When the sky turns upside down

by Douang Champa, Dokked

This book brings together the work of two remarkable women who have followed in the footsteps of their illustrious father Maha Sila Viravong, one of the most significant Lao literary figures of the 20th century. At the same time they have been pioneers in their determination to write and bring the voices of women to the fore.

Genres: Asia

112 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2009

About the author

“Douangchampa is the penname of Dara Kanlaya, age 72, author of some 60 short stories, over 90 poems, 7 novels, and 1 two hours play “Boua Deng”. Dara started her career as a school teacher and began her writing in 1958. Working with the government as writer, translator and editor until 2001, now retired, she keeps writing and publishing children’s books, novels and poetry. Dara’s writing theme mostly deals with women issues, gender and promotes a better living standard for women through education. Throughout her life Dara untiredlessly engaged herself in numerous social work activities, especially for the benefit of children and women. Daughter of the well known scholar Maha Sila Viravong, she also works as curator of old palm leaf manuscripts and studies classic Lao literature, especially Sang Sin Xay Epic. At present, Dara lives with her four children and eight grand-children in Vientiane.

Reviews

[brokebookmountain · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my reading challenges to diversify my reading in 2023 is to read at least one book from each country in Southeast Asia. I've read one book from Thailand (Moving Parts by Prabda Yoon) and several books from Malaysia (most notably Meneruskan Perjalanan by Zurinah Hassan). When the sky turns upside down: Memories of Laos is a collection of 12 short stories by two female authors from Laos: Dokked and Douang Champa.

Translated by Inkhein Dejvongsa, Grégoire and Lynn Étienne, this is a slim collection of short stories that, unfortunately, failed to grab my heart. It was interesting at times, but mostly, the writing didn't charm me. The writing felt choppy and awkward, and this probably might be due to its translation. However, given the fact that the short stories were published in the 70s, I find these two authors remarkable and brave to share their thoughts in the form of fiction, to stand against patriarchy and the male-centric society in Laos.

3.25 ⭐️

[Kamhong]

I wanna read

[Suki da Silva · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so bad I can appreciate some of the themes covered for when it was published but yeah no

[Khouy Khon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please full All story?

[Sarah Kaddoura · Rating 1 out of 5]

How did this get published?