Mrenh Gongveal (ម្រេញគង្វាល): Chasing the Elves of the Khmer is a photo essay that delves into a common, but lesser understood, belief of the Cambodians. While learning about the culture and customs of Cambodia, Keith Kelly’s adopted home of 10 years, he was especially fascinated by their folklore. One particular type of shrine dedicated to the Mrenh Gongveal, Elves of the Khmer, caught his imagination. As a personal project he started documenting the more interesting “houses” he came across during his travels. While talking to people, most could give little explanation for the houses other than they “brought luck.” Wanting to know more lead the author upon a 5 year journey collecting photos and information, which is presented in this book. For online versions of theNot all images in this album are included in the book.

In July 2018 Mrenh Gongveal made it onto BookWorks’ Summer Reads for Destination “I Need a Vacation”: Exotic Locales. Unfortunately, I didn't screenshot this, because now Bookworks seems to have gone under and is no longer online. The old link is included, if anyone knows how to find an archived version of it online let me know. https://www.bookworks.com/2018/07/summer-reads-destination-vacation

Order online, or ask your local book store or library. Mrenh Gongveal: Chasing the Elves of the Khmer (Library of Congress Control Number: 2021914743)
978-0-9961355-6-6 Hard Cover
978-0-9961355-5-9 Paperback
978-0-9961355-7-3 eBook (The dual language portion of the eBook in Khmer script requires KhmerOS fonts)