black and white cover with child holding a sign with red banners with yellow and black text

First They Killed My Father

by Loung Ung Author

This memoir recounts the harrowing experiences of a young girl who survived the Cambodian genocide under Pol Pot's regime. Born into a privileged family, her life was upended when the Khmer Rouge took control, forcing her family to flee and ultimately separate. Trained as a child soldier in a work camp for orphans, she faced unimaginable brutality while her siblings were sent to labor camps. Despite the horrors endured, the narrative emphasizes themes of resilience, courage, and the enduring power of family love. It serves as a poignant reminder of the impacts of war and the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.