Angkat: The Cambodian Cinderella [Hardcover]

Jewell R. Coburn (Author), Eddie Flotte (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

In the first English retelling of this ancient Cambodian tale, our heroine goes further, survives more, and has to conquer her own mortality to ragain her rightful place. Angkat—child of ashes—endures great wrongs as she seeks to rise above the distresses caused by her own family. Angkat appeared in an 18th century French essay which was found by Dr. Coburn deep in some dusty archives while she was researching Khmer culture and folklore. The artist effectively employed dramatic expressions, gestures, and ambiance in each illustration. This ancient and truly captivating version of the Cinderella story will delight and enthrall readers of all ages.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-The author of Jouanah: A Hmong Cinderella (Shen's, 1996) presents a Cambodian version of this protean tale. Angkat, the obedient daughter of a fisherman, finds her position threatened when her widowed father marries a woman with a daughter of her own. To decide which girl will be Number One in the family, Stepmother arranges a fishing contest. Kantok wins by cheating, relegating Angkat to a servant's role. Her only friend is a magic fish she caught and freed. When Kantok sees the fish, she kills it. Suddenly the Spirit of Virtue appears; this radiant presence gives Angkat a pair of dainty golden slippers that eventually lead her to her prince and a royal wedding. The story takes an unexpected turn when Angkat's jealous family lures her back home to murder her, but the Spirit of Virtue raises her from the dead, the family is punished, and Angkat and her prince live happily ever after. The author cites a 19th-century French essay as her source, but she has not developed the material into an entirely coherent narrative. The writing is occasionally awkward, and events, especially the appearance of the Spirit of Virtue, occur without sufficient context. The watercolor illustrations, sometimes confusing and hard to decipher, look more like gallery paintings than narrative art. Libraries collecting every possible version of the Cinderella story may want this one, but it is not a first purchase.
Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"The illustrator has a fine hand, and his watercolors are detailed and delightful." -- MultiCultural Review

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Shens Books; 1st edition (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885008090
• ISBN-13: 978-1885008091
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #855,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An attractive tale that can be savored by readers of all age, December 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Angkat: The Cambodian Cinderella (Hardcover)

Underneath the vast differences between the customs and way of daily life in this colorful Eastern land of long ago and the settings of the traditional Cinderella story are enough similarities to enlist the interest and sympathies of the modern-day reader. More important are the universal values which permeate this charming tale-compassion, fidelity to one's family (even if it brings pain,) and justice. An attractive, multicultural tale that can be savored by readers of all ages.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not appropriate for my children, March 13, 2007

By 

Linda Greeson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Angkat: The Cambodian Cinderella (Hardcover)

The illustrations are very nice. The original story was written by a French folklorist while living in Cambodia in the 1800's so the story may be an authentic Cambodian tale. However, I returned the book after reading to myself. I did not think it was appropriate for my children. The "Spirit of Virtue" helps the girl (who looks like a female Buddha) and guides her. The spirits "presence is felt". The main character Angkat is actually killed by her father, stepmother, and stepsister (they pushed her into a steaming cauldron) At the end the "Spirit of Virtue" brings her back to life (I think- its unclear whether she is actually alive or a spirit presence now) The Spirit of Virtue "blesses".
If these issues don't bother you, then you will like the book. If you would have difficulty reading these things to your child, skip it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cinderella Tale with an Authentic Cultural Beat, November 17, 2009

By 

Lynn Ellingwood "The ESOL Teacher" (Webster, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Angkat: The Cambodian Cinderella (Hardcover)

Angkat feels to me like a true "fairy tale" from a distant land. The story of a girl who is befriended by a fish is common in many Asian cultures and this one is similar to others but this story includes a distinct Khmer bent. I really enjoyed it and the differences were refreshing.