Firts they killed my father
"First They Killed My Father" written by Loung Ung, published by Perennial Lung Ung, author of "first they killed my father" is the main character in this book. She is the narrator of this horrific personal experience that occurred in Cambodia during Khmer Rouge regime led by Pol Pot. In the beginning Lung carefully describes her life style, family and surroundings accustomed to in city called Phnom Penh. Her father, Ung Sem Im being police officer with an above average salary was able to provide very well for his family without his wife's Ung, Ay Choung income. Family consists of three brothers and four sisters. Despite of large number all were well educated, dressed and fed. Everyday, fresh meal, clean clothes and smile on their faces were literally taken for granted. In matter of few days it all came crashing down when Pol Pot formed new government. After Khmer Rouge soldiers took over Phnom Penh, covering the fact that Lung father was working for previous government, Loung's family fearing for their life left the city. Forced in settling at a labor camp, hut made from straws and leaves became their new home. Required to work twelve to fourteen hours a day with only enough food to stay a live, it took a harsh toll on the
After landing in Lam Sing refugee camp and spending few months waiting for sponsors they were finally able to end their five year journey. Reunited, they realized that their mother and youngest sister were brutally killed. I admire Loung Ung for her courage and personal ability to go back to her childhood terror and relive the nightmares so she can reach out and also provide first hand biography. This story taught me to cherish what I have. I did not understand the fact that Cambodians were preached that everything is equal; their possessions and people themselves; that they will be taken care of in many ways. Discovering possibility to go to America by first going to Thailand, Loung and her brother along with Eang decided to buy one way illegal tickets. Book is very sad and depressing yet powerfully in its content. Their prayers were answered when Youns (Vietnamese) soldiers invaded Khmer Rouge camps and gave them a chance to escape. It also made me angry seeing how senseless cowards with zero tolerance on human life would be in power of honest hard working people. It also made me realize how one-person tragic life experience can change so many people around them. Having no choice children were scattered hoping they would see each other again. I strongly believe that each and every one of us should gain more information on other culture's history and it's tragic events. I do and stop to think what I have and that I am very happy I do have it.
Common topics in this essay:
Cambodia Reading,
Khmer Rouge,
Ay Choung,
Loung Ung,
Phnom Penh,
Pol Pot,
Lam Sing,
Lung Ung,
Sem Im,
Deng Meng's,
khmer rouge,
khmer rouge regime,
ung ay,
ay choung,
phnom penh,
rouge regime,
loung's family,
pol pot,
killed father,
loung ung,
ung ay choung,
|
Acceptance Essays
