A great story that should be read by everyone. It makes you glad you live in a free land where no human is subjected to life threatening matters like those discussed in the story. WOW again!High praise from a critical reader In general I think that Amazon customers rate books too highly, but I cannot say enough good things about this book. The author has an excellent, readable writing style. Combined with the amazing story of her family's experiences in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge, this book is nearly impossible to put down. I finished it in two days and when I was not reading it, I was thinking about it. I only wish that the author would have told us a bit more about her life in the U.S. and what became of her other family members. However, I cannot imagine that anyone would dislike this book.
I knew very little about Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge, or the killing fields. I am glad I read the book, as it gave me a better understanding of events that took place in my lifetime.
In a beautiful story about courage and loyalty to family even when staring death in the face, it is impossible not to become attatched to characters such as Pa, Mak and Chea. Although I cannot deny that parts of the story are left unfinished, such as Ra's first marriage and subsequently her second marriage to bang Ventha, which left me wondering what eventuated, it does not detract from the overall effect of the book.
It is heartwrenching to read of the hunger, death and inhumane conditions Thy and her family endured at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. As cliched as it sounds, it truly does make one realise how blessed we are to be living in a country where atrocities such as what Thy suffered no longer occur...
"When Broken Glass Floats" is one of those rare books that remains etched in your memory long after the last page closes...