Sunday, June 10, 2012

2012 book 157

Vaddey Ratner's In the Shadow of the Banyan
Based partially upon Ratner's own life and history, this is the story of a young girl from a branch of the royal family, and what happens to her and her relatives during the reign of the Khmer Rouge. Despite the subject matter, things aren't too harrowing--it weirdly reads at a bit of a remove and I had no idea it was based on the author's life until I read the afterword. Still, the writing itself is very strong, and Ratner certainly evokes the period well. Fascinating story, for sure. B+.

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An e-galley was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in August.

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