It's a heartbreaking story, but also inspiring. As Americans we are taught little if nothing about modern Asian history. Through her story the reader can get a sense of the political atmosphere in Cambodia. However, because it is the story through the eyes of a child it will serve to spark your interests to learn about the details of the political machine that so horribly impacted Loung Ung's family and fellow Cambodians.

This review from Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, author of Dead Man Walking sums it up:

"Despite the tragedy all around her, this scrappy kid struggles for life and beats the odds. Ithought youn Ung's story would make me sd. But this spunky child warrior carried me with her in her courageous quest for life. Reading these pages has strengthened me in my own struggle to disarm the posers of violence in this world."