

(Crying from Remorse by Sor Sornose. Cambodia Rocks!)

So why follow the literary scene in Cambodia? Cool discoveries like these. The above image is by Hul Sophon, who has worked in illustration both before and after the years of war. In addition to his primary work on covers he does many other kinds of art, and had an adaptation of ‘Kolap Pailin’ published by Reyum. (Now sold out.)

These pre-revolutionary novel covers come from Angkor Thom bookshop. (1975 and before.) I believe this art was ‘work for hire’ so while these are perennial reprints, the artist probably hasn’t seen a dime in royalties. Most likely these novels were hidden during wartime, or brought back from overseas and then reprinted.

Betraying Husband for Money

by Srey Bun Chantha

Novel cover by Hul Sophon

(Can you say ‘kitsch’? Yes you can.)

Preah Bat Bor Thum Rechea

by Hak Chey Hong

Novel cover by Hul Sophon

(hmm… that flag looks like it’s from the Sangkum era, though this looks to be a historical novel.)

Raceny Koktlok

by Sang Hal

Novel cover by Hul Sophon

Flower of Love, Flame of Suffering

by Hak Chay Hok

Novel cover by Hul Sophon

(You’ve seen a handful of these covers in earlier posts, I thought it would be good to give you the full dose here.)

Tags:novel,cover,pulp,cambodia,khmer