First Person Salon Preview: Daravann Yi
Salt Seeker is Daravann Yi’s extraordinary memoir of his flight from Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge to a Thai refugee camp:
After the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, ousted the democratic Lon Nol’s government and took complete control of Cambodia on April 17th, 1975, the jubilation lasted for less than 12 hours. That afternoon, 3:00p.m., Khmer Rouge started to empty the city of Phnom Penh and the city went into chaos. The Khmer Rouge announced, “Everyone must leave the city immediately for three days so that we can clean up the city. Then you would be allowed to return to your home. You must pack just enough stuff to use for three days. Leave the city immediately.” Once all the people who had no political ties with the communist Khmer Rouge arrived at the country sides; the farm, they turned everyone into farmers and peasants. Then the killing began.
Daravann Yi will read from his gripping account at the First Person Salon, February 11th 7:30pm-9:30pm. He’ll be joined by filmmaker Cecelia Smith, blogger Katie Sweeney, and photographer Marianne Bernstein. Get your tickets in advance or at the door, but do not miss the kick off to the season of salons!
You can read more about Daravann Yi at his website.
First Person Salon
Feb. 11th, 2009 7:30-9:30 (Doors at 7pm)
Location: Laurie Beechman Cabaret at The University of the Arts
(Philadelphia Arts Bank, 601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia)
Admission: $8
Buy advance tickets!
I read the book and still cannot believe Daravann made it out alive.
It is the kind of book you keep reading because it is so unbelievable.
It is a good read and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I haven’t finished it yet, but you’re right, it’s a real page turner! Thanks for commenting, Frank.
Leave your response!
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