My Survival in the Killing Fields

By: Mao Sim

Narrated by: Laura Jackman

The genocide in Cambodia, which took place following the Khmer Rouge takeover in 1975, is difficult to comprehend. For many, particularly in the west, it is an ugly scar which taints the reputation of the country and the region as a whole. For others, and some who survived it and lived through the mass killings, starvation, and forced marches, it is something which has defined them in a way that cannot be quantified.

My Survival in the Killing Fields tells the story of one incredible woman, Mao Sim, and the extraordinary journey she undertook as a young girl, emerging from the horror of the conflict which engulfed her country to try to find a new life amidst the pointless destruction.

But her escape from one dangerous situation leads her into another, as she was to become an abused wife in a loveless arranged marriage.

Alone, with nobody to confide in, Mao was forced to deal with senseless brutality for the second time in her life, fighting to maintain her dignity and even her sanity, while still grieving for the family she had lost, until finally she managed to break free and find the true happiness she had always sought.

An inspirational book. One of fighting impossible odds, but one ultimately of hope.

©2014 Mao Sim (P)2016 Mao Sim

The accent ruined it for me

Canadian? Wisconsin? Not sure but it really pulled me out of the story. Can't say I'd recommend the audiobook version, but the story is interesting if heartbreaking at times.

Amazing story!

Where does My Survival in the Killing Fields rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of the most captivating audiobook memoirs that I have listened so far! It is about a women who has survived the horrors of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia during the 1970's, when she was just a little girl. She lost her family members, faced loneliness, and even when she managed to escape the danger, she was forced into a loveless arranged marriage and was abused by her husband. But she never gave up in seeking happiness and freedom! I truly admire Mao Sim and I don't wanna write spoilers, but the message of this audiobook is to NEVER give up and to push forward even when feeling hopeless.

Powerful story about survival

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A touching book about how one's life can have a very lonely and hard path to freedom and happiness. I love Mao Sim writing style and her story was fascinating. I can totally see this book one day as a movie, it would be a blockbuster. The narrator also did a very good job, everything was easy to understand and she expressed emotions with her voice really good. I am not a native English so a good narration is extremely important to me. I give this book 5 stars!!!

Excellent !!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Great story telling for someone with no previous experience as a writer, Mao Sim should definitely continue to write after this book. I have enjoyed listening to her story about how much she struggled to finally get a life that she deserves, and almost cried at certain chapters. I had no idea that life in Cambodia was that hard in the 70's. I would recommend this autobiography to anyone with a heart!

the story of a brave woman

Would you consider the audio edition of My Survival in the Killing Fields to be better than the print version?

Hearing someone else read and tell the story with inflection in their voice makes a wold of difference when listening to an audio book. Especially when the audio book is a memoir like this one.

What did you like best about this story?

I love that even though every turn through out Mai Sim's life something bad happened she still keep it together and carried on when the rest of us would more than likely give up and find a way to end it all. She is a positive roll model and her story is very empowering.

Which scene was your favorite?

I'm not sure favorite is the right word there are a lot of sad scenes, I cried about 8 times while listening to this audio book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was very moved by this book, emotionally this book had me crying so much. I feel so much for the author (Mai Sim). Loosing your family is hard, being married to an abusive spouse is hard, and Mai Sim held her head high and carried on. I am inspired by Mai Sim to never give up, if she can go through all that, my stupid little problems can be fought through also.

A great story

When I say a great story, I don't mean what she went through as a child with the life of horrors, I mean it's great to see that she is happy now, despite the life she is had.