A review by vikingvisuals
First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers by Loung Ung

5.0

I read about this book in a thread to an article talking about the Khmer Rogue uprising and the killing fields of Cambodia and immediately purchased it. I did not read any details about the book but just wanted to read more from a survivor's perspective. What initially I thought would be more of a retelling of her experience through her adult self ended up being a very wonderful narration through her experience as a child before, during, and after the atrocities committed under the rule of Pol Pot.

This writing style makes the story even more visceral and real. I knew only little information about this historical event and found it extremely informative to learn more through this perspective. I could relate to the childlike ignorance she experienced when the soldiers first arrived and evacuated everyone from the city. Although the book does not provide detailed information about how everything came to be and what all happened outside of her personal experience, it provides invaluable information. I am glad that it is such a personal story, it touched me deeply and has inspired me to learn even more about the stories and experiences of others.

Truly recommend reading this book, regardless of your understanding of the history.