A review by chayanroyc
The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee, David John

5.0

Gosh! What a read it was. The memoir and her journey read almost like a mystery thriller that kept me up for all night. Her story is unique because she was an accidental defector, who just wanted to cross over the border from Hyesan,NK to China and come back after a few days.But she couldn't and that followed a series of events and arduous journey and experiences that led her to live in China, work as an alias and finally seek asylum in South Korea. She is also unique in the sense that she led a better life in NK than most others, but when she could taste true freedom and individuality, she knew the truth however frightening it was. This book describes her interesting and thrilling journey across NK, China , Laos and finally Seoul. The book also covers her eye-opening observations on Korean politics, diplomacy and treatment of defectors by countries like China and the allies of NK. She deserves applause for her wit to espouse the reality and successfully defect her family to South Korea. Read it and prepare to be touched. One of the best books I have read so far. Reminds me of Wild Swans by Jung Chang.