You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
3.5 really...
It was a rather strange reading experience: The words were right there on the pages and the words conveyed the horrific truths – but somehow still remained very dispassionate, lacking the according emotions. And yet, though rather short, it was arguably my slowest read of the month and I felt the strong need to pause after every chapter, to let the words sink in. For someone accustomed to democratic freedom and generous human rights privileges, the rigid indoctrination of a totalitarian dictatorship is an entirely alien concept. I found it nigh impossible to wrap my mind around the utter hopelessness of life at the very bottom rung of society in the impoverished hellhole that was North Korea. For all the headlines about nuclear threats, it's the people of the country whose harrowing stories should be headlines – I felt appalled that I had no real idea about this side of the oppressive regime.
The very last sentence was wholly heartbreaking – this man escaped from North Korea, and yet he didn't. I sincerely hope the author will find closure someday, somehow.
It was a rather strange reading experience: The words were right there on the pages and the words conveyed the horrific truths – but somehow still remained very dispassionate, lacking the according emotions. And yet, though rather short, it was arguably my slowest read of the month and I felt the strong need to pause after every chapter, to let the words sink in. For someone accustomed to democratic freedom and generous human rights privileges, the rigid indoctrination of a totalitarian dictatorship is an entirely alien concept. I found it nigh impossible to wrap my mind around the utter hopelessness of life at the very bottom rung of society in the impoverished hellhole that was North Korea. For all the headlines about nuclear threats, it's the people of the country whose harrowing stories should be headlines – I felt appalled that I had no real idea about this side of the oppressive regime.
The very last sentence was wholly heartbreaking – this man escaped from North Korea, and yet he didn't. I sincerely hope the author will find closure someday, somehow.
I believe in God and I often ponder how human souls can have such different lots in life. How am I so fortunate to be a free person with every basic need easily met. This story is makes my heart ache for those suffering completely and utterly needlessly under the hand of those that are evil.
My first non-fiction book of the year, and my heart is broken.
We have all heard about the situation in North Korea but nothing is as jarring as hearing a first hand account from someone that lived through it. I wish Ishikawa the best wherever he is now.
We have all heard about the situation in North Korea but nothing is as jarring as hearing a first hand account from someone that lived through it. I wish Ishikawa the best wherever he is now.
I have not been able to shake this poor man's story from my mind. I will not lie, it is a difficult but very important read. Most people would have given up after facing all the author has in his life. I admire his bravery and I truly hope his life improves. As some people think North Korea isn't "that bad", it is important to hear the voices of those who have survived the terrible conditions.
This memoir was incredibly difficult to read. If you're looking for a sad tale with a happy ending, this isn't it. At all. I'm inspired by this man's tenacity, but my heart breaks at how impossible the North Korean situation is. Why do we allow so many to suffer and die? It pains me.
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
I want to give this food to my family in North Korea. But I can’t. So I entrust it to the seagulls. And in my heart, they carry it off to my family. And I weep.
I have read about North-Korea before. I'm not new to it, so I thought I knew what to expect. I thought it would be no different. But I was wrong. Of course I was. Here faith was too little.
This memoir might be the one that has best captured life there so far. A life that, for me — for us — remains truly incomprehensible.
My words don't mean much, they would never be enough to express how terribly sorry I am. But I am. Sincerely. And I also know that my sorry, just as little as these letters, will not help them. If I had the power, I would help them - people who don't even know what the outside world is like. They are born into this, this is normal for them, because what they do not know they cannot really desire.
But this was not the case for the author. For another survivor.
He went through hell, fighting with every step and breath, every inch of him. In fact, pages could be written about how brave, resourceful, and strong he was. And there was no one left for him. He lost everything. Absolutely everything.
What was left for him were his memories. And he gave them to us. I don't know him and he doesn't know me either, but I sincerely hope that he has found some peace in this life. That not everything was in vain. I hope he stays strong. I hope he stays brave. He deserves every good thing in this world.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
I sobbed throughout this whole memoir. I was hoping for a happy ending, but it never came. Please read this.