I've read several personal accounts of the Khmer Rouge regime, but this book is one of the best in terms of how it is written. I loved that it was written from the perspective of a child. At just five years of age, Luong Ung left her life of privilege in Phnom Penh with her family as the Khmer Rouge stormed the capital city.

She is one of seven children of a government official. They try desperately to hide the identity of her father. During her time in labor camps with her family and on her own as a child soldier, Luong witnesses countless murders and war crimes.

Having been to Cambodia and having seen the Killing Fields and most of the places she mentions in this book, my journey to Cambodia is unforgettable. This book brought back memories of my own visit to Cambodia and how little I understood when I first went there in 2007. I've learned more over the years with travels and through memoirs such as this one. It is hard to believe that Luong today is just five years older than me and that she has been able to show such strength, courage, and resilience throughout her life.