Dancing in Shadows

But the story is his own. . . . The book, therefore, 'sounds like Benny,' which is what gives it its bite and originality. . . . He provides here an astute analysis of the actions leading to the brief upheaval that brought about the break-up of the coalition in July 1997. . . . An engrossing read. * Pacific Affairs *
This absorbing memoir [offers] an insightful record of a tumultuous period of Cambodian history in which Widyono was an astute participant-observer. . . . His assessments of personalities and events in this period are often shrewd and persuasive, and buttressed by observations made in the course of later visits to the country. . . . Widyono's writing is brisk, perceptive and accessible. . . . A valuable addition to literature about Cambodia's recent past. -- David Chandler, Monash University * Phnom Penh Post *
[The author's] fascinating account reveals how he coped with potholed roads, an erratic power supply, political headaches and a deeply flawed UN mandate with considerable humour and rare commitment. . . . The book clarifies the complexities, illusions and realities of power in Cambodia. * South China Morning Post *
Benny Widyono has now performed the invaluable task of setting the record straight by counting the failures as well. * Outlook, Bangkok Post *
These memoirs of a senior UN official recording his years in Cambodia from 1992 to 1997 are not only informative and well researched, but also keenly perceptive and engaging. . . . Benny Widyono's insider account is essential reading for those interested in what really happened in Cambodia during his five turbulent years in that rapidly developing country. * Asian Affairs *
The appearance of a memoir by Indonesian-born U.N. diplomat Benny Widyono is welcome. * CAAI News Media *
This is an important retelling of less-well-known parts of Cambodia's modern history. It is written by an international civil servant who spent five years (1992–97) in the country. . . . The author gives fresh and interesting profiles of leaders, and his account enriches knowledge and understanding of how they sought to achieve success and often failed. Recommended. * CHOICE *
Gripping. . . . [A] political memoir written in engaging prose, Dancing in Shadows offers an insider’s view into a critical moment in Cambodia’s recent tumultuous history. As such, it is an invaluable resource for all interested observers and students of Cambodia, undergraduate and graduate alike. * Explorations *
Riveting. . . . I could not put it down. It is well written, engaging, and highly informative. I now understand so much more of Cambodia's Cold-War history and how it led to the Killing Fields in which about two million Cambodians perished. . . . Above and beyond being a thought leader and global citizen, Benny has been able to share his gripping life in an exceptional book. I highly recommend it. -- Jim Luce, Founder, James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation * The Huffington Post *
Benny Widyono's memoirs from his five years working for the UN in Cambodia provide interesting insight into both the events and personalities at play. . . . His take on events is refreshing. . . . In this eminently readable account, Benny Widyono has done an admirable job of encapsulating his experiences in Cambodia, to the benefit of those who will pick up this book. * Canadian Journal of History *
An engaging read. * South Asia Research *
Scholars can glean many interesting details of the failings of UNTAC from Mr. Widyono’s account. * Far Eastern Economic Review *
Dancing in Shadows is a key text for anyone interested in understanding Cambodian politics and would also be useful to anyone with an interest in traditional democracies, UN peacekeeping efforts or elections in post-conflict nations. * Cambridge University Press *
Widyono's book . . . is a vivid autobiographical narrative. . . . Represents valuable contributions to the body of knowledge on post-conflict Cambodia. Both Widyono's and Peou's books dovetail on the general period of governing Cambodia during and after UNTAC, and are important contributions for any scholar interested in the country, peacebuilding, democratization and its discontents. Engrossing. . . . An honest and valuable rendition of five years in Cambodia at a time of maximum democratic hope for the country. * Contemporary Southeast Asia *
Benny Widyono is ideally placed to assess the turbulent events in Cambodia between the UN-sponsored Paris Peace Accords of 1992 and the return to full electoral legitimacy of Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party-led government in 1998. During most of those years, as personal representative of the UN secretary-general, Widyono was at the center of Cambodia’s Machiavellian political scene. -- Tony Kevin, Australian ambassador to Cambodia (1994–1997)
Benny Widyono brings us the remarkable inside story of the UNTAC operations in Cambodia after the conclusion of the Paris Peace Agreements, as well as the intrigues, turmoil, and political upheavals of the first years of a reborn Cambodia. This book will be fascinating reading for anyone interested in the often tragic history of Cambodia and the history of big-power intervention in Southeast Asia. -- Ali Alatas, former foreign minister of Indonesia and co-chairman of the Paris International Conference on Cambodia
Benny Widyono has written a lively, sometimes passionate and controversial book from the perspective of a fellow Southeast Asian who was also a senior UN official through Cambodia's crucial post–Cold War years. His account is rich in detail, from scenes of his own life and work in the devastated country to his insider's analyses of its troubled politics. -- Barbara Crossette, former New York Times correspondent in Southeast Asia and UN bureau chief