The Banyan Tree

The banyan tree in the backyard of the Sisowaths’ Phnom Penh house represents the only place of safety: in the shade the banyan tree. Indeed, once Raami leaves the banyan’s shade, she is thrown into danger. The novel’s title uses the concepts of “shade” and “shadow" often. The banyan's “shade” offers protection while its “shadow” leaves Khmers in danger.

Watches

Even more than their high-end cars, Ayuravann and Arun’s expensive watches prove to be the most potent symbols of wealth in the novel. The soldier punches Arun for his watch — his symbol of wealth, while Aana, who can read the text on her husband’s watch, is discovered as having had an upper-class upbringing.

The Turtle

While being forced to the live in the Buddhist temple camp, Ayuravann catches a turtle which, like other natural things in the novel, represents freedom...