From Beloved Lover" is one incredible musical adventure, drifting through past and present, pre-war and post-war. I thoroughly enjoyed gaining more in-depth knowledge about the artists featured, such as Ros Sereysothea. Growing up, I only knew of the voices of these famous singers of the past and not much on who they were, what they were like, or even how they became to be singers in the first place. Peyok does a wonderful job of showing readers the nuanced lives these singers lived. In addition, I appreciated the details about Cambodia's music scene of the 50s-70s. Peyok's extensive music knowledge adds an extra layer of depth, especially for the musicophiles of the world.
Would I recommend this book to my fellow Khmers? Absolutely! If you love/appreciate Khmer music, want to learn more about singers like Sinn Sisamouth and others you may not have heard of, or just want to expand your knowledge about Khmer history and culture, then please check out "Away From Beloved Lover"!
"Away From Beloved Lover" is one incredible musical adventure, drifting through past and present, pre-war and post-war. I thoroughly enjoyed gaining more in-depth knowledge about the artists featured, such as Ros Sereysothea. Growing up, I only knew of the voices of these famous singers of the past and not much on who they were, what they were like, or even how they became to be singers in the first place. Peyok does a wonderful job of showing readers the nuanced lives these singers lived. In addition, I appreciated the details about Cambodia's music scene of the 50s-70s. Peyok's extensive music knowledge adds an extra layer of depth, especially for the musicophiles of the world.
Would I recommend this book to my fellow Khmers? Absolutely! If you love/appreciate Khmer music, want to learn more about singers like Sinn Sisamouth and others you may not have heard of, or just want to expand your knowledge about Khmer history and culture, then please check out "Away From Beloved Lover"!