Reviews - A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea

1.22k reviews for:

A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea

I love memoirs like this, they tell me of life in other countries and make me a more self aware human being.

I appreciated the transparency that the author employed while writing this book, and it gave me a lot to think about in relation to North Korea, China, and Japan during the time period it was set in.

natashagill's review against another edition

5.0

This was one of the most heartbreaking books I have ever read... and I have read many survivor stories. The whole time all I could think was, how much can one man endure? How can we live in a world where people have to suffer so, when so many of us are gifted with so much? The brutality of the regime under which they live, the propaganda and blatant lies, it boggles the mind how people can turn a blind eye to reality with such indifference. But the author's endurance and the kindness of those who helped and supported him keep this from being entirely bleak. I hope for his sake he one day finds peace and happiness in life. He has been through too much.

avi_idea's review against another edition

4.0

Absolutely horrendous. Read this if you want a reminder to count your blessings

vaderspidey's review against another edition

5.0

Good read in one sitting

It's a very quick read and extremely intriguing. You won't be able to put this book down. Humbling; you need to read this.

darynka's review against another edition

5.0

Heart wrenching story of one man's life in North Korea. It was very hard to read at some points, I just kept thinking that this kind of life cannot be possible. Very sad story with a sad ending.