First They Killed My Father: The Reign of Khmer.

Recently whilst travelling in Cambodia I visited the S-21 torture prison and the killing fields of Phnom Penh. To find out more about the reign of terror that Pol Pot inflicted on the nation of Cambodia I was recommended a book by Loung Ung, who witnessed the revolution first hand. The book was called ‘First They Killed My Father’.

Right from the start this book gripped me. It tells the heartbreaking story of an innocent young Cambodia girl and her family who live in the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh. As Khmer soldiers under the influence of communist Pol Pot invade the city the public flee. Eventually captured the family is split up and sent to work camps. Unsure if her loved ones are still alive Loung is forced to make decision to stay and die, or escape into the unknown.

This book is truly unforgettable and it is unbelievable that this all only happened 30 years ago.