Scars of War: The Aftermath of the Khmer Rouge Era in Modern Cambodian Society from the Novel “Neak Na Chea Mday Knyom” (Who is My Mother?) by Oum Suphany

Abstract

          This research article aims to analyze the reflections of the Khmer Rouge era and modern Cambodian society as presented in the novel Who is My Mother?. The study applies the concepts of literature and society along with intertextuality as its analytical frameworks. The findings reveal that the novel illustrates the lingering historical scars that continue to impact the way of life and the social structure of Cambodia. Firstly, it reflects the mechanisms of the Khmer Rouge regime in destroying the family institution and individual identity through forced marriages and the deliberate separation of people to sever traditional bonds. Secondly, it highlights the prevalent social issues in 1990s Cambodia, including economic inequality, underage female prostitution, and the impacts of the migration of intellectuals. Lastly, it presents the aspirations of Cambodian diaspora intellectuals who aim to return and heal their motherland through the restoration of cultural heritage and education.

          However, amidst the scars of war, the novel offers a hopeful perspective on society. Through the main characters who endure profound loss yet remain steadfast in moral goodness, mutual support, and a deep awareness of their ancestral roots, the narrative reflects the determination of intellectuals and the younger generation to heal historical wounds. Ultimately, it emphasizes their collaborative effort to restore and rebuild the future of the Cambodian nation toward prosperity.