The White Empress

Book excerpt: Join Sam Keene on a heartfelt journey of self-discovery in this compelling story. From the ashes of the Vietnam War, Sam's life takes an unexpected turn when she's adopted by an American soldier and his wife, who whisk her away to the bustling streets of Brooklyn. Yet, even amidst the vibrant tapestry of New York City, Sam grapples with a lingering question: Who is she really? After college, Sam's quest for identity leads her to the enchanting city of Paris, where she immerses herself in the struggles of others to evade confronting her own. As a photojournalist, she spends two decades capturing the darkest moments of twenty-first-century humanity. But when she loses her adoptive mother, the pangs of loneliness drive her back to Cambodia, her birthplace. In the heart of Cambodia, Sam embarks on a soul-searching journey, unearthing layers of her identity hidden beneath the smiles and silences of her homeland. Guided by a mysterious companion, Sam ventures into the forgotten ruins of Banteay Chhmar—a thirteenth-century temple and city that holds the key to her ancestral history. Amidst the lush jungles and silt-laden waters of Asia, Sam discovers that her roots run deeper than she ever imagined. Each revelation unravels a tapestry of love, sorrow, faith, and truth, woven into a family tree stretching back to the golden age of the Khmer Empire. In The White Empress, Sam Keene's extraordinary journey will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of personal growth, family ties, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.