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pomoevareads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A long time ago I became a bit obsessed with the escape of Shin Donghyuk from Camp 14 in North Korea. I read several long form journalism pieces on his experiences and of the trials of people attempting to leave North Korea. So when The Last Exiles was suggested as a buddy read for one of my book clubs I jumped on it.
Ann Shin, the author and fellow Canadian, has been recognized for her work in this subject matter and I will be going back to watch My Enemy, My Brother which was shortlisted for an Academy Award.
The Last Exiles is a love story at its’ heart between Suja, a privileged photojournalist student in Pyongyang, and Jin, who studies at the same university as Suja but comes from a family starving from famine in the northern region of the country. After an incident in Jin’s hometown, the two are separated from each other. News travels to Suja of Jin’s whereabouts and she vows to follow him to the ends of the earth if it means they can be together. In a country where total loyalty is expected of all of its’ citizens danger lurks everywhere.
This story takes place in 1998 during the reign of Kim Jong-Il. I had a pit in my stomach for much of the book as every action these two characters took could result in death if found out. The landscape and food scenes were so detailed and visually imaginable. I could almost taste the pine shavings boiled with water into a porridge mixture that Jin’s mother forages for and cooks for her family.
Scenes of what is happening on the other side of the border in China show how North Koreans who do make it across the border survive. This was a new piece of information for me and one I found very interesting and heartbreaking.
There are several difficult and violent scenes to be cautioned of if you are sensitive. If you can manage it, the book is so worthwhile and I can’t wait to discuss it with the group.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking
Moderate: Rape and Torture
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