After They Killed Our Father: A Refugee from the Killing Fields Reunites with the Sister She Left Behind
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.
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About Loung Ung
Reviews for After They Killed Our Father: A Refugee from the Killing Fields Reunites with the Sister She Left Behind
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