Questions About Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West

by Blaine Harden (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (9)

I read this book but I'm still a little confused about what's true and what's not. I understand that there was some sort of scandal because Shin was not entirely truthful about his story at first. But is everything in this book true? I'd ahte to think I read something that's not.

Bon Tom And wouldn't you hate it even more if the book was (and it is) true? Well, if somebody told me this book is as true as Harry Potter, that would really…moreAnd wouldn't you hate it even more if the book was (and it is) true? Well, if somebody told me this book is as true as Harry Potter, that would really make my day. But what I really hate to think is I have read something that's sheds painful and true light at the world we live in. So rest without worries, my friend, you've read testament of truth that might only be false in minor, unimportant details. Everything of substance is out there.(less)

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I can understand why China and South Korea have done nothing to put an end to these camps, but why have the United Nations and the United States done so little?

Charlie Bomberg Nobody know how North Korea works. Nobody outside NK really knows how the internal political structure of Pyongyang works, and those inside NK who kno…moreNobody know how North Korea works. Nobody outside NK really knows how the internal political structure of Pyongyang works, and those inside NK who know won't ever, ever tell.
So, what should the UN or the USA do? Nuke the country and kill thousands, if not millions of innocent people? The people who, their entire life, have heard that the USA is their greatest, darkest enemy, and now suddenly they come and nuke their great leader? Probably a bad idea.
Should someone try to infiltrate the country? How? NK knows exactly who gets into the country, for how long they are staying and are generally monitoring their every move.
Start a war? Great idea! Look what happened in Iraq or Afghanistan. Those sure a civilized, rich countries without problems now.

Don't get me wrong. I don't support the system in North Korea a single bit and I'd wish there was something we could do, but it's pretty hard just going into a country and, you know, do something because WE think it's wrong. Luckily we are over the times where you could just wander into another country and declare a war, because that hasn't really gotten us anywhere. I don't think anyone has done anything because it would require a huge sacrifice of innocent people.
Also: I don't think anyone will do anything before NK decides to actually attack "the West", which they probably won't do anytime soon because they know the consequences. Yes, they do have nuclear weapons in NK, but they probably would never use them. They can "only" reach countries like China (their only ally so probably a bad idea), South Korea, Japan and Guam; the last three of which would then receive help from the UN and the USA who North Korea knows they can't stop. NK teaches its people to believe they are the superior power in this world, but I'm pretty sure Kim Jong Un and his people know they can't win a war agains, well, anybody.
Also, notable: I'm not sure the world is ready for the huge flow of NK immigrants if the state of NK was suddenly demolished. If you've read Camp 14 or seen any interviews with people escaping NK you will know that integration is immensely hard for them. They haven't learn to think for themselves and suddenly allowing yourself to think is harder than one can believe. And I'm not sure any country is ready to take on the responsibility that comes with that.

Correct me if I'm wrong; this is only my assumptions.(less)

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I've heard the story is completely a lie...to become famous.Is it true?

Ellen It's probably not a complete lie. There are some parts to his story that correlate with what verified North Koreans have said in their accounts, despi…moreIt's probably not a complete lie. There are some parts to his story that correlate with what verified North Koreans have said in their accounts, despite coming from different areas and having no connection to each other. Some of his stories also match up with satellite imagery, so we can know that there are bits and pieces of truth throughout. However, he did go back on several of his statements, which then calls into question the rest of his narrative.(less)

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Does anyone have any Escape from Camp 14 book club questions?

Sara
1) What happens to Uncle?
2) Is there any part of NK that is warm and bright. Will this book help the UN and the US to attempt to help those in NK to e…more
1) What happens to Uncle?
2) Is there any part of NK that is warm and bright. Will this book help the UN and the US to attempt to help those in NK to ever see what life is like just south of them?
3) Why have the United Nations and the United States done so little?
4) If pregnant women get killed in Camp 14, how was Shin born there?
5) What would happen if Shin's mom and brother escaped without getting caught? How would you compare Shin's parents to Uncle. Are they alike? Different? How would you organize an escape plan to escape camp 14?
6) What on earth is Trump thinking to befriend someone like Kim Jung Eun?
7) Ever wonder why the world didn't do more to end the horrors of Stalin's gulags or Hitler's work camps?
8) Why doesn't the world do more to end the horrible inhumanity imposed on people in the work camps of North Korea?
9) Those who do escape are likely to find themselves in either China or South Korea. And then what?
10) How can North Koreans comprehend, let alone make a life in the fast-paced, neon-lit world of what is arguably the most competitive, consumerist, stressful society on the planet, when they’ve lived without electricity, furniture, and running water, never sat an exam, have no friends - and don’t even know how to make any?
11) How do you force a nuclear power to do anything?
12) Should aid to starving people be conditional on improved human rights?
13) Dennis Rodman befriended Kim Jong-un? Is he an idiot or just ignorant?
14) How could this seemingly impossible tale be true?
15) What did he do to be put in the work camp?
16) Did you know that when polled, most South Koreans want unification but don't want it until after they die?
17) Can we also just congratulate Harden for managing to not be judgmental towards Shin, despite how tempting it is?
18) Does anyone else also just feel curious?
19) These camps are not some super secret underground establishments, anyone with an internet connection can see them on google earth and isn't that the worst thing about the whole thing?
20) Why do prisoners escape?
21) What must that have felt like, to go from a world surrounded by fence to one where you know nothing?
22) Wasn't he happier back there at the labor camps?
23) Did they care about the fate of Korean families when they drew up that line?
24) Did the part under American protection fare better than the other?
25) Will the two Koreas ever manage to reunite?
26) How does North Korea get away with this?
27) Why are the "western powers" continuing to flood aid to North Korea, without demanding it meet the most basic tenets of human rights?
28) Why is our inaction towards North Korea today any better?
29) What would it be like to be raised without love or kindness?
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If pregnant women get killed in Camp 14, how was Shin born there? Think I missed something