In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner - 3 stars

[Ellen]

Raami is only 7 years old when the Khmer Rouge takes over Cambodia in 1975. She is the daughter of a prince who has spent his life writing mystical poetry. Raami's family is ousted from their royal home and, along with thousands of other residents of Phnom Penh, are sent into the countryside where they must fend for themselves. Over and over again Raami and her family are separated and sent further and further into rural areas where the food is scarce and any modern convenience completely unheard-of. Although promised a bright future under the leadership of the Khmer Rouge, or the "Organization", thousands perish during the 4 years the organization was in power. Raami, and what is left of her family, fight to survive against nearly insurmountable odds.

I knew very little about Cambodia and the tyranny of the Khmer Rouge so this was an eye-opening story for me in that way. Raami is a charming little girl with a wonderful relationship with her father who has filled her life with stories of magic and ethereal beings. The hardship this family, and thousands of Cambodians, faced is mind-numbing. Unfortunately I found the story a bit tedious after awhile with the constant references to genies, angels, spirits, etc. It was not my cup of tea but I can see why other readers would thoroughly enjoy it.

[Anita]

Dang. I was pretty interested in this book until you said:

Unfortunately I found the story a bit tedious after awhile with the constant references to genies, angels, spirits, etc.

We all know how I like genies, angels and spirits permeating my literature, not. That and 3 stars sounds like a no, but I would like to read a novel about Cambodia . . .I also don't know a whole lot about that country or the Khmer Rouge.

[Nicole R]

And, on the other end of the spectrum (or maybe middle of the spectrum) those mystical/magical elements don't bother me so I may enjoy this more than you.

I do want to get to this one sometime this year. Maybe this month if I have time but I have another audio I want to get to first...

[Tracy]

Anita wrote: "Dang. I was pretty interested in this book until you said:

Unfortunately I found the story a bit tedious after awhile with the constant references to genies, angels, spirits, etc.

We all know how..."

I don’t recall magical realism in the book. Her father told her fairy tales to help her cope, and she repeated the stories, is what I remember. But it’s been a while since I read it...

[Jgrace]

I read this one last year. I don't think I'd call any part of it magical realism. Cambodian religious and folk mythology is used metaphorically, and as told from a child's perspective, someone who believes in the existance of these beings. I think Tracy is right. The stories become a coping mechanism for a child who is dealing with atrocities.

[Ellen]

I agree that it's not magical realism and some of the folk tales are lovely but after awhile I had my fill. I am very much in the minority on this (as with "Lolita") apparently so do not let me dissuade anyone from reading this.

[Booknblues]

Anita wrote: "Dang. I was pretty interested in this book until you said:

Unfortunately I found the story a bit tedious after awhile with the constant references to genies, angels, spirits, etc.

We all know how..."

This is not magical realism at all. I loved this book. You should really think of it as a memoir as it is the author's own story.

I loved it. I have read quite a bit about the Khmer Rouge, although I am by no means an expert.

[Denizen]

Anita wrote: "Dang. I was pretty interested in this book until you said:

Unfortunately I found the story a bit tedious after awhile with the constant references to genies, angels, spirits, etc.

We all know how..."

I don't remember the book as having any magical realism either. It was a strong 5 star read for me.

[Anita]

Ellen wrote: "I agree that it's not magical realism and some of the folk tales are lovely but after awhile I had my fill. I am very much in the minority on this (as with "Lolita") apparently so do not let me dis..."

Yeah, even if it isn't magical realism, I do think that fairy tales or mythology within a book need to be really engaging for me to like them. I know there is often a point to them, but I sort of put them in the same realm as dream sequences . . .I don't love reading them and am not always sure what the point was. I need to be less of a concrete thinker apparently.