Song for an Approaching Storm

Cambodia, 1955. The country is on the brink of a major change, with the first democratic elections just around the corner. Sar's loyalties are divided. He is a respected and well-liked schoolteacher. He has studied in Paris. He is a talented political operator in the Democratic Party's campaign. And, under the constant risk of discovery - of arrest, torture and execution - he reports to the communists. In the years to come, the world will know him as Pol Pot. In 1955 he is a young idealist in the fight against the royal government. Sam Sary is the deputy prime minister and he too is conflicted: he would rather win the election without brutality, without fixing the count, or murdering his opponents. But the prince's position must not be challenged - whatever the cost, however crude the tactics. And Sary has also become interested in Sar's fiancée. This is a tale of personal and political intrigue - describing the tensions and betrayals of three people as violence gathers on the horizon for their whole country.

Prize history

• International Dublin Literary Award

  2016

  Longlist