0005 | Survival in the Killing Fields – Haing Ngor
REVIEW:
Chilling, engaging, honest and tragic from beginning to end. Haing Ngor’s life couldn’t have been imagined and written as fiction if someone had sat down and tried to make it up. As you read, you keep having to remind yourself that it actually happened.
It’s written simply and, at times, poignantly, a style which lends itself well to a story which needs no embellishment.
I rarely rate books as “superb.” This time I did.
OPENING LINE:
My earliest memory is standing at the back of my parents’ house and gazing at the rice fields.
QUOTES:
America, the country that could build huge jets but couldn’t do something as simple as cook good rice.
CLOSING LINE:
And I will never be forgiven by my memories.
RATING:
terrible > poor > mediocre > okay > good > very good > excellent > superb
FINISHED:
2007 – Jan
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I will definitely be reading this one. I will put it on my wish list.
Comment by Pete — July 14, 2009 @ 11:47 pm Quote this comment
Rated superb? Got to check it out. Wonder if Pol Pot will be reading this in hell? Ha, ha.
Comment by mee — July 15, 2009 @ 7:51 am Quote this comment
Wow, I have to get this book. I am so intrigued by the killing fields and the Khmer Rouge. Such tragic events and stories about them. These people have lived through so much stuff in their lives it’s amazing that some haven’t committed suicide. thank you for the review, I stumbled upon your site looking for a book about the killing fields.
Comment by Kelly — August 14, 2009 @ 9:28 pm Quote this comment