Book: A contemporary revival of Cambodian literature with Santel Phin's latest work
- Editorial team
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A new wave of Cambodian literature is emerging, challenging entrenched narratives and offering new perspectives on life in the Kingdom. Santel Phin, whose latest collection of short stories, C'est arrivé à Phnom Penh, has just been published by Editions Gope, is at the forefront of this wave.
Phin, born in 1977, represents a new generation of Khmer writers. After honing his craft as a blogger, he turned to fiction and quickly became known for his direct style and willingness to tackle difficult subjects. His award-winning story “The Revolver” is one of the highlights of his new book.
Breaking with the past
For decades, literature on Cambodia has been dominated by accounts of the Khmer Rouge genocide, tales of suffering, survival and destruction. Mr. Phin's book, however, seeks to broaden the debate. "After perusing libraries around the world, you were ashamed to find that books about Cambodia were all about genocide - stories of bloodshed and survival. You wanted the world to discover a new kind of book about Cambodia. That's why you came back. You came back to write a book", writes the author, expressing both his motivation and the mission of Gope Editions.
Love in troubled times
Phin's collection explores the complexities of love in contemporary Cambodia, a country still grappling with the legacies of corruption, nepotism, materialism, arranged marriages and superstition. The refrain “Do you think love exists in this country?” recurs throughout the stories, underscoring the deep scars left by Cambodia's turbulent history.
The book includes three stories:
Le revolver: a story of secrets and revenge, centered on a woman embroiled with a Taiwanese gangster
Plan A: a story that delves into the pain and isolation of a man unable to share his burden with his family or colleagues
Lettres à l'Élue de mon cœur: an intimate look at arranged marriage and the constraints it imposes on personal freedom.
Phin's prose breaks with tradition, using everyday language and short, simple sentences to address contemporary realities.
A burgeoning literary scene
C'est arrivé à Phnom Penh is part of a broader movement to redefine Cambodian literature for a new generation. Other recent Gope Editions publications include:
Une Cambodgienne modèle by Thavry Thon, which traces the emancipation of a young Cambodian woman and the balance between tradition and modernity.
Cambodia, a world of spirits by Philip Coggan, an exploration of the country's complex spiritual landscape.
Sothon, by Franck Quéré, a novel combining genealogical investigation and spiritual quest.
As Cambodian writers find new voices and audiences, the country's literary landscape is rapidly evolving, promising a richer, more nuanced depiction of life in the Kingdom.
For more information, visit the Gope Editions website.
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