Recently updated on October 4th, 2022 at 09:41 am
Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime was one of the deadliest and most tragic genocides in recent history. From 1975 to 1979, an estimated two million people died under the regime, nearly a quarter of the country’s population. If you’re interested in learning more about the Khmer Rouge regime, look no further. We’ve rounded up 7 fascinating books on the topic — including titles from authors who experienced it first hand.
When the War Was Over by Elizabeth Becker
This novel is a good place to start when first learning about the Khmer Regime. Award-winning journalist, Elizabeth Becker, worked as a reporter in Cambodia from 1973 through to the end of the regime. Her book shares her extensive research collected over the years and tells powerful stories from survivors and leaders.
Voices from S21 by David Chandler
Author David Chandler is a renowned author, scholar and historian. He has penned many books about Cambodia, but Voices from S21, which offers a look into how the Khmer Rouge regime operated, is one of his most noteworthy.
S-21 is the code name for a secret prison, and key institution, where thousands of Cambodians were tortured and executed. Through artifacts discovered from the site, as well as stories from survivors and former prison workers, Chandler tells the dark story of S-21 to uncover a deeper understanding of the Cambodian genocide.
First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers by Loung Ung
A first-hand depiction of Loung Ung’s experience living in Cambodia in the 1970s. The novel follows Ung’s life from when the Khmer Rouge took over when she was five years old. She shares stories of being separated from family, working in labour camps, training as a child soldier and then reuniting with her siblings years later. In 2017, this powerful story was adapted into a movie of the same title that was produced and directed by Angelina Jolie.
If you enjoy this book, be sure to check out the sequel, Lucky Child. This story is about Ung’s life post-regime where she is chosen to move to America with her brother.
GET INSPIRED: Cambodia’s Temples of Angkor
Survival in the Killing Fields by Haing Ngor
Haing Ngor’s memoir, Survival in the Killing Fields, is a chilling take of his life under the Khmer Rouge. From 1975 to 1979, Ngor was forced to work in labour camps, alongside thousands of others.
Ngor is best known for his performance in the 1985 film, The Killing Fields, where he portrayed a journalist living under the Khmer Rouge. With no prior acting experience, Ngor earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal.
In the Shadow of Banyan by Vaddey Ratner
This best-selling novel tells the story of a seven-year-old in Cambodia who has an anything but ordinary childhood. She experiences death of family members, starvation and forced labour, but through holding on to tales from her father, she’s able to survive. The novel is told by author Vaddey Ratner, who took inspiration from her own experience living through the Khmer Rouge regime as a little girl.
RELATED CONTENT: Why everyone needs a bucket list trip to Asia at least once in their lives
Cambodia’s Curse: The Modern History of a Troubled Land by Joel Brinkley
If you’re wondering how did the Khmer Rouge regime end or who defeated the Khmer Rouge, look no further than this non-fiction take. In addition to spelling out what happened in Cambodia between the years of 1975 and 1979, the book also looks at the current state of the country. It’s also worth noting that author Joel Brinkley won a Pulitzer prize for his journalistic reporting on Cambodia’s genocide.
Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick
Never Fall Down is based on the true story of survivor Arn Chorn-Pond. He was a young boy when the regime took over, was separated from his family and was forced into working at a labour camp and becoming a soldier. But, he lived to tell the tale. This powerful book was nominated for a National Book Award in 2012.
RELATED CONTENT: 12 of the most peculiar cultural customs you’ll find in Asia
Have you read any books about the Khmer Rouge regime? Let us know in the comments.