[3.5/5 stars]
This is a memoir of Mae Taing, written with his son James, about his escape from Cambodia’s genocidal regime.
From Cambodia (Poipet) to refugee camp to America, James unlocks his father's traumatic memories - starvation, cruelty, forced labor, separation and displacement. From scene to scene, there are memories of suffering, of terrifying times filled with the devastation of 1968 civil war and a nation consumed by genocide.
Regardless of the darkness of humanity and pages loaded with fear and hurt, this is an inspiring memoir of resilience and survival. The story of Cambodian people fighting for freedom and a better life.
The story incorporates more telling-aspect and the evocative prose is successful at allowing readers to internalize the narrator's spirit. UNDER THE NAGA TAIL is a courageous memoir whose Cambodian voice needs to be highlighted. I hope more read people about the Cambodian community.
This is a memoir of Mae Taing, written with his son James, about his escape from Cambodia’s genocidal regime.
From Cambodia (Poipet) to refugee camp to America, James unlocks his father's traumatic memories - starvation, cruelty, forced labor, separation and displacement. From scene to scene, there are memories of suffering, of terrifying times filled with the devastation of 1968 civil war and a nation consumed by genocide.
Regardless of the darkness of humanity and pages loaded with fear and hurt, this is an inspiring memoir of resilience and survival. The story of Cambodian people fighting for freedom and a better life.
The story incorporates more telling-aspect and the evocative prose is successful at allowing readers to internalize the narrator's spirit. UNDER THE NAGA TAIL is a courageous memoir whose Cambodian voice needs to be highlighted. I hope more read people about the Cambodian community.