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A review by ohlhauc
In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park, Maryanne Vollers
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
This book was a detailed retelling of the events in the author's life from her early childhood in North Korea, her escape to China and experience being trafficked as a sex slave, followed by her second escape to South Korea where she received an education and began to build a safe, hopeful life.
The story is very important as we need to understand more about the situations and social forces/governments that lead to such oppression and violence against human dignity. However, there wasn't much beyond a straightforward chronicle of events. I would have liked to see more commentary and extrapolation of the ideas beyond the author's experience. The writing was also fine; nothing stood out, either bad or good.
The topic was important but the execution was just okay. I'd recommend checking out other memoirs or books on the topic of North Koreans escaping their country if you want a broader or deeper understanding of the topics.
The story is very important as we need to understand more about the situations and social forces/governments that lead to such oppression and violence against human dignity. However, there wasn't much beyond a straightforward chronicle of events. I would have liked to see more commentary and extrapolation of the ideas beyond the author's experience. The writing was also fine; nothing stood out, either bad or good.
The topic was important but the execution was just okay. I'd recommend checking out other memoirs or books on the topic of North Koreans escaping their country if you want a broader or deeper understanding of the topics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Trafficking
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Death of parent and Kidnapping