In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, we sit down with Patricia McCormick, a two-time National Book Award finalist and the acclaimed author of Never Fall Down, a powerful novel based on the true story of Arne Chorn-Pond, a boy who survived the Khmer Rouge by playing music. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling, McCormick has spent her career shedding light on issues of trauma, healing, and resilience, tackling difficult subjects such as child soldiers, human trafficking, and genocide in her critically acclaimed books.
We talk about the challenges of writing about real-life atrocities, the emotional toll of interviewing survivors, and the importance of preserving history through literature. McCormick shares her experiences working closely with Arne, how music became a lifeline for him in the killing fields, and why storytelling is a vital tool for both healing and historical awareness.
This conversation is a deep dive into the responsibility of writers in shaping how future generations understand genocide, war, and survival. It also highlights why survivors’ voices matter and how books like Never Fall Down serve as crucial records of Cambodia’s painful history.
Supporting Patricia McCormicks Work:
https://www.patriciamccormick.com
NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎤
Season 3 continues with another extraordinary guest! This week on Death in Cambodia, Life in America, we sit down with Patricia McCormick, a two-time National Book Award finalist and the author of Never Fall Down—the true story of a boy who survived the Khmer Rouge by playing music. She is also the author of SOLD, a powerful novel about human trafficking that was adapted into a feature film.
Patricia shares her journey as a writer, the emotional toll of telling real survivor stories, and the deep responsibility of documenting history through literature. She reflects on her experience interviewing Arne Chorn-Pond, the protagonist of Never Fall Down, and how music played a vital role in his survival and healing.
This conversation explores the power of storytelling—not just as a way to preserve history but as a tool for healing, empathy, and awareness.
🎧 Tune in for an inspiring discussion about literature, trauma, and resilience. Streaming on Sunday 02/09/25 on Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts.
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This episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America episode will be available to listen to on Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts on Sunday, 🔊