“Secret of Life” is a novel written in 2009 by       female author Kem Lyheang. The book

 was first published in 2014. The book depicts   the life of little girl named “Thavy” who faces   many difficulties and terrible physical abuse at   the hands of her godmother Ms Mach, until one   day by chance she meets her long-lost biological  father, Mr Vannak.

When the story opens, Ms Thavy is 15 and living in Kandal province. She faces much hardship living with her violent godmother. She has to work like a boy, doing chores like chopping wood, but is still beaten by Ms Mach. Ms Thavy has to drop out of secondary school when Ms Mach forces her to sell cigarettes at a bus station.

During this difficult time, Mr Vichet appears in Ms Thavy’s life. He understands her and encourages her to move on, and gives up his time to teach her. Ms Thavy likes reading a lot, despite not being able to attend school.