When The War Was Over

When the War Was Over chronicles Cambodia's tragedy under the Khmer Rouge regime, drawing from extensive research and firsthand accounts. Elizabeth Becker, who reported from Cambodia in the 1970s, presents interviews with survivors, leaders, and international figures involved in this period of history. The book traces Cambodia's transformation from a peaceful Buddhist society to the site of one of the twentieth century's worst genocides. It examines the complex political and social factors that enabled the rise of Pol Pot and his communist revolutionaries, while documenting the experiences of both urban and rural Cambodians during this time. The narrative encompasses the international dimensions of Cambodia's crisis, including the roles of Vietnam, the United States, and China. Becker's access to key figures and previously unavailable documents provides insight into the diplomatic machinations and policy decisions that shaped Cambodia's fate. This work stands as both historical record and analysis of how ideology, power, and nationalism can combine with devastating consequences. Through its examination of Cambodia's darkest period, the book raises universal questions about human nature and political extremism.

Readers describe this as a detailed account of Cambodia's history and the Khmer Rouge regime, backed by Becker's firsthand reporting and extensive research. Readers appreciate: - Primary source interviews with survivors and former Khmer Rouge members - Clear explanations of complex political dynamics - Personal testimonies and stories that illustrate the human impact - Documentation of international factors that enabled the regime Common criticisms: - Dense political details can be overwhelming for casual readers - Some sections feel disorganized or jump between time periods - Limited coverage of certain regions and ethnic groups Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (371 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (92 ratings) Notable reader comments: "The most comprehensive account of Cambodia's tragedy" - Amazon reviewer "Too much focus on political machinations versus daily life under the regime" - Goodreads reviewer "Her access to key figures and documents makes this the definitive work" - LibraryThing reviewer

First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung A survivor's account of the Khmer Rouge regime details life under Pol Pot through a child's perspective while documenting the broader historical context of Cambodia.

The Gate by François Bizot A French ethnologist captured by the Khmer Rouge in 1971 presents insights into the evolution of the Communist movement and the mindset of its leaders before the fall of Phnom Penh.

River of Time by Jon Swain A war correspondent's memoir covers the fall of Cambodia and Vietnam through firsthand observations of the conflicts' pivotal moments and their aftermath.

Brother Enemy: The War After the War by Nayan Chanda This examination of post-1975 Indochina traces the connections between Cambodia, Vietnam, and China during the reconstruction period following the Khmer Rouge regime.

To Destroy You Is No Loss by Teeda Butt Mam, Joan D. Criddle The story of a Cambodian family's survival through the Khmer Rouge period provides documentation of daily life under the regime through personal experiences.

🔹 Elizabeth Becker was one of only two Western journalists allowed into Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime in 1978, giving her rare firsthand exposure to the brutal regime she would later document. 🔹 The book reveals how Prince Sihanouk, while in exile, initially supported the Khmer Rouge, a decision he would later deeply regret as the movement turned against him and imprisoned his own family members. 🔹 The author conducted extensive interviews with Khmer Rouge leader Ieng Sary in Bangkok after his defection, providing unique insights into the inner workings of Pol Pot's government. 🔹 The research draws from thousands of pages of previously unseen documents from the Soviet archives, showing how deeply involved Vietnam and the Soviet Union were in Cambodia's internal politics. 🔹 Becker's work helped document how the Khmer Rouge transformed traditional Buddhist temples into prisons and execution sites, demonstrating their systematic attempt to destroy Cambodian culture and religion.