In the Shadow of the Banyan
Ratner, VaddeyRaami was only seven when the Khmer Rouge came to power in Cambodia. During their reign of terror when she and her family were subject to the horrors of their society and way of life being destroyed, Raami's survival was bolstered by the poetry and myths that were an integral part of her early childhood.
Based on the author's own experiences, this moving account is rendered beautiful by its lyrical writing and the kindness and hope Raami encounters amidst the chaos. [Small font]Comments from Groups
A particularly moving story, beautifully written and because of its historical background, was an eye-opener into the atrocities in Cambodia at the time. The contrasts of life as a privileged princess and a refugee were portrayed with dignity but total honesty. Nelson 019 This book was regarded very highly by all members. It was deemed to be very well written, and proved to be educational in terms of increasing knowledge of that period of time in Cambodia's history. Strongly recommended. Christchurch 320 All agreed the book was beautifully written - many evocative passages. The group was divided re content - "misery memoir' one described it. Another did not want to read of the horrific deeds, yet others felt we need to know. None would recommend it as a "must read". Nelson 062 Our group found this book a very powerful and gripping read. It was well written, and left some of our readers still thinking of the horrors weeks later. Piopio 001 Complicated and cruel, but we learned a lot. Well written and sensitive. Taupo 006 We all really enjoyed this heartbreaking and beautiful story - told from a child's perspective. Doubtless Bay 002 Everyone was pleased to have read this book. Contrasting description was noticeable in our discussion - ie. 'beautifully written about human behaviour in a time that was so cruel'. It highlighted for us the amazing tenacity of spirit in survivors like Raami, who somehow defy the brutality and conditions over a long time. It brought home to us the fact that we all knew so little about the Cambodian uprising and the subsequent atrocities committed against innocent people. It prompted us to find out more. We appreciated the questions, they were thought-provoking and challenged us to think again in a more focused way about what we had read. Discovering the background of the author and her family added another interesting dimension to this story. It is sure to remain in our thoughts as a stand-out read for this year. Stories can certainly give us wings.... Hokitika 001
Pages
322
322
Year
2012
2012
Reviews
21-05-2021
We felt this was a very sad tale, written in a florid style. Nobody said they 'enjoyed' it, but on the other hand, everyone agreed that it added to the sum total of our knowledge of man's inhumanity to man!
21-05-2021
This book was an emotional read for most of the group. Certainly an historical update. We appreciated the poetic writing and gentle genre. Somewhat slow in some parts but the majority thought an "enjoyable" read.
21-05-2021
All members enjoyed this book, found it an excellent read and were most impressed by the author's grasp of English because it wasn't her first language. She made a very good impression as an author. Very readable.
21-05-2021
Everyone loved this book, especially those who had visited Cambodia as they could track the journey of Raami and her mother. It was a real eye opener regarding the Khymer Rouge. We all knew how dreadful their reign was, but not the details. The book is beautifully written about such a disturbing time.
21-05-2021
Wonderful book. Deeply moving with beautiful writing. Stunning and disturbing. One of the best reviews we have given a book.
21-05-2021
Quite a tough read, but the group felt it was worth the effort.
21-05-2021
A terrible story told very well. It prompted a long discussion about how little we knew about this war, and how we should know more. She writes lyrically and lightly about the horrible things that happened to her as a young child as well as her good life before the war. Highly recommended by us all.
21-05-2021
This book was enjoyed by all. Harrowing at times, and a history lesson that occurred not that long ago. A story of a very brave girl in horrific times, yet written with poetic beauty.
19-05-2020
An excellent read for anyone interested in the history of the Khmer people. Cambodia is still recovering from the terrible Pol Pot regime and this book offered a good deal of insight into what the people endured.
16-10-2019
This book was very well received. A powerful and moving story. The only reservation was the use of a child narrator (in itself good) who was rather too able to reflect (beyond her years) that was not altogether convincing. But one tended to suspend the disbelief because of the power of the narration as a whole.