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Summary: A simple story of compassion
Review: If compassion were studied as rigorously as war, this book would be on the mandatory reading list. The author describes how he grew to feel that he was a part of his adopted brother's story, not just an observer. In Cambodia there is a ceremony that people can do to assure that they are together in their next life. The author and his brother have obviously been hanging around together for a long, long time. This book is touching and well written and Adam Fifield is an author with great promise.
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Summary: Adventure
Review: Most of the setting of this book is in my town, so that made it more exciting. One I read a chapter I couldn't wait to read the next. I can never wait to see what happens in this book. This biography isn't just a story about someone's life, it is an adventure through someone's life.
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Summary: A memoir of rare integrity
Review: Mr. Fifield's memoir was, quite simply, one of the best books I've ever read. Perhaps my effusive praise comes as a result of my reading experience, (I read the book during a vacation to Peru, the huts and villages of the Amazon Rain Forest reflecting the Cambodia Fifield so vividly paints)but his writing is so strong that any environment, even a darkened room, would be transformed by his subtle and gripping prose. Never lacking the New England wit, Fifield displays an empathy towards humanity that is, unfortunately, all too rare. It's exhilarating to read the differences between Fifield's upbringing (a steady diet of video games and commercialism) and his brother Soueth (who slaved away for Pol Pot) When these two very powerful cultures come together, the reader is picked up and thrown round the room for pages on end. Where I landed was somewhere between exhultation and exhaustion. Perhaps my favorite part of the book is Fifield's tone. He never takes a reverential perspective, and keeps the humor flowing even in the saddest parts. In a subject that could easily skid into sentimentalism, Fifield's delicate touch steers the prose back on course and the reader is pulled along too,enjoying every turn along the way. The best critique that I can muster in this very small box Amazon has provided me is to say flat out that Mr. Fifield's book is a must for anyone with a family; traditional, or not; happy or sad; from here or from elsewhere.
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Summary: The Soeuth I know
Review: Not being a professional writer or book reviewer, I can only state my experience while reading the book. Simply stated, once I began reading "A Blessing Over Ashes," I didn't want to put it down. Nearly every page bought forth a touching episode, or experience, some humerous, some distressing, but all riveting and memorable. Soeuth has established himself as a valuable and trusted employee in our company. Reading of his childhood experiences and following his growth to a responsible adult has given me a new appreciation for what he has become. The book is well written, easy to read, even if disturbing in places. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to be raised in a traditional american home will find it difficult to comprehend the early life of Soeuth. For me, it has created a new appreciation and respect for the Soeuth I know.
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Summary: good book, that's it-
Review: The book is about an american family who adopts a Combodian boy who suffered a lot, an lived a very different reality from them. The book is told by one of the american brothers. It is a very good book but I think it was quite "descriptive". I think the end could have been better. It seems as if the author leaves you in the middle of the story, as if he did not know how to end it. I enjoyed it, and it is not a "heavy" book, but not excellent for my taste.
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Summary: A unique depiction of time, place and family
Review: There are dozens upon dozens of books on the killing fields of Cambodia out there...this one is different, because it tells the story of Adam and his Cambodian foster brother, Seouth. I was drawn to this perspective and enjoyed Adam's writing style very much. His descriptions and use of language are effective at getting emotions across without being sentimental and sloppy. At the end of the book, Adam and Seouth travel to Cambodia, and Adam made me feel as though I was there with them, riding a motobike down a dusty road, taking in the sights and sounds of an unfamiliar culture. Many books do not emphasize how poor the people of Cambodia are in a tangible way...Adam does this beautifully. If you are interested in how historical events affect individuals or have brothers or sisters, this book could change how you look at the world and reaffirm your relationships with others. (P.S...you might cry and laugh! I did).
Rating:
Summary: A unique depiction of time, place and family
Review: There are dozens upon dozens of books on the killing fields of Cambodia out there...this one is different, because it tells the story of Adam and his Cambodian foster brother, Seouth. I was drawn to this perspective and enjoyed Adam's writing style very much. His descriptions and use of language are effective at getting emotions across without being sentimental and sloppy. At the end of the book, Adam and Seouth travel to Cambodia, and Adam made me feel as though I was there with them, riding a motobike down a dusty road, taking in the sights and sounds of an unfamiliar culture. Many books do not emphasize how poor the people of Cambodia are in a tangible way...Adam does this beautifully. If you are interested in how historical events affect individuals or have brothers or sisters, this book could change how you look at the world and reaffirm your relationships with others. (P.S...you might cry and laugh! I did).
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Summary: Heart Warming and Wrenching
Review: This book gives new meaning to the words tough, strong and determined. The book is about a boy who goes through many different stops to try and get to America after he leaves the work camp that his family sent him to and has now escaped and is unamare of where his parents are and has no choice but to leave. The detail that this book goes into will have you hanging on every word, it's absolutely amazing. After arriving in America a whole new journey begins for this young boy. A new culture, a new language and a new world. The book explains all about Soeuth (the little boy) and how he gets to know people and understand them and some personal experiences he has while he is in America and how different it is from Cambodia. This is a book that everyone should read, it is absolutely heart warming and even brought tears to my eyes while I was reading it. I guarantee you'll love it. I would reccomend this book to anyone who likes a true story of survival.
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Summary: Exellent Book
Review: This book gives vivd description of Vietnam War also it has very exciting and intersecting scence which make you whant to keep reading more tmo find out what well happen next.
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Summary: A Blessing Over Ashes Review
Review: This book is a true story about a small boy named Soeuth in Cambodia who was sent to a slave camp at the age of 6. From there he survived beatings, starvation, and a war between Vietnam and Cambodia. He then is sent to America to be adopted because he thinks his family is dead. He lives with a family in Vermont and lives there from the age of 14 to 24 when at that time he found out that his family is still alive. He then goes back toCambodia twice to reunite with them. The author Adam Fifield was Soeuths adopted brother. The book starts out with flashes going back and forth from Soeuths life and the Fifields life before Soeuth went to live with them. If you you like reading reallife history/memoirs this book is for you. It is very detailed and graphical so it is very easy to picture in your mind. I think the author did an excellant job on this book.
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