Phnom Penh: Cambodian author APSARA L.L. has set a new benchmark for Cambodian literature as her debut novel, “Almost Love: A Past-Life Destiny,” has received critical acclaim from international readers and publishing professionals.
APSARA L.L. is the pen name of Ly Leakhena, a Cambodian entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and creative design, which inspired her to create this extraordinary work.
The work is written in English in the form of a contemporary romantic novel with vivid images (Illustrated Novel), combining romance, travel, multiculturalism, and spiritual growth. The book also reflects on relationships, love, choosing a life partner, and understanding human emotions in a way that can connect deeply with readers around the world.
First, the novel “Shadow of Love: The Former Nation” received a “4-star professional rating” from Reedsy Discovery, an international platform for authors and publishing professionals based in the United Kingdom. This ranking is a significant achievement, with only about 20% of books on the platform achieving this feat.
In addition, the book was selected as a Quarter-Finalist in the First Page Cage international competition organized by Pulp Literature Canada, among the top 15% of works from authors around the world.
The novel was also selected for inclusion in Reedsy Discovery’s “Best Fiction Books,” “Best Romance Books,” and “Best Contemporary Romance Books.” The book has now reached readers in 15 countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, and other countries.
A word from the author
Ms. Ly Leakena said:
“For me, this recognition is not just for a book, but it shows that Cambodian stories can connect with international readers while still maintaining our roots, culture, and national identity. I want my foreign readers to see Cambodia beyond its past and history. Cambodia is a country with a rich culture and stories worth sharing with the world.”
“I have traveled to nearly 20 countries, and whenever someone asks me where I am from, I always say, “Cambodia.” But often, the question comes back, “Where are you from?” That question became a turning point for me. It made me feel like I should do something for my homeland by writing a story that shows Cambodia to the world through literature, art, emotion, and culture.”
The novel “Shadow of Love: A Past Nation” is: “a literary legacy that the author wants to leave for his homeland.”
To ensure the protection of intellectual property, the novel is officially copyrighted in the United States. In Cambodia, the book is officially deposited at the National Library of Cambodia, which is part of the national literary record. In addition, the novel has been registered and recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, as part of its support for Cambodian literary and artistic works.
To ensure the quality of the work reaches international standards, APSARA L.L. Collaborated with editors from various countries, including:
- Susan Fletcher Haythorpe (UK), author of Lost Generation: The Story of Cambodian Rock and Roll
- Jodie Nott (Australia)
- Susan Lloyd (UK)
- Charya Sam (Khmer-French)
The artistic images in the novel “Shadow of Love: A Past Nation” are not only decorative, but also part of the narrative and creating emotions for the reader. The use of Khmer design styles, harmoniously combined with Western design forms (Western Design), is the author’s intention to reflect the art, culture, as well as the atmosphere and feelings unique to each region of the country in the story, to create a literary form that can connect closely with international readers. The author believes that literature and art can go hand in hand to create a wonderful reading experience that includes emotions, imagination, and cultural identity.
Through this novel, the author aims to share the beauty of Cambodia, including culture, food, tourism, lifestyle, love of the Cambodian people, and modern society today, as well as show an open mind, open to accepting and learning from the diverse cultures of other countries around the world. For APSARA L.L., Cambodia has many stories and vibrancy that demand the world to understand, in addition to the pages of its own country’s past history.
“Shadow of Love: A Past Nation” is a contemporary romantic novel that is accompanied by a series of more than 50 creative art pictures (Illustrated Novel) that help create an atmosphere and feeling of storytelling that is more vivid and deep. The story spans eight countries, including Cambodia, Japan, Taiwan, Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Bali (Indonesia), and the United States.
This work is not only a love story, but also a reflection on fate, time, psychological growth, and the choices each person makes in life.
“Two people may meet because of their destiny, but it is their choices that define true love.”
Currently, “Shadow of Love: A Past Nation” is available in four formats, including Hardcover Edition, Paperback Edition, Color Paperback Edition, and E-Book Edition, to provide a wide range of options for readers at home and abroad.
The book is available on Amazon and other major international book platforms, including Google Books, Books-A-Million (BAM!), Foyles London, bol.com, and Coupang, as well as direct distribution in Cambodia.
