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When Broken Glass Floats

Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge
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( 5,003 ratings, 443 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
When Broken Glass Floats is a poignant memoir by Chanrithy Him that recounts her harrowing experiences during the Khmer Rouge era in Cambodia. The narrative unfolds through her childhood eyes, capturing the profound impact of the regime's brutal methods on her family and community. Amidst the dehumanizing chaos, it also highlights her resilient spirit and the enduring hope for survival and healing.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3399
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might appreciate this memoir if you have an interest in personal stories of resilience and survival against historical backdrops. The author recounts her harrowing childhood experiences under the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, offering a vivid and emotional insight into human endurance. This book may appeal to those who seek a deeper understanding of historical events through powerful, personal narratives.

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"A gut-wrenching story told with honesty, restraint, and dignity." β€”Ha Jin, National Book Award-winning author of Waiting Chanrithy Him felt compelled to tell of surviving life under the Khmer Rouge in a way "worthy of the suffering which I endured as a child."

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In this mesmerizing story, finalist for the Kiriyama Pacific Rim Book Prize, Chanrithy Him vividly recounts her trek through the hell of the "killing fields." She gives us a child's-eye view of a Cambodia where rudimentary labour camps for both adults and children are the norm and modern technology no longer exists.

Death becomes a companion in the camps, along with illness. Yet through the terror, the members of Chanrithy's family remain loyal to one another, and she and her siblings who survive will find redeemed lives in America.

When Broken Glass Floats includes 15 black and white photographs.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

When Broken Glass Floats by Chanrithy Him receives praise for its intelligent and morally aware exploration of survival amid political turmoil, offering a powerful refugee perspective. The book is described as inspiring and hopeful, drawing beauty from hardship with vivid, tangible writing. It is acclaimed for its touching and illuminating personal account, recommended as essential reading by those who have experienced similar traumas.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780393322101

Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 April 2001

Country: United States

Imprint: WW Norton & Co

Illustration: 15 black and whtie illustrations

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 211.0mm

Weight: 316g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Chanrithy Him, born in 1965, lives in Eugene, Oregon, where she works for the Khmer Adolescent Project, studying post-traumatic stress disorder among Cambodians.

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