Reviews

Everyone should read this. Every. Single. Person. Doesn't matter whether you like reading or not. The reality of North Korea, the psychological control of the dictators, the limitation of language for control, how difficult it is to grasp the very concept of freedom and the kind of an uphill struggle it can be to think for oneself, for someone who's never had choices and never had to think. The situations thousands of women and girls face on crossing the border to China (unknowingly) through trafficking and how hard it can be to just live even when you're finally "free." This book will leave you thinking thoughts that will never leave. And this isn't even fiction— this is how thousands live, this is what they all face. A must-read. 5/5.

lhowaa's review against another edition

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dark informative inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

4.25

mrscaew's review against another edition

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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

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Content Warnings

fureverlove's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad medium-paced

3.75

naharobed's review against another edition

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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.

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