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Cover of First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers
Biography & Memoir· Cambodia

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers

by Loung Ung
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2000English
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About This Book

Few works of biography & memoir have earned the sustained critical attention that First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers (2000) by Loung Ung continues to receive. This memoir by Loung Ung recounts her childhood experiences during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. It provides a harrowing and personal perspective on the atrocities committed during this period, highlighting the resilience and strength of the human spirit. The book is significant for its detailed and emotional portrayal of a dark chapter in Cambodian history. Themes of war and conflict, family, survival run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorLoung Ung
Published2000
Country of Origin🇰🇭 Cambodia
LanguageEnglish
Category✍️ Biography & Memoir
ISBN9780060856267
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

✍️ Biography & Memoir

True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

Explore all Biography & Memoir books →
Country of Origin

🇰🇭 Cambodia

This book is part of Cambodia's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Cambodia →

Editorial Assessment

Loung Ung published First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers in 2000, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of biography & memoir from Cambodia. The book's treatment of war and conflict, family, survival, trauma accounts for much of its enduring reputation. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. The appeal of First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of war and conflict, family, survival, trauma is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within Cambodia's literary landscape, Loung Ung occupies a significant position. First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
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20000
✍️
About the Author
Loung Ung
Cambodia
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Loung Ung is a Cambodia author whose work in biography & memoir has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers about?

This memoir by Loung Ung recounts her childhood experiences during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. It provides a harrowing and personal perspective on the atrocities committed during this period, highlighting the resilience and strength of the human spirit. The book is significant for its detailed and emotional portrayal of a dark chapter in Cambodian history.

Who wrote First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers?

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers was written by Loung Ung, from Cambodia. First published in 2000.

What awards has First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers won?

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers worth reading?

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in war and conflict, family, survival.

Where can I buy First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers?

You can buy First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers?

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers is classified as Biography & Memoir. True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

What country is First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers from?

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers originates from Cambodia's literary tradition. Explore more books from Cambodia on our country page.

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