A Clash of Innocents

This novel is great for anyone traveling to Cambodia; it gives a great sense of the history and culture of the country, whilst still providing an interesting story. Definitely worth a read!

Here's a review from Amazon:

'A Clash Of Innocents' is a beautifully written book. I was just over half-way through it by bedtime last night, and only meant to read a few more pages, but was compelled to finish the book before going to sleep. The characters are unusually well realised: Deborah, Samnang, Amanda and Kyle will live in my memory for a long time. So will Cambodia. I've never travelled to any country in the Far East, but I could see the bustling markets, hear the temple gongs and feel the monsoon rain on my skin.

Although the themes of the book are serious - love; family; growing up; how people live after trauma; managing the delicate balance between helping others and helping ourselves - they are handled with a deft, light touch. Everything is firmly seen through the eyes of the characters, so that information about Cambodian history and politics is included without a single didactic moment. My eyes filled with tears a couple of times, and I laughed out loud at one point. It is a rare pleasure to find a book which is both so intelligent and so readable. Highly recommended.