Book info

• Title
• Author Blaine Harden
• Year
• Genres

Thoughts

This is the second book I have read about conditions inside North Korea, reported by defectors who had the good fortune to escape, and it continues to make me wonder how it is possible there can be a country like this on Earth that no one is doing anything about.

Here, we follow the story of Shin, who was born inside a political prisoners camp, thus never knowing much of life outside the camp, let alone outside the North Korean borders. Even so, after a terrible childhood, Shin manages to escape and now thrives as an activist against the atrocities he suffered.

It’s harrowing reading, but I do like how the author has been upfront and honest at the start about how much of the book has been corroborated, how much has to be taken on faith, and which parts of the story Shin himself has changed along the way. I expect most of it is true, but even if only a small portion of it is, it’s still an eye-opening and important read.

Rating: Unrated