BOOK REVIEW
“Reflections of a Khmer Soul”
Published Jan. 7, 2008
By K. Joy Wood
my.style Contributor
“Dear World,” begins Navy Phim’s memoir-like exploration of experiences, thoughts and questions. “I cannot fight and die for you, but I can speak a little on your behalf, examining the sentiments of war and the wasted blood that has spilled over you. I am an earth child rooted in Cambodia. I have lived a life that requests expression and understanding.”
It is this Cambodian-American’s journey to find personal expression and understanding that is Phim’s primary and passionate mission in her autobiographical debut, “Reflections of a Khmer Soul.” From recollections of her childhood in Cambodia to revelations of her current life in Long Beach, the author poignantly reflects on what it means to be of two different cultures, half a world apart, and to find meaningful reconciliation with historical tragedy as well as with the demands of modern living.
“I’ve tried to make sense out of where I came from in terms of the stigma of the Killing Fields, the issue of identity and the process of assimilation here in the states,” shares Phim. “I believe that sharing myself helps me connect to others, and my hope is that this book offers to Cambodians living in Long Beach, and to the greater community, a better understanding of how we live and how we want to participate in and contribute to our community.”
In addition to providing insights to her personal journey, Phim also offers a window to past and current conflict among Cambodians both in their native land and here in Long Beach. Her recollections include the April 2005 dispute about the date for a New Year’s parade in what is now Cambodia Town in Long Beach.
The initial date had coincided with the date that Khmer Rouge had claimed victory in Cambodia, leaving about one million people dead.
While the conflict was resolved with a date change, it stirred many issues within Phim, including her focus on humans and their biases.
“We need to remember to evaluate our own biases and perspectives, not only politically but even about what our idea of beauty is,” Phim states.
Indeed, not only does Reflections of a Khmer Soul examine local and international bias across multiple cultures, but also rhetorically questions the existence of cruelty among humankind; ultimately, she finds that pity overrides anger after discovering the often frail, bewildered souls beneath the exteriors of those who have committed atrocities against fellow beings.
The author closes with honoring the need for dignity and respect for all humans, rather than allowing the filling of shallow graves.
To purchase a copy of the book or for more details, visit www.navyphim.com. Phim frequently offers a percentage of her book sales for Cambodian-related fundraising and educational events, and she is available for speaking engagements.
It is this Cambodian-American’s journey to find personal expression and understanding that is Phim’s primary and passionate mission in her autobiographical debut, “Reflections of a Khmer Soul.” From recollections of her childhood in Cambodia to revelations of her current life in Long Beach, the author poignantly reflects on what it means to be of two different cultures, half a world apart, and to find meaningful reconciliation with historical tragedy as well as with the demands of modern living.
“I’ve tried to make sense out of where I came from in terms of the stigma of the Killing Fields, the issue of identity and the process of assimilation here in the states,” shares Phim. “I believe that sharing myself helps me connect to others, and my hope is that this book offers to Cambodians living in Long Beach, and to the greater community, a better understanding of how we live and how we want to participate in and contribute to our community.”
In addition to providing insights to her personal journey, Phim also offers a window to past and current conflict among Cambodians both in their native land and here in Long Beach. Her recollections include the April 2005 dispute about the date for a New Year’s parade in what is now Cambodia Town in Long Beach.
The initial date had coincided with the date that Khmer Rouge had claimed victory in Cambodia, leaving about one million people dead.
While the conflict was resolved with a date change, it stirred many issues within Phim, including her focus on humans and their biases.
“We need to remember to evaluate our own biases and perspectives, not only politically but even about what our idea of beauty is,” Phim states.
Indeed, not only does Reflections of a Khmer Soul examine local and international bias across multiple cultures, but also rhetorically questions the existence of cruelty among humankind; ultimately, she finds that pity overrides anger after discovering the often frail, bewildered souls beneath the exteriors of those who have committed atrocities against fellow beings.
The author closes with honoring the need for dignity and respect for all humans, rather than allowing the filling of shallow graves.
To purchase a copy of the book or for more details, visit www.navyphim.com. Phim frequently offers a percentage of her book sales for Cambodian-related fundraising and educational events, and she is available for speaking engagements.
