Take a photo of a barcode or cover
ellieturnsthepage 's review for:
The Last Exiles
by Ann Shin
This book was completely heartbreaking, but in such powerful ways. Beautifully written, this story packs a lot into a rather short read and was able to create two characters in Suja and Jin full of hope and idealism that contrasts sharply with the political setting of their home country, North Korea. Their love story was touching but also heartbreaking as they fall in love, are torn apart, and then through many trials and tribulations, attempt to reunite.
Additionally, I loved that this story was inspired by the author's own journeys to China and Korea and the many North Korean defectors she was privileged to meet and learn from. This story was eye-opening in many ways about life in North Korea: the xenophobia faced as a defector, the disgusting practice of human trafficking, and so much more. And despite its topics that made my heart feel heavy, Suja and Jin's love story did provide a sense of hope that brought this story home for me.
Additionally, I loved that this story was inspired by the author's own journeys to China and Korea and the many North Korean defectors she was privileged to meet and learn from. This story was eye-opening in many ways about life in North Korea: the xenophobia faced as a defector, the disgusting practice of human trafficking, and so much more. And despite its topics that made my heart feel heavy, Suja and Jin's love story did provide a sense of hope that brought this story home for me.