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autumndream's review against another edition
5.0
Memorable quote:
"When you find yourself caught in a crazy system dreamed up by dangerous lunatics, you just do what you're told." -Masaji Ishikawa/Do Chan-sun
"When you find yourself caught in a crazy system dreamed up by dangerous lunatics, you just do what you're told." -Masaji Ishikawa/Do Chan-sun
goel_1996's review against another edition
3.0
Probably the most depressing and disturbing book I will ever read. Rember all the things you assume are wrong about North Korea, the reality is worse. Anyone curious to know about North Korea, do give it a shot.
zachnachazel's review against another edition
5.0
Easily one of the most tragic stories of survival I have ever read. I just couldn’t put this one down, and I’m still emotionally charged by what this man, his family, and their neighbors went through.
codergrl's review against another edition
5.0
This book was incredible. It's short and by no stretch of imagination a literary masterpiece. It's just a very very well written story. There is just the right amount of self deprecating humor combined with just the right amount of anger and lamentation.
I think what really captivated me was the point of view. This author isn't a journalist or a political critic who presents life in North Korea and analyzes the geopolitical climate. He's a simple farmer who tells his story of horror.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially to people who have never experienced a totalitarian regime.
I think what really captivated me was the point of view. This author isn't a journalist or a political critic who presents life in North Korea and analyzes the geopolitical climate. He's a simple farmer who tells his story of horror.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially to people who have never experienced a totalitarian regime.
tyghe_bright's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
Absolutely crushing. I don't remember the last time a book made me weep so much I couldn't read because I couldn't see through my tears.
I've read about widespread starvation in North Korea. Reading the details of a specific person living through decades of depredation and mismanagement leading to tragedy really hits harder.
I've read about widespread starvation in North Korea. Reading the details of a specific person living through decades of depredation and mismanagement leading to tragedy really hits harder.
katelynrod's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
so heartbreaking and informational despite the light tone; incredibly unsatisfying ending which, I suppose, is reflective of the life he endured and miraculously made it through