Home 5 Articles and Reports 5 Stories that were lost for 50 years!

Stories that were lost for 50 years!

by | Jul 6, 2022 | Articles and Reports, News

Reprint of iconic author’s lost book after 50 years

A book of collected stories by Cambodia’s legendary author Chute Kay, also known as “Cambodia’s Charles Dickens”, has been reprinted after being out-of-print for nearly 50 years.

Chute Kay is best known for his 1973 best-seller Khmouch Preay Asokay (Ghouls, Ghosts, and Other Infernal Creatures), a collection of ghost stories published by Nokor Thom Publishing House, and later his memoirs, such as A Young Boy in the French School.

However, not many are familiar with Memay Pdey Bram (Widow of Five Husbands), although it was published in the same year as Khmouch Preay Asokay and also became a bestseller at that time. That was because most of the 4,000 original copies were destroyed during the Khmer Rouge era. Even Kay, who is now in his 80s and living in Paris, France, does not have a copy.

Recently, however, an original copy was found in France by Kampu-Mera Editions, a Cambodia-based publishing house, which contacted the author for permission to publish a second edition.

Memay Pdey Bram contains nine humourous and satirical short stories written by Chuth Kay. The stories have words, phrases and messages which modern people, especially women, may find offensive, but So Phina, Kampu-Mera Editions publisher, claimed that the book was a ‘product of its time’ when it was published for the first time.

“Many readers, especially feminists, may find it hard to think some of the concepts or messages in the book are not offensive, but I think it actually reflects people’s mindset from the 70s,” she said.

Phina added that her publishing house has been planning to publish old books for some time, but Memay Pdey Bram was the first project to come to fruition.

“I am glad that people in Cambodia are now reading again,” Kay said. “Like my other books, I hope this one will encourage more people to read and support Cambodian literature.”

Source: Khmer Times

Recent News

18Apr
Sharjah at the Heart of Rabat Book Fair

Sharjah at the Heart of Rabat Book Fair

In the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), Sharjah opened its landmark Guest of Honour participation at the 30th edition of the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair with a vibrant celebration of Arab culture, knowledge and cross-cultural solidarity. […]

17Apr
Technology in Focus at Sharjah School Librarians Conference

Technology in Focus at Sharjah School Librarians Conference

The inaugural Sharjah School Librarians Conference, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) over two days at Expo Centre Sharjah, concluded with the participation of more than 170 librarians, educators, and international experts, who gathered to explore the latest global trends in developing school libraries and empowering them as central pillars of the educational process. […]

16Apr
Portugal: Guest of Honour at Bookfest

Portugal: Guest of Honour at Bookfest

Portugal has been officially announced as the Guest of Honour for the 18th edition of the Bookfest International Book Fair, scheduled to be held at Romexpo, Bucharest, from May 28 to June 1, 2025. This year’s event promises Romanian readers an exceptional opportunity to delve into Portuguese literature and explore the rich cultural tapestry of […]

Related Posts

Technology in Focus at Sharjah School Librarians Conference

Technology in Focus at Sharjah School Librarians Conference

The inaugural Sharjah School Librarians Conference, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) over two days at Expo Centre Sharjah, concluded with the participation of more than 170 librarians, educators, and international experts, who gathered to explore the...

Malaysian Author Gaining Global Recognition

Malaysian Author Gaining Global Recognition

The Malaysian author Tan Twan Eng has carved out a distinguished place for himself in global literature thanks to his remarkable ability to explore sensitive and complex social issues with emotional depth and literary elegance. What sets his work apart is not just the...

Portugal: Guest of Honour at Bookfest

Portugal: Guest of Honour at Bookfest

Portugal has been officially announced as the Guest of Honour for the 18th edition of the Bookfest International Book Fair, scheduled to be held at Romexpo, Bucharest, from May 28 to June 1, 2025. This year's event promises Romanian readers an exceptional opportunity...

Previous Next
Close
Test Caption
Test Description goes like this

Pin It on Pinterest