In The Shadow Of The Banyan

What is the historical context around the Cambodian genocide? Who were the Khmer Rouge? What did they want and why did they go about pursuing those objectives in the manner they did?

Why do you think Ratner chose to write a novel rather than a memoir about her experiences? What are the benefits and drawbacks of that decision?

Early on, Big Uncle says of the revolution, “This one is just beginning, and I’m not sure what it is. It has yet to be named” (49). What does Big Uncle mean by this? Where is the line drawn between revolution and genocide? And how does the course of history affect the names given to these events?