In The Shadow of The Banyan by Vaddey Ratner

In The Shadow of The Banyan is a novel based on the author’s family’s experience in Cambodia during the genocide perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979.

The story follows the life of Raami, a seven-year-old Cambodian princess, whose privileged life is destroyed when the civil war hits Phnom Penh. Displaced from home and separated from her father, she and her family must endure pain both physical and psychological in order to survive.

The novel explores important themes such as power, the relationship between love and guilt, and class. Most remarkably, it depicts the lives of characters forced to live in extreme circumstances, and investigates how that changes them.

What I Liked

I loved the geographic setting (even if the time setting is depressing). It’s a tough but incredible novel.

What I Did Not Like

It’s sad, so you have to be in a place to enjoy it.

In The Shadow of The Banyan by Vaddey Ratner

$10.95

In In The Shadow of The Banyan, Vaddey Ratner shares a gripping story rooted in her family's experiences during Cambodia's tragic Khmer Rouge genocide. The narrative follows Raami, a seven-year-old princess, as her privileged life crumbles amidst civil war, forcing her and her family to navigate unimaginable hardships. I really appreciated the vivid setting, even if the historical backdrop is heavy. The book dives into themes of power, love, and class, but be warned—it’s quite sad, so you’ll want to be in the right mindset to tackle it. Overall, it's a tough yet powerful read.

Pros:

• The novel is based on a true story, adding depth.
• The geographic setting is well depicted.
• It explores important themes like power and guilt.

Cons:

• It's sad, so you need to be in the right mood to enjoy it.

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01/14/2025 09:12 pm GMT