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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
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, Torture
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was completely heartbreaking, but in such powerful ways. Beautifully written, this story packs a lot into a rather short read and was able to create two characters in Suja and Jin full of hope and idealism that contrasts sharply with the political setting of their home country, North Korea. Their love story was touching but also heartbreaking as they fall in love, are torn apart, and then through many trials and tribulations, attempt to reunite.
Additionally, I loved that this story was inspired by the author's own journeys to China and Korea and the many North Korean defectors she was privileged to meet and learn from. This story was eye-opening in many ways about life in North Korea: the xenophobia faced as a defector, the disgusting practice of human trafficking, and so much more. And despite its topics that made my heart feel heavy, Suja and Jin's love story did provide a sense of hope that brought this story home for me.
Additionally, I loved that this story was inspired by the author's own journeys to China and Korea and the many North Korean defectors she was privileged to meet and learn from. This story was eye-opening in many ways about life in North Korea: the xenophobia faced as a defector, the disgusting practice of human trafficking, and so much more. And despite its topics that made my heart feel heavy, Suja and Jin's love story did provide a sense of hope that brought this story home for me.
Thank you Harper Collins for the advanced copy of The Last Exiles! You will see this book on the shelves on April 6, 2021!
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was a little slow for me to get into but turned out really, really good. Even when it felt a little slow it was still interesting. I definitely felt the desperation of the characters and was rooting for them so hard. This book is a great, pretty quick (under 300 pages) read. I learned more about North Korea, as well.