First They Killed My Father

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From a childhood survivor of the Cambodian genocide under Pol Pot, this narrative reveals the harrowing realities of war crimes and the extraordinary resilience of a small girl and her family. Repackaged to coincide with a Netflix film produced and directed by Angelina Jolie, the story chronicles Loung Ung's life until the age of five in Phnom Penh, where she was one of seven children of a high-ranking official. A lively child, she cherished the vibrant city markets and her playful interactions with her parents. However, everything changed when the Khmer Rouge invaded in April 1975, forcing her family to flee and hide their identities. They moved from village to village, ultimately dispersing to survive. Loung was trained as a child soldier in a work camp for orphans, while her siblings faced their own struggles in labor camps. As the Vietnamese forces advanced and dismantled the Khmer Rouge, Loung and her surviving siblings began to reunite. Inspired by her brother's bravery and supported by her family's sacrifices and her sister's kindness, Loung persevered to build a courageous new life. This insightful and compelling story is both harrowing and hopeful, leaving a lasting impact.