The Yalu Flows: A Korean Childhood

In simple, lucid prose Mirok Li brings his readers into the idyllic yet also vibrant world of his childhood and youth. Through carefully chosen words he conveys to the reader the beautiful dream of his past: Korea, his home, his family, and his friends; his aspirations, fears, longings, sadnesses and joys. This book is written in a calm, at times lyrical style that is soothing to read.

This book was originally witten in German by Mi-rok Li after he was exiled in Germany to escape persecution from the Japanese for having taken part in student demonstration between 1910 - 1945 Korea. I haven't read it in German but its passages are beautifully written in both English and Korean. Li masterfully depicts the transition between the traditional Korea and the start of Japanese occupation in 1910. This book is a portrayal of what once was in the old Korea seen through the eyes of the author as a child up until he becomes a young man having to face the harsh consequences of a country's fate. Reading this book will be a unique experience for anyone. My favorite book!