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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
Really moving account of life in North Korea in the mid-late 20th century. The limit of human endurance is incredible. And in such a short book as well - only took a few hours of committed reading to finish it. Would recommend.
dark
informative
dark
informative
sad
tense
An utterly devastating story, but one so important to read and to share. The atrocities this man endured, and those in North Korea continue to endure, are beyond comprehension.
challenging
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
The subject matter of life in North Korea fascinated me and I devoured this book in just two days. It wasn't easy to read what he went through and what he may still be going through today. This book will not leave you with a happy ending, so don't expect one. Appreciate the life you have.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
This man does not mince his words. Every aspect of his life, every turn in his story--we will learn about every gruesome detail of it. And to me that's how such a story should be told.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Xenophobia, Classism, Deportation
Moderate: Torture, Toxic relationship, Excrement, Vomit, Police brutality, Suicide attempt
Minor: Cannibalism
Starvation
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Haunting. Heartbreaking. Emotional.
I was really moved by the author's experience and went through many emotions while reading. I was horrified, but not surprised at how awful human beings treat others when inscenced with power and in desperation. I was angry at government leaders and citizens rationalizing excuses for the mistreatment and abuse of its citizens. I was wholly heartbroken at the author's experience and hopeful he would achieve a better life for him and his family. And I was inspired by the author's will to go on despite a life of hardship and by him finding those slivers of joy in the small things to keep him going. Short but powerful story.
I was really moved by the author's experience and went through many emotions while reading. I was horrified, but not surprised at how awful human beings treat others when inscenced with power and in desperation. I was angry at government leaders and citizens rationalizing excuses for the mistreatment and abuse of its citizens. I was wholly heartbroken at the author's experience and hopeful he would achieve a better life for him and his family. And I was inspired by the author's will to go on despite a life of hardship and by him finding those slivers of joy in the small things to keep him going. Short but powerful story.
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced