The first of its kind, this book provides a unique inside look into the hidden world of ordinary North Koreans. Mike Kim, who worked with refugees on the Chinese border for four years, recounts their experiences of enduring famine, sex-trafficking, and torture, as well as the inspirational stories of those who overcame tremendous adversity to escape the repressive regime of their homeland and make new lives. One of the few Americans granted entry into the secretive "Hermit Kingdom," Kim came to know the isolated country and its people intimately. His North Korean friends entrusted their secrets to him as they revealed the government's brainwashing tactics and confessed their true thoughts about the repressive regime that so rigidly controls their lives. Civilians and soldiers alike spoke of what North Koreans think of Americans and war with America. Children remembered the suffering they endured through the famine. Women and girls recalled their horrific experiences at the hands of sex-traffickers. Former political prisoners shared their memories of beatings, torture, and executions in the gulags. With the permission of these courageous individuals, Kim now shares their stories and recounts his dramatic experiences leading North Koreans to asylum through the six-thousand-mile modern-day underground railway through Asia. His unflinching narrative exposes the truth about North Korea, stripping away the last veils that still shroud this brutal dictatorship.
After hearing about North Korea in the recent news lately, and discovering the two Americans Euna and Laura that were captured made me read this book. I knew Lisa Ling several years ago as a journalist and followed her stories and was shocked to hear what happen to her sister. People need to see it. This book made me appreciate and be thankful of what I already have. Overall, great book! kept me reading..
North Korean Horrors
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Horrors of living in North Korea as related by refugees who flee the country into China looking for a better life. A lot of credit goes to those selfless people who help the North Koreans escape the hell of a regime run by a madman.
Defiance and Hope
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
true stories about unbelievable situations in OUR MODERN world. North Korea is the most repressive country in the world and if more people knew about it, then more people would do something about. i know i am!
An insightful and really easy read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
The best thing about this book is that it is an easy read. Although Kim engages with North Korea, a political hotbed and at the forefront of the global stage, his stories are personal and his style easy to follow. Pick this book up if you want a real feel for what is happening on the China-North Korea border. The human element makes it a compelling, but easily flowing read. Because of both its content and its style, you will find it difficult to this book down.
A great read!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
A great read if you're interested in the North Korean situation beyond what the news media reports (ie nukes). Kim does a great job of making a complex problem palpable and, in many ways, relatable to the western readers. Though he goes in depth regarding the government's role in the famine and warped culture, he doesn't demonize them nor does he make excuses for them. A very balanced and unbiased look into the hermit kingdom from an outside perspective.
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