Dogs at the Perimeter Summary
Madeleine Thien

Dogs at the Perimeter Overview

Dogs at the Perimeter examines the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and the long-term trauma perpetrated by the horrible events. Janie was born in Cambodia, and she experienced much trauma under the regime of the Khmer Rouge. She eventually managed to escape. However, in the present, she is still haunted by her past traumas. This is especially true as she attempts to help a friend find his brother, who went missing in Cambodia in the 1970s. The novel examines themes of oppression, trauma, love, family, and history.