CHILDREN OF THE RIVER

This novel tells about a cultural conflict that emerges when a Cambodian family is transplanted to America. Sundara is a Cambodian but because of war, she follows her uncle to live in America. Sundara has an ambition; she wants to become a doctor to help Cambodians, and her family supports her. Sundara also has a good personality. She was a kind and nice girl, beautiful, patient, and she was a tough girl. Sundara has a problem, she was falling in love with Jonathan but her family disagreed with her affair with Jonathan. Sundara should continue her studies and marry a Cambodian. They thought that a Khmer person had to marry a Khmer too. Sundara has a big dilemma. Should she follow her family or choose Jonathan.

Sundara was always patient in solving her problems and she ones try to make her family happy. Sundara always thought that her mother didn’t love her because she asked Sundara to go by air plane. But her aunt Soka said that the plane may have been dangerous but she was still alive. Sundara also thought the baby is death was her fault. But Soka didn’t blame her.

One day Sundara and Soka went to the Portland International Airport. They so hurried because they wanted to meet Valinn. So they left Sundara and Pon. Pon was sick (diarrhea) Sundara was confused because she didn’t find Naro and Soka suddenly met Moni. At they were talking together. Sundara asked her what it’s like to be married. In fact Soka didn’t tell her about Moni’s story. Her family realized that in America foreigner must adapt at the culture and customs. Sundara gave permission from her family to make an affair with Jonathan. Finally Jonathan says that he loves Sundara.

Jonathan saw in Sundara an independent girl. She always helped her family to get some money. She always took care of her cousin. She loved them very much. Second, Sundara was a good looking, sincere and generous person. Third, Sundara always patient to solve her problem although she had a big dilemma but she life go with her flow. Last Sundara wanted to be a doctor and she always hoped that her dream would come true.

Jonathan sees in Sundara that she was a perfect girl and he loved her very much. Children of the River has a happy ending and I get important and interesting thing from it. I learn about that life must go with the flow. I learn how to solve the problems, and how I can become an independent girl.