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1955: Cambodia is on the brink of a major change..
1955: Cambodia is on the brink of a major change..
Cambodia, 1955. The country is on the brink of a major change, with the first democratic elections just around the corner. In the midst of the frenzy, we meet Sar-a quiet, likeable man in his early thirties who is campaigning for the opposition, but secretly working for an armed Communist takeover. Many years later, he will become known to the world as Pol Pot. Now, Sar is thinking about Somaly, the woman he is engaged to be married to and wants to build a life with. The outcome of the election will determine whether they have a future together. With his personal and political life at stake, Sar has everything to lose when his political rival, vice premier Sary, also notices the beautiful Somaly, and takes up the struggle for her affection. And of course Somaly – young, bored, beautiful-has an agenda of her own. Over the course of thirty days, and against the backdrop of political power games, a love triangle unfolds in the sweltering summer heat, in an atmosphere tense with ambition.
This political thriller takes the readers back to Cambodia in 1955 on the eve of the country’s first democratic elections. The rest of the book then takes you from that moment and on a journey over the next month as the political situation of the country gets more and more dangerous
Sar is a character who works for the Democrats whilst secretly being allied to the Communists. He is based on a real character with an altogether more shocking name : Pol Pot, the very man/monster behind the Khmer Rouge revolution.
The ability to spend time in a country on such a pivotal moment in history is fascinating. Dangerous and evil, yet fascinating. Time and place are well evoked and the voices of those speaking come through loud and clear.
Destination : Cambodia Author/Guide: Peter Fröberg Idling Departure Time: 1955
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