Reviews

The Last Exiles by Ann Shin

nicola_hn's review against another edition

3.0

It’s probably because I already read In Order to Live by Park Yeonmi that I wasn’t surprised by the plot line, and that ending was kinda dissatisfying but I enjoyed the rest of the story. Their meeting was very coincidental though.

barbistull's review against another edition

4.0

The Last Exiles shares a more in-depth look at the life of people in North Korea. Jin was able to attend the university in Pyongyang on scholarship--giving him many opportunities for a better future for him and his family. Suja came from a prominent family and lives a privileged life. Despite living vastly different lives, Jin and Suja fell in love while studying at the university. While visiting home on break, Jin finds his family starving after being raided by police. He makes an impulsive decision that sets a downward spiral and tears him and Suja apart. A few bad decisions later, both Jin and Suja were in poor conditions both hoping they would see each other again.

It was heartbreaking to read about the struggles of the people in North Korea just to seek sustenance. I was more engaged in this book than I expected to be, so I definitely recommend.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

graystreetbooks's review against another edition

3.0

I was completely sucked in for the first half of the book but my interest steadily declined from that point to the end of the book. Honestly I don’t think it had anything to do with the writing or the story—there were some very, very tough scenes that I just couldn’t handle at this point in time.

kristapeters's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

southernbellebooks's review against another edition

4.0

Ann Shin highlights the reality of life in North Korea and the dangers of acting upon your starvation, being of lower class, and even the glimpse into being of higher class and the struggles they also face (especially if you are in disagreement with the supreme leader). My only complaint is that there wasn't much dialogue and I much prefer my book to be dialogue heavy. But other than that, this book is incredible.

jen_e_fer's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful informative 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

4.25

abonwheels's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

3.75

lwelch94's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Trafficking, Animal death, Classism, Grief, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Vomit, Xenophobia, Abortion, Death, Blood, Police brutality, Slavery, Cursing, Deportation, and Kidnapping

booksofjj's review against another edition

5.0

Amazing book! Shows different sides to the North Korean way of life from a social standing point of view as well as the different ways in which people defect from the hermit kingdom.
Would definitely recommend this book to any people who love reading both fiction and non-fiction about North Korea as this doesn't disappoint.

couch_potato's review against another edition

sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75