meririvilla's review against another edition
3.0
Pues esto fue un buen easy read que a tiempos me parecio un poco aburrido, pero aunque suene un poco mal, creo que que su familia viniera de un buen songun y que tuvieran tanto dinero hizo su hisroria un poco aburrida. Lo que no esperaba era la dificultad con la que se encuentran su madre y hermano cuando llegan a Corea del Sur, y como hasta un punto, echan de menos la monotonía y facilidad de seguir día a día sin tomar decisiones y ser asignado un trabajo fácil.
La historia empieza con su experiencia creciendo en Corea del Norte en lo que es una familia bastante privilegiada, donde sus padres trabajan en puestos con el gobierno. Vive por la épocas de hambre, muere su padre después de que le llevan a un campo, pierde su cabeza y más tarde muere. La familia extensiva consiste de unos entrepenours, haciendo dinero con conexiones al otro lado del río en China y de esta forma la mayoría consiguen sobrevivir. Antes de cumplir los 17 años, la autora decide visitar a unos familiares al otros lado del río y lo que se supone iba a ser una quedada temporal acaba en ella trabajando como waitress en China, consiguiendo los documentos a través de brokers y finalmente llega a Corea del Sur por un avión a Tailandia y consigue un pasaporte de Corea del Sur después de pasar un sistema para testear su claim de ser un refugee. Después de muchos tiempos de incertidumbre también consigue traer a su hermano y madre quienes no encuentran la vida de libertad nada satisfactoria. Pero finalmente, se acostumbran, dejan atrás todo el brainwashing del pasado del lider de Corea del Norte y llegan hasta a aceptar el marido de la protagonista, el enemigo más grande, un norteamericano.
La historia empieza con su experiencia creciendo en Corea del Norte en lo que es una familia bastante privilegiada, donde sus padres trabajan en puestos con el gobierno. Vive por la épocas de hambre, muere su padre después de que le llevan a un campo, pierde su cabeza y más tarde muere. La familia extensiva consiste de unos entrepenours, haciendo dinero con conexiones al otro lado del río en China y de esta forma la mayoría consiguen sobrevivir. Antes de cumplir los 17 años, la autora decide visitar a unos familiares al otros lado del río y lo que se supone iba a ser una quedada temporal acaba en ella trabajando como waitress en China, consiguiendo los documentos a través de brokers y finalmente llega a Corea del Sur por un avión a Tailandia y consigue un pasaporte de Corea del Sur después de pasar un sistema para testear su claim de ser un refugee. Después de muchos tiempos de incertidumbre también consigue traer a su hermano y madre quienes no encuentran la vida de libertad nada satisfactoria. Pero finalmente, se acostumbran, dejan atrás todo el brainwashing del pasado del lider de Corea del Norte y llegan hasta a aceptar el marido de la protagonista, el enemigo más grande, un norteamericano.
rrickman33's review against another edition
5.0
Okay, wow this is a must read. Hyeonseo Lee somehow kept her 7 names straight and I will never know how she did it. I cannot believe this book is a work of non-fiction- my life is so sheltered and safe compared to the harrowing journey Lee describes. I knew almost nothing about life in North Korea before reading this book and now I can't wait to read more into it.
Lee's childhood in North Korea seemed absolutely normal to her. Nothing they did seemed odd and I guess that's how all childhoods are. You're young and trust your country, your family, and your friends. I really enjoyed the photos in the book she added- it was a sweet personal touch.
Hyeonseo Lee describes how she escapes North Korea- almost by accident. As a young girl she crosses the river into China because she is curious what's on the other side. Once she's over there she finds out she can no go back. She didn't even get to say goodbye to her mother and brother.
I legit cried on my walk outside listening to this on audiobook when she called her mom for the first time in 8 years and heard her voice. When I tell you this book takes you on a wild ride AND breaks your heart I mean it. This is a must must must read for everyone who has never looked into life in North Korea and that aftermath of leaving on someone's life.
Lee, thank you for writing this gorgeous memoir and sharing your story with us. I will never forget it or your name.
Lee's childhood in North Korea seemed absolutely normal to her. Nothing they did seemed odd and I guess that's how all childhoods are. You're young and trust your country, your family, and your friends. I really enjoyed the photos in the book she added- it was a sweet personal touch.
Hyeonseo Lee describes how she escapes North Korea- almost by accident. As a young girl she crosses the river into China because she is curious what's on the other side. Once she's over there she finds out she can no go back. She didn't even get to say goodbye to her mother and brother.
I legit cried on my walk outside listening to this on audiobook when she called her mom for the first time in 8 years and heard her voice. When I tell you this book takes you on a wild ride AND breaks your heart I mean it. This is a must must must read for everyone who has never looked into life in North Korea and that aftermath of leaving on someone's life.
Lee, thank you for writing this gorgeous memoir and sharing your story with us. I will never forget it or your name.
audreyliz964's review against another edition
5.0
I struggle to find words to describe this amazing book. Getting a glimpse into the culture of North Korea, and hearing the incredible stories of the author and those she came in contact with was fascinating and heart-wrenching. My heart goes out to these people.
This book was captivating, fascinating, and moving, and I have nothing but good words for it. I might even have to purchase my own copy to re-read sometime. I rarely read nonfiction, but this book was simply amazing. I highly recommend it.
This book was captivating, fascinating, and moving, and I have nothing but good words for it. I might even have to purchase my own copy to re-read sometime. I rarely read nonfiction, but this book was simply amazing. I highly recommend it.
lkvistad's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.25
dannbomb's review against another edition
5.0
Honestly such a captivating and eye opening book to what happens in other countries, the sadness Hyeonseo had to endure to get to freedom. 10/10 loved it!!
sacrill's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
anshikasingh_666's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
ashc123's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
5.0