63 pages • 2 hours read
Loung UngFirst They Killed My Father
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2000A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
First They Killed My Father is a memoir by Loung Ung recounting her experiences and survival during the Cambodian genocide under Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979. The story follows young Loung and her family's struggles as they are forced to leave Phnom Penh, endure various labor camps, and face the horrific deaths of family members. During the Khmer Rouge reign, Ung is separated from her family, encounters extreme hardships, and eventually escapes to a Thai refugee camp before resettling in America with her brother Meng. The book contains descriptions of genocide, starvation, and death.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Loung Ung's First They Killed My Father provides a harrowing account of her childhood under the Khmer Rouge regime. Praised for its vivid, honest portrayal and emotional depth, it effectively immerses readers in the tragedies and resilience of a survivor. However, some critics find its narrative style occasionally inconsistent. An essential yet challenging read about human endurance.
Who Should Read First They Killed My Father?
Readers who were captivated by The Diary of Anne Frank or Night will find First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung equally compelling. This memoir appeals to those interested in survival stories, historical accounts of war, and personal narratives about resilience in the face of terror.
RecommendedReading Age
15-18yearsLexile Level
920L