shos's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative sad fast-paced

5.0


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mildnothing's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative sad

5.0


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mhakes's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative fast-paced

5.0

This should be required reading in school! 

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racheyohh's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring sad medium-paced

4.75

This was such an interesting educational book and was presented in such a human way that kept me captivated. The stories during the famine were so devastating and read like historical fiction during WWII, the fact that this could happen during a non war time and is even more unspeakable.

I learned so much about the government and daily life. I appreciated the updated afterward in my edition about what the last decade has been like and the changes with new leadership. Seems definitely different but just as horrible for the average North Korean Citizen. 

I really appreciated getting know some of these true characters, all had such heartbreaking accounts of tragedy and death, but the fact that these people were so unbelievably brave, resourceful, and able to find kindness from others and now have changed their lives was incredible. I can’t imagine dealing with that pain or starting over. Also was interesting to read about the defection process and how the different countries handle it. 

I was so happy how well Mrs. Song adjusted and that she was able to have this improved life after all her hardship. Mi-ran and Jun-sang’s story was reminiscent of Past Lives

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madicastle's review against another edition

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dark informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

4.5


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cepbreed's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative sad medium-paced

4.0

My heart and mind are so heavy. For the first time I’ve struggled to sleep after reading a book. The thought of the thousands of starving children, so destitute they don’t own shoes, never mind even a singular morsel of food to eat. I’ve been interested in learning more about the aftermath of the Korean War for a while but I don’t know if I can continue pursuing the topic. One thought about all of those Korean people does make it hard to think of anything else. 

I appreciate Barbara Demick’s knowledge of the topic and her closed pool of defectors that she interviewed, but some part of this book felt like she wasn’t giving readers enough credit. Some bits were needlessly repeated. 

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directorpurry's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective sad slow-paced

3.5


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jenniesreadingjourney's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0


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marlimeuw's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

This is the most informative look on North Korean life before Y2K. If you do not know anything about North Korea, this is a must read.

I wish every person in these stories to live a long, happy, fulfilling future. Thank you all for sharing

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bilbili's review against another edition

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emotional informative sad medium-paced

4.5


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