Arn Chorn-Pond remembered the haunting sounds of his grandfather’s music and his mother’s melodies from before the Khmer Rouge stormed his village. Arn was wrenched from his family and taken to a children’s camp, where he slaved planting and harvesting rice. Vietnam attacked the Khmer Rouge four years later, allowing Arn to escape to Thailand, then America. The musical talent he developed during Pol Pot’s regime helped him survive the labor camp and assuaged his mind and spirit. Today, he assists Cambo dians to heal from the violence. Background on Cambodia and extensive author’s sources—books, films, interviews, and Internet sites—substantiate this informative biography. lmp

When Arn was a young boy in Cambodia, his days were filled with love, laughter, and the sweet sounds of music. That all changed suddenly in 1975 when Arn's village was invaded by Khmer Rouge soldiers and his family was torn apart.

Nine-year-old Arn was taken to a children's work camp, where he labored long hours in the rice fields under the glaring eyes of threatening soldiers. Overworked, underfed, and in constant fear for his life, Arn had to find a way to survive. When guards asked for volunteers to play music one day, Arn bravely raised his hand--taking a chance that would change the course of his life.

A Song for Cambodia is the inspirational true story of Arn Chorn-Pond. His heartfelt music created beauty in a time of darkness and turned tragedy into healing.