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paganhill's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
cemoses's review against another edition
3.0
The first part of this book a I found extremely boring. The second part of the book hooked me like a better suspense novel. However, I did not find anything literary or great about the book.
liann24's review against another edition
3.0
Weird and humorous, but a long and confusing read for me.
carter_jason's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
jimpiquant's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent book. Hard to believe this is a first book from this author. If you like a good story where you can learn something about a place or time that may not be familiar, this is a gem based in North Korea. If you want a companion non-fiction book on North Korea check out "Nothing to Envy".
anntrautmannm's review against another edition
5.0
I truly enjoyed this incredibly told story. Although fiction, it was based on visits to Pyongyang and on interviews with defectors from North Korea. It was 1984 to the third power; I was fascinated and had to read more about the isolated, brutal Kim regime.
jktstoll's review against another edition
3.0
A surreal and disturbing but oddly sort of believable look into the closed world of North Korea. Enjoyable if sometimes graphic.
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
I would give this 3.5 stars. I never thought I'd be reading a novel which takes place in North Korea, let alone one by an author who has actually been there. The story is about the life of Jun Do - born and raised in a prison camp. It can be a little confusing (just like living there must be) since some chapters move Jun Do's story along and some chapters give the State version of the story by emulating the loud speaker which tells all the citizens what to believe. The reader gets a real sense of what it must be like to live a lie and to have very little individual identity. On the positive side, some things are redeemed. It's a good, though at times horrific, read.
ginny17's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. One of those gut-wrenching books you can't put down and can't stop thinking about.