Mengly J. Quach's Dangrek Mountains …Unforgettable
This book is an essential, poignant memoir that captures both the tragedy and tenacity of the Cambodian refugee experience.
Book Review: Dangrek Mountains …Unforgettable by Dr. Mengly J. Quach
In Dangrek Mountains …Unforgettable, Dr. Mengly J. Quach delivers a harrowing, heartfelt, and deeply personal memoir that illuminates one of Cambodia’s darkest chapters through the eyes of a child who survived it. This book is not just a recollection of trauma—it is an intimate narrative of loss, resilience, and the enduring spirit of survival.
Set during the Khmer Rouge era and the perilous aftermath that saw thousands of Cambodians flee to the Thai-Cambodian border, Dr. Quach recounts his family’s journey to the Dangrek Mountains, a treacherous path walked by many who were desperately seeking refuge. The book’s title is no exaggeration—the Dangrek Mountains are etched into the collective memory of Cambodians as a place of both death and fragile hope.
What makes the book particularly compelling is Dr. Quach’s ability to convey the innocence and confusion of a child amidst the chaos of war and displacement. His vivid descriptions of starvation, disease, betrayal, and unexpected acts of kindness create a raw emotional pull. The narrative is unsparing, yet not without moments of reflection and grace. Readers will find themselves transported into the suffocating heat of the jungle, the tense silence of nighttime marches, and the unbearable weight of watching loved ones suffer or disappear.
Beyond personal memory, Dangrek Mountains …Unforgettable serves as a valuable historical document. It fills in a lesser-known yet critical piece of Cambodia’s post-genocide history: the harrowing journey to the refugee camps and the humanitarian crisis that unfolded at the border. Dr. Quach subtly critiques international responses and calls for greater awareness of refugee experiences, echoing relevance even today.
This book is a necessary read not just for Cambodians, but for anyone seeking to understand the long-term scars of conflict, the complexity of memory, and the strength required to rebuild a life from devastation. Dr. Quach’s story is not only unforgettable—it is indispensable.
