Take a photo of a barcode or cover
amandasbookreview 's review for:
A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea
by Masaji Ishikawa
This is one of those books that has been hiding in my kindle for about a year now. A River in Darkness by Masaji Ishikawa is a first-hand account of his life in North Korea and ultimately his escape. Masaji Ishikawa was born to a Japanese mother and a Korean father. Growing up in Japan, he often felt like he did not belong. However. at a young age, his father took him and the rest of his family to North Korea under the impression that they would have a better life. This is not the life they found in North Korea. They had to endure starvation, government oppression, and fierce propaganda. Masaji Ishikawa finally realizes he needs to escape to give his family their best chance at survival. His chances of succeeding are not high, but that does not stop him.
It is impossible to fathom what the author had to endure. This first-hand account reveals the terror of what is happening in North Korea. This is not a book that one read for entertainment or for a happy ending. The entire story is depressing and bleak, but it exposes the suffering that the people of North Korea are experiencing. It is meant to be educational, to open people’s eyes.
The book is told from a personal point of view. I felt almost as if the author were sitting across from me, explaining his story. He is very honest and forthcoming with all the details of his life. Not only did he suffer abuse at the hand of North Korea, but also at the hand of his father. He discusses how he tries to find his place also within his family, who feel like they don’t belong to any country. The loss, death, and torture they experience will make readers think about the opportunities that are presented in their life and how much they have to be thankful for. I really recommend that everyone read this memoir. It is short, but straight to the point. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
It is impossible to fathom what the author had to endure. This first-hand account reveals the terror of what is happening in North Korea. This is not a book that one read for entertainment or for a happy ending. The entire story is depressing and bleak, but it exposes the suffering that the people of North Korea are experiencing. It is meant to be educational, to open people’s eyes.
The book is told from a personal point of view. I felt almost as if the author were sitting across from me, explaining his story. He is very honest and forthcoming with all the details of his life. Not only did he suffer abuse at the hand of North Korea, but also at the hand of his father. He discusses how he tries to find his place also within his family, who feel like they don’t belong to any country. The loss, death, and torture they experience will make readers think about the opportunities that are presented in their life and how much they have to be thankful for. I really recommend that everyone read this memoir. It is short, but straight to the point. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.