captaincocanutty's review against another edition
I don't rate memoirs but this was really good.
marcomywords's review against another edition
5.0
It was amazing! Absolutely captivating, we really get a sense of how differently she was taught to think, and while its all true it reads like an absolutely thrilling novel, with so many twists and turns. Incredibly powerful storytelling with just the right amount of subtle wit and yet great simplicity. One of the best reads I’ve had in ages.
janko27's review against another edition
4.0
A compelling and interesting story. My knowledge of Asian history isn't good, but between this and the book Pachinko, I feel like I'm gaining a greater understanding of the area. I wished I had listened to Hyeonseo Lee's TED talk before reading this. I'm not sure if it was just the narration, but at times in the book, I had the impression that she was quite spoiled and impulsive. Her demeanor during her TED talk was very different, so I would encourage anyone interested in this book to watch the TED talk or other interviews with her before listening to the book.
sallysocker's review against another edition
5.0
“This is when I understood that we can do without almost anything – our home, even our country. But we will never do without other people, and we will never do without family.”
Such an amazing book! This book doesn’t just talk about the hardships of defecting from North Korea but also talks about the psychological impact that comes with it. How leaving your home, family and identity behind impacts you and how the difficulties won’t end after you make it safely into China. This is something everyone should read since its really informative and really shows you the life of a North Korean refugee. But what I also like about this book is how we got to follow her life from the second she was born, how she talked about her life in her home country and how she eventually left it.
Such an amazing book! This book doesn’t just talk about the hardships of defecting from North Korea but also talks about the psychological impact that comes with it. How leaving your home, family and identity behind impacts you and how the difficulties won’t end after you make it safely into China. This is something everyone should read since its really informative and really shows you the life of a North Korean refugee. But what I also like about this book is how we got to follow her life from the second she was born, how she talked about her life in her home country and how she eventually left it.
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