50 pages 1 hour read

Vaddey Ratner

In The Shadow Of The Banyan

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In the Shadow of the Banyan follows Raami, a seven-year-old girl from a Cambodian royal family, living in 1970s Phnom Penh. Her family is forced from their home by the Khmer Rouge and faces intense persecution. To survive, they pose as farmers but are gradually separated and endure harrowing experiences as they navigate the brutal realities of the Cambodian genocide. Descriptions of war and trauma are present.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner is a poignant tale that masterfully illustrates the Cambodian genocide through a child's eyes. Readers praise its lyrical prose and emotional depth. However, some feel the narrative pace can be slow. Overall, it's a compelling fusion of historical tragedy and enduring hope.

Who should read this

Who Should Read In The Shadow Of The Banyan?

Readers who appreciate The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung will find In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner compelling. It appeals to those drawn to poignant, personal narratives set against turbulent historical backdrops.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Auto/Biographical Fiction

Topics

Class

History: Asian

Politics / Government

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Period

Vietnam War

Asian Literature