After They Killed Our Father

Nov 19, 2024 7:46 PM

Author:Loung Ung

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.

Reviews

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

Both stories - Loung's told in her own voice and Chou's narrated in the third person - are inherently fascinating and are recounted with a vividness and immediacy that make them even more so. Written with an engaging vigour and directness, [After They Killed Our Father] is an unforgettable portrait of resilience and largeness of spirit

—— Los Angeles Times

A searing account of the aftermath of Khmer Rouge's brutality . . . this self-assured, moving memoir is a testament to the human spirit's resistance

—— Financial Times Magazine

A much-needed antidote to the cynicism of realpolitik

—— Booklist

Affecting. Sensitively told. Humane and literate - and rather daring in suggesting that the future of the Middle East need not be violent

—— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The inspiring lives of two unique people, and Tolan's compassion in narrating them, illuminate the tragedy of Palestine in the most moving and revealing way

—— Karma Nabulsi, Prize Research Fellow, Oxford University

A hard book to read with dry eyes and without a lump in one's throat. And hard to read, also, without feeling - dare one even say the word? - something approaching hope

—— Adam Hochschild, author of Bury the Chains and King Leopold's Ghost

An understated clash of cultures tale, delicately told

—— Radio Times

Impeccably researched... this narrative illustrates the possibility of compassionate imagination

—— TLS

Beautifully written

—— Tam Dalyell, MP

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