Cambodia is a small, often overlooked South East Asian country. Nestled between the tourist hot spots of Thailand and Vietnam, a lot of people don’t know much about the country. However, Cambodia is rich in history and culture, some of it is sad, some is inspiring, but all of it is important. From the cultural significance of Angkor Wat- one of the worlds largest religious temples, and one of the biggest cities in the world at the height of its power in the 12th Century, to the more modern history of genocide and war, Cambodia is a beautiful, inspiring country.

I spent a year living and teaching in Cambodia, so while I am by no means a native, and can not speak for how the following books represent the Cambodian experience, I have picked these five books to give you an introduction to this gorgeous country.

First They Killed My Father, by Loung Ung

I can’t start this list without referencing the Khmer Rouge dictatorship and genocide in the 1970’s that caused the deaths of many thousands of Cambodians. This is one of the darkest moments of Cambodian history, yet that doesn’t mean that we should forget about it.

First They Killed My Father is a non fiction memoir from the perspective of Loung who was a small child when Pol Pot took power. A blend of harrowing and hopeful, this book is a beautiful must read.

In the Shadow of the Banyan, by Vaddey Ratner

If fiction is more your thing, then give In the Shadow of the Banyan a go. This is a fictionalised story of a child leaving Cambodia due to the Khmer Rouge. In the Shadow of the Banyan shows the transcendent power of narrative and a brilliantly wrought tale of human resilience.

Out of the Shadows of Angkor, edited by Frank Stewart

This collection of short stories, translations and artwork spans 14 Centuries of literature from Cambodia. If you want to discover more about Cambodian literature away from the atrocities of the Pol Pot regime, this collection is for you!

Afterparties, by Anthony Veasna So

There is a movement in Cambodian-American authors looking to move away from just writing about the trauma they, and their parents, lived through. Afterparties is a fantastic short story collection showing all the nuances of generational trauma, queer identity and living in America.

Dara Palmer’s Major Drama, by Emma Shevah

Finally on this list I’ve got a middle grade following Dara, a young girl who was adopted as a baby from Cambodia. Dara wants to be an actress, but when she doesn’t get a part in the school play she wonders if its because she looks different, so comes up with a plan to change not only her school, but the world.

I hope you have found some books to add to your TBR on this list. I’ve included a few honourable mentions below if you need even more recs!

Figurehead, by Patrick Allington– what would you do if you save a man’s life, but he goes on to be a leading figure in one of the bloodiest revolutions in modern times?

The Stone Goddess, by Minfong Ho this YA book tells the fictional story of a 12 year old girl escaping the Khmer Rouge regime and surviving a labour camp

Holiday in Cambodia, by Laura Jean McKay a short story collection by an Australian author; this collection explores a Westerners view of Cambodia.

A Nail the Evening Hangs On, by Monica Sok a poetry collection from a child of refugees. This collection deals with generational trauma and inherited PTSD

Ma and Me, by Putsata Reang this memoir explores the close bond between mother and daughter, and the strain that coming out put on their relationship