Reviews

За да живея by Йонми Парк, Yeonmi Park

Only show reviews with written explanations

mrscaew's review against another edition

4.0

I guess Park is surrounded with a lot of controversy, but discarding that, it was interesting to learn more about a country that is shrouded in mystery. And it is hopeful to see people go on to live a better life despite that.

matthew15213's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Content Warnings

fureverlove's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark reflective sad medium-paced

3.75

naharobed's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A horrifyingly tragic, but ultimately hopeful and inspirational story about a young girl's journey to find freedom and a better life.
I feel like I can't find the right words to illustrate the significance and importance of Yeonmi's story. It's a truly shocking and extremely eye-opening look at a country that is so shrouded in secrecy and violence.
It's hard to believe that Yeonmi is only now 23 years old and that she saw and experienced such appalling and heartbreaking circumstances. Her story showcases both the absolute worst of humanity, but also the goodness and strength that humans possess as well. This isn't some far-fetched fictional story in a made-up world. It's very real, and it's very close, especially personally as a Korean.
I think this is a story that everyone needs to and should read so we don't live in ignorance of what goes on in some parts of the world while we are lucky to be so blessed.

emmarachelbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This was a harrowing memoir of a girl’s terrifying escape from North Korea to freedom. Learning of what Yeonmi had to endure in order to speak her truth today reinstates how lucky and privileged we are to have access to our most basic human rights. The brutal regime in North Korea reads like a fictional dystopia, but is the disturbing reality for so many people. Overall, this memoir gives an insight into the citizen’s lived experiences, and is so important for educating ourselves and spreading awareness.

deeasaghin's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Nu sunt în măsură să vorbesc despre această poveste, e sfâșietoare și revelatoare până la culmea suferinței umane, indiferent care ar fi ea pentru fiecare din noi.