Customer Reviews

Music Through the Dark: A Tale of Survival in Cambodia (Intersections (Honolulu, Hawaii).)

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Daran Kravanh survived against all odds and, in this collaborative effort, his story unfolds. There is much more than suffering, though, in this story. Gently, simply, and beautifully, his life is described: in Cambodia before the Khmer Rouge and during nearly unimaginable years of famine and deprivation. National history as well as that of his close large family, their culture, religion - including food, festivals, personalities, and a panoply of observations about nature and the animal (and spirit) world. Kravanh's deep attachment to music, specifically (and to this reader, surprisingly) the accordion, is a theme, and a source of sustenance in the years of his suffering.

There are countless themes that are reinforced in this story. His parents, especially the personality of his remarkable father are described rivetingly and memorably.

Lafreniere, Daran's collaborator in this work, describes their method in a prefatory note. "It is not," she writes, "a translation, an oral history, or an autobiography." Lafreniere goes on to write that it is the result of "the interplay of opposites," presumably those of herself and Daran. In my view, this is disconcertingly vague and isn't an adequate discussion of methodology. There was extensive collaboration, (no tape recorder), and the reader deserves a clear description of the method that produced such an amazing account. It's a shortcoming of this otherwise amazing, eye-opening, and soulful story.

This is a stunning account of living and surviving in the Khmer Rouge's Cambodia. Daran is a talented musician who witnesses the rise of the Khmer Rouge and the death of his family. He is initially captured and escapes to the jungle where he fights starvation. Eventually he joins a Khmer cooperative and faces the daily threat of violence and death. Through the acquisition of an accordion and the opportunity to play for various soldiers his life is spared on numerous occasions. Through his various work details he meets many people trying to retain their dignity and history in the face of violence and starvation. His compassion and music allow others to maintain a hold on their humanity and even saves his life when faced with unbearable despair. The book is an easy read and both a testament to one person's will to live and the beauty to found in the darkest hours. I also enjoyed many of the anecdotes interspersed throughout about Cambodian life and culture. Anyone interested in an eye witness account to living under the Khmer Rouge or in Cambodian culture would enjoy this read.

This is one of the most moving books I have ever read. I happen to know the author but didn't expect the book to be as special as it was. Since reading it I have met the subject of the book, Daran, and he is, in person, just as he was in the book--a very wonderful, warm and loving man. His story is inspirational and courageous. LaFraniere is a superb writer, capable of expressing what Daran experienced in lyrical prose, never sentimentalizing. Daran is still working to make Cambodia a better place and still cries when he remembers that period of his life. But he also cries with joy when he makes presentations and plays his accordion for the people who come to see him and to support his work.

Thank you, Daran for sharing your powerful story with the world. I was deeply moved by your honest account of such difficult times. Your tales of how music saved your life and the lives of others in so many mysterious ways brings an inspiring light of hope throughout your tragic story. Thank you again for sharing.

It was great meeting you in person as well! I wish the best for you in the future.

One of the better crafted personal experience stories from the Pol Pot era of Cambodia, and one which provides a more introspective view of the survivor's thoughts and feelings.

I've read about a dozen accounts of survival during the Khmer Rouge regime, and this is one of the few that really attempts to describe life in its entirety--there is a tendency among these accounts to focus on the brutality, pain and suffering and leave out everything else. Such stories are empty from a narrative standpoint, and can be very repetitive.

Bree LaFreniere draws out her protagonist's sensations and emotions and depicts the world as seen through his senses--not just the horror of the Cambodian Holocaust. While the story is still painful and tragic, we feel much more as if we are there with Daran, listening to his music and feeling his utter hopelessness.

My only complaint is that at the end we are left with "That is how I survived...", but then what? What made Daran decide to flee? How has he dealt with his memories over the years? The survival story by itself is less meaningful if not endowed with some meaning or value. Even so, my guess is that this book will stand out from the multitude of books on the Pol Pot era, many of which were ghost-written by less sensitive and less talented authors.

This book is beautifully written! A very touching, even though tragic story. Bree's words are beautiful.

This is by far the most powerful story and inspirational book I have ever read! One word....BEAUTIFUL.