Around the World in 80 Books discussion

Start discussion here for In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner.

from LitLovers

Summary
You are about to read an extraordinary story. It will take you to the very depths of despair and show you unspeakable horrors.

It will reveal a gorgeously rich culture struggling to survive through a furtive bow, a hidden ankle bracelet, fragments of remembered poetry. It will ensure that the world never forgets the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia between 1975 and 1979, when an estimated two million people lost their lives. It will give you hope, and it will confirm the power of storytelling to lift us up and help us not only survive but transcend suffering, cruelty, and loss.

For seven-year-old Raami, the shattering end of childhood begins with the footsteps of her father returning home in the early dawn hours, bringing details of the civil war that has overwhelmed the streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Soon the family’s world of carefully guarded royal privilege is swept up in the chaos of revolution and forced exodus. Over the next four years, as the Khmer Rouge attempts to strip the population of every shred of individual identity, Raami clings to the only remaining vestige of her childhood— the mythical legends and poems told to her by her father.

In a climate of systematic violence where memory is sickness and justification for execution, Raami fights for her improbable survival. Displaying the author’s extraordinary gift for language, In the Shadow of the Banyan is a brilliantly wrought tale of human resilience. (From the publisher.)

Discussion Questions
1.According to the prophecy that Grandmother Queen tells Raami at the beginning of the novel, “There will remain only so many of us as rest in the shadow of a banyan tree.” What does the prophecy mean to Raami when she first hears it? How does her belief in the prophecy change by the end of the novel? After reading, what does the title of this novel mean to you?

2.Tata tells Raami, “The problem with being seven—I remember myself at that age—is that you’re aware of so much, and yet you understand so little. So you imagine the worst.” Discuss Raami’s impressions as a seven-year-old. How much is she aware of, and how much (or little) does she understand?

3.Review the scene in which Raami tells the Kamapibal her father’s real name. How does this serve as a turning point in the novel—what changes forever after this revelation? How does it affect Raami, and her relationship with both Papa and Mama?

4.Papa tells Raami, “I told you stories to give you wings, Raami, so that you would never be trapped by anything—your name, your title, the limits of your body, this world’s suffering.” How does the power of storytelling liberate Raami at different points in the novel?

5.Compare Mama’s and Papa’s styles of storytelling. When does each parent tell Raami stories, and what role do these stories serve? Which of Papa’s stories did you find most memorable? Which of Mama’s?

6.Consider Raami and her family’s Buddhist faith. How do their beliefs help them endure life under the Khmer Rouge?

7.Discuss Raami’s feelings of guilt over losing Papa and Radana. Why does she feel responsible for Papa’s decision to leave the family? For Radana’s death? How does she deal with her own guilt and grief?

8.What does Big Uncle have in common with Papa, and how do the two brothers differ? How does Big Uncle handle the responsibility of keeping his family together? What ultimately breaks his spirit?

9.Raami narrates, “my polio, time and again, had proven a blessing in disguise.” Discuss Raami’s disability, and its advantages and disadvantages during her experiences.

10.Although Raami endures so much hardship in the novel, in some ways she is a typical inquisitive child. What aspects of her character were you able to relate to?

11.Discuss how the Organization is portrayed in the novel. How does Raami picture the Organization to look, sound, and act? How do the Organization’s policies and strategies evolve over the course of the novel?

12.Names have a strong significance in the novel. Papa tells Raami he named her Vattaaraami, “Because you are my temple and my garden, my sacred ground, and in you I see all of my dreams.” What does Papa’s own name, Sisowath Ayuravann, mean? What traditions and stories are passed down through these names?

13.Consider Raami’s stay with Pok and Mae. Discuss what and how both Raami and Mama learn from them, albeit differently. Do you think their stay with Pok and Mae gave them hope?

14.“Remember who you are,” Mama tells Raami when they settle in Stung Khae. How does Raami struggle to maintain her identity as a daughter, a member of the royal family, and a Buddhist? Why does Mama later change her advice and encourage Raami to forget her identity?

15.Mama tells Raami after Radana’s death, “I live because of you—for you. I’ve chosen you over Radana.” Discuss Mama’s complicated feelings for her two daughters. Why did Raami assume that Radana was her mother’s favorite, and how does Mama’s story change Raami’s mind?

16.At the end of the novel, Raami realizes something new about her father’s decision to give himself up to the Kamapibal: “I’d mistaken his words and deeds, his letting go, for detachment, when in fact he was seeking rebirth, his own continuation in the possibility of my survival.” Discuss Papa’s “words and deeds” before he leaves the family. Why did Raami mistake his intentions, and how does she come to realize the truth about him?

17.How much did you know about the Khmer Rouge before reading In the Shadow of the Banyan? What did you learn?
(Questions issued by publisher.)

About the Author
Vaddey Ratner was five years old when the Khmer Rouge came to power in 1975. After four years, having endured forced labor, starvation, and near execution, she escaped while many of her family members perished.

In 1981, she arrived in the U.S. as a refugee not knowing English and, in 1990, went on to graduate as her high school class valedictorian. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Cornell University, where she specialized in Southeast Asian history and literature. In recent years she traveled and lived in Cambodia and Southeast Asia, writing and researching, which culminated in her debut novel, In the Shadow of the Banyan.

I read this a couple of years ago and enjoyed it.

Telling the story from a child's point of view is a very effective method - it lends enough distance to somewhat soften the harshness of the reality. Raami's constant association of events with fairy tales and folk lore also help to buffet, and lend a dream-like sense of folk tale to the whole story of Raami and her family.

There are so many stories and myths that I doubt I will be able to remember which one I might favor, but what I really like are the instances of poetry and verse. Raani's father wrote beautiful poetry... so, is the poetry the product of the author, or is this autobiographical enough that the author's relative might have written it? I wonder because I would love to see more, if there is any published somewhere.

I agree Janice, when I first began this book yesterday, I was struck by the beauty of the poem in chapter One. I wondered, if the author invented it herself or if its based on a real Cambodian poem, which she translated.
I'm also wondering about the grandmother's prophecy:
"There will remain only so many of us as rest in the shadow of a banyan tree. The fighting will continue. The only safe place is here...under the banyan."
The temple where the narrator and her poet father stumble upon the Old Sweeper is shaded by a banyan... I'm watching out for all the banyan references :)

Missy J wrote: "I'm also wondering about the grandmother's prophecy:
"There will remain only so many of us as rest in the shadow of a banyan tree. The fighting will continue. The only safe place is here...under the banyan."
The temple where the narrator and her poet father stumble upon the Old Sweeper is shaded by a banyan... I'm watching out for all the banyan references :) ..."

That's right, I had forgotten about that. I'll try to pay more attention now : )

Janice(JG) wrote: "Telling the story from a child's point of view is a very effective method - it lends enough distance to somewhat soften the harshness of the reality. Raami's constant association of events with fai..."

I found this interview with the author:
Book Reporter Interview with Vaddey Ratner (2012)

She states that all the poems found in the book are hers. Her father was a pilot, but he loved poetry a lot, she definitely was influenced by that love.

Also, I read in another interview with the author (but I can't find the link right now) that Khmer in itself is a very poetic language, it's derived from Sanskrit.

I'm about to finish the book and will be back for the discussion questions above.

I'm not sure... are spoilers okay in this thread?

Of all the truly moving events in this story, the one I found most touching was (view spoiler)[Raami's handling of Grandmother Queen's last moments on earth... "My tears soaked her palm, and, as if she'd waited for this moment, for my tears to send her home, she pulled her hand back and, hugging it to her chest, closed her eyes... I scooted to the foot of the mat and, bending down, touched my head to her feet... bowing to the life that gave us ours, laying bare our gratitude." (hide spoiler)]

Reading the author's note afterwards, I hadn't realized that Cambodia reverted back to a monarchy and calls itself the "Kingdom of Cambodia." There is a Prime Minister who I think was elected many years ago, but I can't help but wonder what the author's father might have thought of this current state of affairs.

Janice(JG) wrote: "I'm not sure... are spoilers okay in this thread?

Of all the truly moving events in this story, the one I found most touching was [spoilers removed]

Reading the author's note afterwards, I hadn't..."

Yes, Cambodia has a monarch. In interviews with the author, I read that she was re-introduced into the royal family and was given a royal title.

Hi All!

I read this book a couple of years ago, and it has remained one of my top 5 favorite books since then.

As you have noticed the author's lyrical writing, are there any other books that you would recommend? Historical fiction is a particular favorite genre of mine, but I am open to anything and everything else too.

I hope you all enjoy the book as much as I did :)

Thanks!

Hi Bitika,

One of my favorite historical fiction is Alan Brennert's Moloka'i

The story is set in a leper colony in Hawaii. Brilliant account of Hawaiian history, informative about leprosy, and a wonderful coming of age story. And the writing is very captivating. Couldn't put this book down.

Missy J wrote: "Hi Bitika,

One of my favorite historical fiction is Alan Brennert's Moloka'i

The story is set in a leper colony in Hawaii. Brilliant account of ..."

Brennert also wrote Honolulu, another excellent historical fiction account, full of fascinating little known stories about the development of Honolulu and the island of Oahu.

In the Shadow of the Banyan

Raami is the seven-year old daughter of nobility in Cambodia. Her father is a gentle-souled poet. He enjoys telling Raami stories about the gods & about the world, to help her see the beauty in life. Her mother is a graceful, beautiful lady. Raami & Aana both rely on Ayuravann for emotional support & guidance. They both absolutely adore him.

In 1975, Khmer Rouge takes over. Virtually everyone, including Raami's family, is uprooted, dislocated, torn apart, brutalized, decimated. Ayuravann is the first in the family to leave the family. He volunteered himself as nobility to the revolutionaries in order to try to save his family. He made up a story about how he was the only one, the others were part of another family. He expected that, as nobility, he would be executed. He didn't want the same fate to fall on the rest of the family.

For four years, the Khmer Rouge continues to separate loved ones, kill whomever they feel like, force people into slave labor, starve them, terrorize them. (view spoiler)

Through this horrible ordeal, Raami is at first buoyed by the hope that her father would be returned to them. Then, by the belief that his soul went to the moon to shine upon & guide Raami, to remind her that he was still with her. As the years go on, everyone, including Raami, loses hope. They are utterly broken. Only one tiny sliver of hope remains, sustained by a note Ayuravann had written before leaving them.

Vaddey Ratner describes pre-war Cambodia as such a beautiful place, almost like a fairy tale setting. Her descriptions are delicate, soothing, inspirational, beautiful. But the war destroys all of that.

People & relationships, too, are exquisitely portrayed (except that Raami seems too socially-aware & mature for her age). Khmer Rouge does everything it can to destroy those loving relationships, to eliminate empathy & caring among those who still survive. But love is the one thing that could not be destroyed.

The beginning of the book beautifully sets the backdrop for the story. But that part of the story lasted too long for my tastes. I got bored with continually reading about the environs, despite their beauty. The author writes about the first couple of war years' atrocities with a bit of a light touch. Only during the last part of the book did I fully sense the effect of the war on Raami. That made an impact.

As I began reading, I thought I would be giving the book 5 stars. In the middle, I was anticipating 3 stars. The end redeemed some of my misgivings & brought my rating back up to 4 stars. I had a hard time getting through the middle of the book. Yet, I still feel Vaddey Ratner is a very good author.

Group read October 2016
I read October 2016
My rating: 4-star
Region: Asia/Cambodia

I am about halfway through the book so far. I had problems with the concept of royalty at the beginning. This family really had no idea how privileged they were, and some members took it all for granted. Raami's father was more aware of things than the others, but not enough.
I read non-fiction book called First They Killed My Father, which is an astonishing book. I find that as I am comparing In the Shadow of the Banyan unfavourably with that book.
Banyan is fine, but lacking something. I am hoping to be more engaged with the book than I have been.

I am now getting closer to the end, and I see what you mean, Cindy. Knowing that this book is based on her own experiences makes me realize how much she must have suffered, at such a young age.

It has been too long since I read this to jump in on the questions. But I really appreciated it.

Review below


“We are all capable of extraordinary beauty if we dare to dream.”

In this autobiographical work, Ratner recounts the tale of her family’s ordeal during the immediate aftermath of the Khmer Rouge reign of terror in Cambodia between 1975-1979. Raami, the narrator, is seven years old when the black-clad soldiers force everyone to evacuate their homes, constantly relocate the country’s residents throughout the country, and suppresses them under forced labor through unimaginable horrors. Since they are one of the royal blood lines, the family attempts to blend into the crowd. However, once they are discovered, Raami’s father sacrifices himself in order to give the rest of the family a chance at survival.

I really wanted to give this work 5 stars, and it did completely absorb and move me. Raami’s story will stay with me long after I’ve moved on to other reads. The writing is beautiful and haunting at once with a mystical undertone. Having lived it personally, Ratner vividly describes the atrocities that occur under a Communist Revolution not only the initial upheaval, but what it takes to break the individual for “the good of the collective”. What was particularly important to this narrative was the attempted destruction of the concept of the family unit – children don’t belong to parents they belong to the community. Although it is a secondary theme, I think the distinction Ratner draws between those drawn to the cause by ideology, an honest desire for everyone’s needs to be met, versus those that ultimately emerge with power deserves credit. While I don’t share the dream, I can understand the attractiveness of a utopian society to some. However, as Ratner illustrates, history bears out the same results, and impacts, of those attempts. While the history is eye opening and presented well, there are some timeless themes anyone can appreciate. The most moving is the love of parents for their children. The relationship Raami has with both of her parents is absolutely moving. Her relationship with her dad is one any girl would crave and her mother’s fierce determination to protect and heal is moving. I also appreciated the insight into traditions of Buddhism.

There is one reason I simply couldn’t award the final star. I kept thinking the story should have been told from a different narrator. Raami comes across as entirely too precocious for her age, and it really disturbed the flow of the story. About the time I would get lost in the lyrical narrative Raami would have an observation like, “To my left, a dung beetle buzzed with the aplomb of a seaplane.” Her observations and vocabulary was just far too advanced for a seven year old for credibility. I also don’t think this work is for everyone. The plot does not drive this book. That combined with the narrator challenge will drive some of you crazy. But, it is a beautiful and harrowing story and ends up being a wonderful tribute to the author’s father.

I finished the book and I am glad I read it. The ending was very intense. It made me realize just how confused and confusing the situation was for the people of Cambodia.

I enjoyed reading this a couple of years ago (2014, maybe) . Since then I read The Stones Cry Out: A Cambodian Childhood, 1975-1980 by Molyda Szymusiak which I think did a better job with how disjointed and confusing life was at that time. A terrible time. Both books really moved me.

I read this a few years ago - had held off because I thought it would be too gritty/graphic/disturbing for me. But the (admittedly unrealistically precocious) child narrator helped to soften that a bit, as others have noted. I found that there were universal themes that resonated, such as trying to make sense of evil and suffering. The writing was beautiful. One passage that stood out to me: "The ground was animated with these infinitesimal beings, and I remembered what Papa always said whenever we went out for a similar walk—'If you pay close enough attention, Raami, you’ll realize that a single leaf can contain myriad lives imitating our own, and you’ll know that there are always others traveling this world with you.'"