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PARAHAN, 2nd Edition: The Earth We Live on Has Been an Imprisonment System
As soon as you start immersing yourself in the storyline that’s when the magic happens
- Book Review
PARAHAN is a bestselling science fiction in South Korean since it was published in the fall of 2013. The English edition of the book was rewritten by an excellent editor in 2018.
[ Previous book reviews before an English version is published on Amazon ]
▪ I wish this book were a true story. I logged in at this late night because I so wanted to say this. The novel still lingers in my mind.
▪ It was easy to read and follow. I had goose bumps because the story reversed repeatedly in the later part. It made me think very many things. I salute to the imagination of the author.
▪ This book made me think a lot about existence. The storyline is so interesting that I finished a book at a sitting. I enjoyed it very much.
▪ I felt like it is a non-fiction. Fiction that will make you think! It is such a fun book.
PARAHAN is a bestselling science fiction in South Korean since it was published in the fall of 2013. The English edition of the book was rewritten by an excellent editor in 2018.
[ Previous book reviews before an English version is published on Amazon ]
▪ I wish this book were a true story. I logged in at this late night because I so wanted to say this. The novel still lingers in my mind.
▪ It was easy to read and follow. I had goose bumps because the story reversed repeatedly in the later part. It made me think very many things. I salute to the imagination of the author.
▪ This book made me think a lot about existence. The storyline is so interesting that I finished a book at a sitting. I enjoyed it very much.
▪ I felt like it is a non-fiction. Fiction that will make you think! It is such a fun book.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2018
25 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 27, 2018
This is apparently a well-sold SF book in Korea. Some other reviewers have commented on the translation, which I agree at first seems somewhat odd, but I was quite happy with it because it seems to convey the Korean way of thinking and expressing themselves, or at least I am prepared to accept that Koreans express things that way. It gives an insight to another culture, and I can't fault that. The basic concept of the book is that Earth is a sort of prison camp where alien civilizations send people needing correction, and where they live out their sentence, then when they die or get killed, they return to their own planet two years older. The civilization that runs this camp comes from the planet Hoon, which it turns out is under attack from another alien civilization. I don't want to say more because this is definitely a plot dependent story, where what is going on is more important than most other things.
The plot structure is complicated, and I felt that by the ending it had got a little too much so. The characters were not that memorable, in part because they were different people on Parahan from on Hoon. The action scenes are highly imaginative, and for once in a book involving war there was an extremely interesting strategy. There are some interesting analogies that comment on our political and economic systems that may get votes of approval/disapproval, depending on where you are on the political spectrum. Given the unusual style, the writing was clear, and it was easy to read. Up to about ¾ of the way through I was contemplating five stars, but the last quarter seemed to be something of a disappointment to me as it had seemed to promise somewhat more.
The plot structure is complicated, and I felt that by the ending it had got a little too much so. The characters were not that memorable, in part because they were different people on Parahan from on Hoon. The action scenes are highly imaginative, and for once in a book involving war there was an extremely interesting strategy. There are some interesting analogies that comment on our political and economic systems that may get votes of approval/disapproval, depending on where you are on the political spectrum. Given the unusual style, the writing was clear, and it was easy to read. Up to about ¾ of the way through I was contemplating five stars, but the last quarter seemed to be something of a disappointment to me as it had seemed to promise somewhat more.
May 14, 2018
‘I have been trapped without noticing that I was captured. Can there be any better way to trap a person?’
South Korean author Kevin Brown writes science fiction. His debut PARAHAN was first published in South Korea in 2013 and became a bestselling science fiction in 2014. He has finished translating it into English in 2018.
Kevin Brown writes with a rich imagination that he links so closely to history and reality that his science fiction grows in stature to register as solid literature. His creation of a world beyond credible earth works well and allows him to introduce philosophical issues that ring true. For Kevin’s story, earth is a prison camp where alien civilizations send citizens requiring correction, living out their sentence, and when they die or get killed, they return to their own planet two years older. The civilization that runs this camp comes from the planet Hoon, which is under attack from another alien civilization.
He opens his story in 1952 and the following passage shares entry into his created space; ‘It has been more than a year and a half since the war began. Along with the war, Ghil’s ordinary life ruined very quickly. Before the war broke out, he was an ordinary man who had been married for five years while working in a photo studio. He graduated from ‘Second High School’ during the Japanese colonial era, then started to work for a newspaper company in Seoul. After working about two years, he was fed up with the pro-Japanese arrogance of the newspaper company; so, he quit the job. “Enough is enough. I have guts.” He spat it out to his colleagues as he was leaving, with the thought that he was quitting it anyway. Afterward, he obtained a job at a photo studio on Jongno Street in Seoul. This was with the help of one of his acquaintances. He made a living by helping a photographer take commemorative photos. He was paid much less in comparison to the newspaper. It was not a job good enough for his education level. Nevertheless, he continually tried to learn photography and put a lot of effort to find satisfaction within it. Ghil continued to work in the photo studio, even after Korean independence from Japan. His photographing technique was well received by the neighbors, although the photo studio did not prosper well. He became an important staff member of the studio. In the meantime, he met his wife and had a son. It seemed like he bore a new hope in his life. Still, his ordinary life was sucked up into the whirl of adversity as war broke out. On Sunday, June 25, 1950, the North Korean Army stormed off at dawn. They broke the 38th line in an instant. It only took three days for them to capture Seoul. Ghil had to face the North Korean Army in Seoul without having a chance to flee. The North Korean Army took control of Seoul, driving the South Korean Army to the south of the peninsula while continuing their sweeping upturn. In a flash, they had control over the entire peninsula, with the exception of the south of the Nakdong River.’
At a time when the relationship between North Korea and South Korea and the US is heady news, this book serves more than just a sound science fiction story in this English translation. The synopsis helps a bit – ‘After searching through blur images for a long time, he could find the memory of lying on the street. I am sure I was about to die! His confused face was filled with a smile now. He was holding a heavy sledgehammer in his right hand. He came as close as he could to finish the work he was about to do and wielded the sledgehammer in his hand. Being born on the earth was the beginning of his imprisonment. He forgot all the memories on Hoon and he grew up on the earth and continued his imprisonment for 35 years. After he died by a car accident, he could escape from the earth, or the prison camp. Their number increased exponentially in a flash. In a short period of time, the black culcoons spread over the horizon and rapidly approached to them at a fast pace.’
Toward the end of the story we find the emphasis on philosophy – ‘How can the majority of people live happily by acknowledging the value of life?. ‘People Cultivating Happiness’ was born from this question. The majority of people had been trained under the name of education to foster them as good workers as soon as they were born. They worked hard to live and competed fiercely with others. People worked hard yesterday and today as usual. However, the recession and the boom were repeated regardless of their efforts to give them periodic hardship. The society made people laugh by inflating money and debt and by using the word, credit. After bubbles were burst, it made people, who were suffering, blame themselves. Mr. Kim believed that the selfishness of the leading people of the society instigated the infinite competition to the public.’
Strong writing in need of an editor to clarify lines of plot progression. Yet we are left with the feeling that Kevin Brown is an important new author.
South Korean author Kevin Brown writes science fiction. His debut PARAHAN was first published in South Korea in 2013 and became a bestselling science fiction in 2014. He has finished translating it into English in 2018.
Kevin Brown writes with a rich imagination that he links so closely to history and reality that his science fiction grows in stature to register as solid literature. His creation of a world beyond credible earth works well and allows him to introduce philosophical issues that ring true. For Kevin’s story, earth is a prison camp where alien civilizations send citizens requiring correction, living out their sentence, and when they die or get killed, they return to their own planet two years older. The civilization that runs this camp comes from the planet Hoon, which is under attack from another alien civilization.
He opens his story in 1952 and the following passage shares entry into his created space; ‘It has been more than a year and a half since the war began. Along with the war, Ghil’s ordinary life ruined very quickly. Before the war broke out, he was an ordinary man who had been married for five years while working in a photo studio. He graduated from ‘Second High School’ during the Japanese colonial era, then started to work for a newspaper company in Seoul. After working about two years, he was fed up with the pro-Japanese arrogance of the newspaper company; so, he quit the job. “Enough is enough. I have guts.” He spat it out to his colleagues as he was leaving, with the thought that he was quitting it anyway. Afterward, he obtained a job at a photo studio on Jongno Street in Seoul. This was with the help of one of his acquaintances. He made a living by helping a photographer take commemorative photos. He was paid much less in comparison to the newspaper. It was not a job good enough for his education level. Nevertheless, he continually tried to learn photography and put a lot of effort to find satisfaction within it. Ghil continued to work in the photo studio, even after Korean independence from Japan. His photographing technique was well received by the neighbors, although the photo studio did not prosper well. He became an important staff member of the studio. In the meantime, he met his wife and had a son. It seemed like he bore a new hope in his life. Still, his ordinary life was sucked up into the whirl of adversity as war broke out. On Sunday, June 25, 1950, the North Korean Army stormed off at dawn. They broke the 38th line in an instant. It only took three days for them to capture Seoul. Ghil had to face the North Korean Army in Seoul without having a chance to flee. The North Korean Army took control of Seoul, driving the South Korean Army to the south of the peninsula while continuing their sweeping upturn. In a flash, they had control over the entire peninsula, with the exception of the south of the Nakdong River.’
At a time when the relationship between North Korea and South Korea and the US is heady news, this book serves more than just a sound science fiction story in this English translation. The synopsis helps a bit – ‘After searching through blur images for a long time, he could find the memory of lying on the street. I am sure I was about to die! His confused face was filled with a smile now. He was holding a heavy sledgehammer in his right hand. He came as close as he could to finish the work he was about to do and wielded the sledgehammer in his hand. Being born on the earth was the beginning of his imprisonment. He forgot all the memories on Hoon and he grew up on the earth and continued his imprisonment for 35 years. After he died by a car accident, he could escape from the earth, or the prison camp. Their number increased exponentially in a flash. In a short period of time, the black culcoons spread over the horizon and rapidly approached to them at a fast pace.’
Toward the end of the story we find the emphasis on philosophy – ‘How can the majority of people live happily by acknowledging the value of life?. ‘People Cultivating Happiness’ was born from this question. The majority of people had been trained under the name of education to foster them as good workers as soon as they were born. They worked hard to live and competed fiercely with others. People worked hard yesterday and today as usual. However, the recession and the boom were repeated regardless of their efforts to give them periodic hardship. The society made people laugh by inflating money and debt and by using the word, credit. After bubbles were burst, it made people, who were suffering, blame themselves. Mr. Kim believed that the selfishness of the leading people of the society instigated the infinite competition to the public.’
Strong writing in need of an editor to clarify lines of plot progression. Yet we are left with the feeling that Kevin Brown is an important new author.
October 16, 2018
‘I’ve been trapped without noticing I was captured. Can there be any better way to trap a person?’
South Korean author Kevin Brown writes science fiction. His debut PARAHAN was first published in South Korea in 2013 and became a bestselling science fiction in 2014. He has finished translating it into English in 2018.
Kevin Brown writes with a rich imagination that he links so closely to history and reality that his science fiction grows in stature to register as solid literature. His creation of a world beyond credible earth works well and allows him to introduce philosophical issues that ring true. For Kevin’s story, earth is a prison camp where alien civilizations send citizens requiring correction, living out their sentence, and when they die or get killed, they return to their own planet two years older. The civilization that runs this camp comes from the planet Hoon, which is under attack from another alien civilization.
He opens his story in 1952 and the following passage shares entry into his created space; ‘It has been more than a year and a half since the war began. Along with the war, Ghil’s ordinary life ruined very quickly. Before the war broke out, he was an ordinary man who had been married for five years while working in a photo studio. He graduated from ‘Second High School’ during the Japanese colonial era, then started to work for a newspaper company in Seoul. After working about two years, he was fed up with the pro-Japanese arrogance of the newspaper company; so, he quit the job. “Enough is enough. I have guts.” He spat it out to his colleagues as he was leaving, with the thought that he was quitting it anyway. Afterward, he obtained a job at a photo studio on Jongno Street in Seoul. This was with the help of one of his acquaintances. He made a living by helping a photographer take commemorative photos. He was paid much less in comparison to the newspaper. It was not a job good enough for his education level. Nevertheless, he continually tried to learn photography and put a lot of effort to find satisfaction within it. Ghil continued to work in the photo studio, even after Korean independence from Japan. His photographing technique was well received by the neighbors, although the photo studio did not prosper well. He became an important staff member of the studio. In the meantime, he met his wife and had a son. It seemed like he bore a new hope in his life. Still, his ordinary life was sucked up into the whirl of adversity as war broke out. On Sunday, June 25, 1950, the North Korean Army stormed off at dawn. They broke the 38th line in an instant. It only took three days for them to capture Seoul. Ghil had to face the North Korean Army in Seoul without having a chance to flee. The North Korean Army took control of Seoul, driving the South Korean Army to the south of the peninsula while continuing their sweeping upturn. In a flash, they had control over the entire peninsula, with the exception of the south of the Nakdong River.’
At a time when the relationship between North Korea and South Korea and the US is heady news, this book serves more than just a sound science fiction story in this English translation. The synopsis helps a bit – ‘After searching through blur images for a long time, he could find the memory of lying on the street. I am sure I was about to die! His confused face was filled with a smile now. He was holding a heavy sledgehammer in his right hand. He came as close as he could to finish the work he was about to do and wielded the sledgehammer in his hand. Being born on the earth was the beginning of his imprisonment. He forgot all the memories on Hoon and he grew up on the earth and continued his imprisonment for 35 years. After he died by a car accident, he could escape from the earth, or the prison camp. Their number increased exponentially in a flash. In a short period of time, the black culcoons spread over the horizon and rapidly approached to them at a fast pace.’
Toward the end of the story we find the emphasis on philosophy – ‘How can the majority of people live happily by acknowledging the value of life? ‘People Cultivating Happiness’ was born from this question. The majority of people had been trained under the name of education to foster them as good workers as soon as they were born. They worked hard to live and competed fiercely with others. People worked hard yesterday and today as usual. However, the recession and the boom were repeated regardless of their efforts to give them periodic hardship. The society made people laugh by inflating money and debt and by using the word, credit. After bubbles were burst, it made people, who were suffering, blame themselves. Mr. Kim believed that the selfishness of the leading people of the society instigated the infinite competition to the public.’
Strong writing - we are left with the feeling that Kevin Brown is an important new author.
South Korean author Kevin Brown writes science fiction. His debut PARAHAN was first published in South Korea in 2013 and became a bestselling science fiction in 2014. He has finished translating it into English in 2018.
Kevin Brown writes with a rich imagination that he links so closely to history and reality that his science fiction grows in stature to register as solid literature. His creation of a world beyond credible earth works well and allows him to introduce philosophical issues that ring true. For Kevin’s story, earth is a prison camp where alien civilizations send citizens requiring correction, living out their sentence, and when they die or get killed, they return to their own planet two years older. The civilization that runs this camp comes from the planet Hoon, which is under attack from another alien civilization.
He opens his story in 1952 and the following passage shares entry into his created space; ‘It has been more than a year and a half since the war began. Along with the war, Ghil’s ordinary life ruined very quickly. Before the war broke out, he was an ordinary man who had been married for five years while working in a photo studio. He graduated from ‘Second High School’ during the Japanese colonial era, then started to work for a newspaper company in Seoul. After working about two years, he was fed up with the pro-Japanese arrogance of the newspaper company; so, he quit the job. “Enough is enough. I have guts.” He spat it out to his colleagues as he was leaving, with the thought that he was quitting it anyway. Afterward, he obtained a job at a photo studio on Jongno Street in Seoul. This was with the help of one of his acquaintances. He made a living by helping a photographer take commemorative photos. He was paid much less in comparison to the newspaper. It was not a job good enough for his education level. Nevertheless, he continually tried to learn photography and put a lot of effort to find satisfaction within it. Ghil continued to work in the photo studio, even after Korean independence from Japan. His photographing technique was well received by the neighbors, although the photo studio did not prosper well. He became an important staff member of the studio. In the meantime, he met his wife and had a son. It seemed like he bore a new hope in his life. Still, his ordinary life was sucked up into the whirl of adversity as war broke out. On Sunday, June 25, 1950, the North Korean Army stormed off at dawn. They broke the 38th line in an instant. It only took three days for them to capture Seoul. Ghil had to face the North Korean Army in Seoul without having a chance to flee. The North Korean Army took control of Seoul, driving the South Korean Army to the south of the peninsula while continuing their sweeping upturn. In a flash, they had control over the entire peninsula, with the exception of the south of the Nakdong River.’
At a time when the relationship between North Korea and South Korea and the US is heady news, this book serves more than just a sound science fiction story in this English translation. The synopsis helps a bit – ‘After searching through blur images for a long time, he could find the memory of lying on the street. I am sure I was about to die! His confused face was filled with a smile now. He was holding a heavy sledgehammer in his right hand. He came as close as he could to finish the work he was about to do and wielded the sledgehammer in his hand. Being born on the earth was the beginning of his imprisonment. He forgot all the memories on Hoon and he grew up on the earth and continued his imprisonment for 35 years. After he died by a car accident, he could escape from the earth, or the prison camp. Their number increased exponentially in a flash. In a short period of time, the black culcoons spread over the horizon and rapidly approached to them at a fast pace.’
Toward the end of the story we find the emphasis on philosophy – ‘How can the majority of people live happily by acknowledging the value of life? ‘People Cultivating Happiness’ was born from this question. The majority of people had been trained under the name of education to foster them as good workers as soon as they were born. They worked hard to live and competed fiercely with others. People worked hard yesterday and today as usual. However, the recession and the boom were repeated regardless of their efforts to give them periodic hardship. The society made people laugh by inflating money and debt and by using the word, credit. After bubbles were burst, it made people, who were suffering, blame themselves. Mr. Kim believed that the selfishness of the leading people of the society instigated the infinite competition to the public.’
Strong writing - we are left with the feeling that Kevin Brown is an important new author.
March 26, 2018
Parahan is a translation of a Korean novel and hence unique in its content. This is the first Korean novel that I came across so was equally fascinated by the local customs and culture as with the actual content of the story. The small things that stood out as being essentially South Korean delighted my thirst for knowledge of the local community such as people changing their footwear in the office before going home. I also liked the fact that the protagonist was shown in such a natural way with all the warts and moles so that it took some time for me to understand that he was really an important character of the story. As for the story I liked the concept of a second world from where we are sent to earth to serve few hours in bondage, and the mix of spiritual and the science fiction theme.
As for negative feedback, I had some difficulty in following the story and sometimes found it vague or repetitive. For example the first chapter of the story shows a person as dying and immediately in the second chapter we find that it was just a dream and that character would face an actual death in this new chapter. Also the translation part lacked proper integration into English language. However, this keeping of native element and imperfect translation gave the story an intense nostalgic and lilting feel that touched me on a personal level.
As for negative feedback, I had some difficulty in following the story and sometimes found it vague or repetitive. For example the first chapter of the story shows a person as dying and immediately in the second chapter we find that it was just a dream and that character would face an actual death in this new chapter. Also the translation part lacked proper integration into English language. However, this keeping of native element and imperfect translation gave the story an intense nostalgic and lilting feel that touched me on a personal level.
November 1, 2018
So the title – Parahan: The Earth we Live on has been an Imprisonment System – made me expect to read a book about the difficulties we face in our jobs, lives, poor decisions. Instead this has turned out to be a very unusual presentation of actually living in a prison system but it is really life. Is it a parallel to real living? Maybe, because there are different personal stories in this book but their only similarity is that at the end of their lives they return “alive” to their planet.
The prologue is a real attention grabber as you are caught up in the escape attempt of Ghil from a concentration camp that is on an island. The alarm is raised, shots are fired and the barb wire rakes through Ghil’s back as he desperately makes his escape. Ghil manages to get in a boat and vigorously rows away. He escapes but not being able to navigate his way in the sea the realisation hits him “I escaped from the concentration camp but now I am trapped by the open sea…..What better way to capture someone?”
Not all persons are aware that they are in a true prison and the construction of Parahan really will keep you engaged. The section Reversion sheds more light on what really is going on and you may want to re-read to get a fuller appreciation of the clever way how the stories are told.
The prologue is a real attention grabber as you are caught up in the escape attempt of Ghil from a concentration camp that is on an island. The alarm is raised, shots are fired and the barb wire rakes through Ghil’s back as he desperately makes his escape. Ghil manages to get in a boat and vigorously rows away. He escapes but not being able to navigate his way in the sea the realisation hits him “I escaped from the concentration camp but now I am trapped by the open sea…..What better way to capture someone?”
Not all persons are aware that they are in a true prison and the construction of Parahan really will keep you engaged. The section Reversion sheds more light on what really is going on and you may want to re-read to get a fuller appreciation of the clever way how the stories are told.
November 11, 2018
I started to write “A lot of this book reads as though it has been translated from another language”, and then it occurred to be to double-check: as it turns out, it was indeed translated from Korean. So that’s that explained.
Nevertheless, the translation does not detract from comprehension or enjoyment, and if anything, possibly helps it to feel more real than it would have done had it been written in so natural English as to feel unreasonably anglocentric for a book centred around Korean characters.
The book is, as billed, science fiction. We see plenty of things here that we would not see outside of the genre. I think that one of the greatest strengths of science fiction as a genre (a strength it shares only with fantasy, I’d say) is the ability to examine philosophical, psychological, and sociological issues in a fashion that we can’t do in our actual world. Brown achieves that here.
All in all, if you enjoy thoughtful and well-composed science fiction exploration of ideas set into a good plot, and don’t mind a little slightly stilted language (because of its status as a translated work), then this is an excellent book for you.
Nevertheless, the translation does not detract from comprehension or enjoyment, and if anything, possibly helps it to feel more real than it would have done had it been written in so natural English as to feel unreasonably anglocentric for a book centred around Korean characters.
The book is, as billed, science fiction. We see plenty of things here that we would not see outside of the genre. I think that one of the greatest strengths of science fiction as a genre (a strength it shares only with fantasy, I’d say) is the ability to examine philosophical, psychological, and sociological issues in a fashion that we can’t do in our actual world. Brown achieves that here.
All in all, if you enjoy thoughtful and well-composed science fiction exploration of ideas set into a good plot, and don’t mind a little slightly stilted language (because of its status as a translated work), then this is an excellent book for you.
July 3, 2019
A true definition of storytelling from the master.
Science fictions have always been a turner for me since my boyhood days. Whenever I pick up science fiction, I love to go through the pages slowly to have a good understanding of the idea the Author is trying to put forward.
Parahan by Kelvin Brown is definitely an interesting book. It’s the kind of book that is worthy of a second read. The novel is full of different ideas, ranging from philosophy to political themes with a very elaborate plot. The author has successfully found a way of working around a few characters and telling a very interesting story.
The moment you dive into the pages of this powerful science fiction, you’re drawn into a whole world of imaginations. From the cover of this novel to the pages within, the work is tastefully finished. The site of the back-cover depicted a strong message of a world with its fair share of problems.
I strongly recommend this book for those who love science fictions. Parahan is one book you will certainly love to read over and over again. It keeps the reader engaged and wanting to read more.
Science fictions have always been a turner for me since my boyhood days. Whenever I pick up science fiction, I love to go through the pages slowly to have a good understanding of the idea the Author is trying to put forward.
Parahan by Kelvin Brown is definitely an interesting book. It’s the kind of book that is worthy of a second read. The novel is full of different ideas, ranging from philosophy to political themes with a very elaborate plot. The author has successfully found a way of working around a few characters and telling a very interesting story.
The moment you dive into the pages of this powerful science fiction, you’re drawn into a whole world of imaginations. From the cover of this novel to the pages within, the work is tastefully finished. The site of the back-cover depicted a strong message of a world with its fair share of problems.
I strongly recommend this book for those who love science fictions. Parahan is one book you will certainly love to read over and over again. It keeps the reader engaged and wanting to read more.
May 23, 2019
Well, simply reading the summary, I would have had zero idea what "PARAHAN" is about beyond it being in the science fiction genre. After finishing Kevin Brown's South Korean written novel, I continue to be baffled as to the true meaning. There are a lot of philosophical and political type themes winding through the plot. The plot itself is intricate to the point of convolution. Being that this is a translation, I tried not to be so harsh but I just didn't get there with this novel. I felt no connection with any of the characters, I cared not one iota what happened on either planet and I fought a general sense of discombobulation through all 246 pages.
I feel guilty ripping this to shreds because if the blurbs are true, "PARAHAN" has been a hit with readers from South Korea to the United States. It could be that I am not the intended audience Brown was writing for, and that's okay. Based on positive feedback from others and overall good press surrounding this sci-fi book, I am settling on an intermediate rating.
I feel guilty ripping this to shreds because if the blurbs are true, "PARAHAN" has been a hit with readers from South Korea to the United States. It could be that I am not the intended audience Brown was writing for, and that's okay. Based on positive feedback from others and overall good press surrounding this sci-fi book, I am settling on an intermediate rating.
March 24, 2018
Kevin Brown’s, “PARAHAN: The Earth we live on has been an Imprisonment System,” is a very popular science fiction novel that was originally introduced in South Korea, but we now have had the pleasure of it being published in English for more individuals to be able to read it. This book is not something simple that can just be enjoyed superficially, however, because it is much more substantial and requires a close eye to observe for changes in the storyline. It was a bit difficult for me to follow because it presents such a unique story, but it was still very enjoyable. The universe that Brown created is very immersive, similar to how an entire universe has been created for “Star Wars” and how there are so many interlocking stories within that universe. The book definitely makes you question your own belief process though, which I enjoy being able to find in a book because it offers new perspectives on life and everyday experiences.
April 20, 2018
The Earth being used as a prison system is very unique.
PARAHAN: The Earth we live on has been an Imprisonment System by Kevin Brown, is a translation from a South Korean Science fiction. I will be honest that I had a hard time staying with the story and following it. I’m not sure if it’s because of how it was written or how it was translated but it didn’t progress as smoothly as I would have liked. Aside from that, I have to admit that I enjoyed this book, it was well worth the time it took to follow it. The little insights into the culture of South Korea made it incredibly interesting to me. The story itself draws a picture of a second world which uses Earth as a prison where inhabitants must serve their “time. I found the story line to be very unique and interesting. It really made me think and I enjoyed the different ideas presented by Brown. I would definitely read more from Kevin Brown, even with the translation hiccups.
PARAHAN: The Earth we live on has been an Imprisonment System by Kevin Brown, is a translation from a South Korean Science fiction. I will be honest that I had a hard time staying with the story and following it. I’m not sure if it’s because of how it was written or how it was translated but it didn’t progress as smoothly as I would have liked. Aside from that, I have to admit that I enjoyed this book, it was well worth the time it took to follow it. The little insights into the culture of South Korea made it incredibly interesting to me. The story itself draws a picture of a second world which uses Earth as a prison where inhabitants must serve their “time. I found the story line to be very unique and interesting. It really made me think and I enjoyed the different ideas presented by Brown. I would definitely read more from Kevin Brown, even with the translation hiccups.
May 31, 2018
PARAHAN: The Earth we live on has been an Imprisonment System by Kevin Brown is a thought provoking and provocative science fiction book. This book is a good melding of stories with a bit of history that evolves into science fiction. Oddly enough the battle between South and North Korea is applicable now because of the changing times we find ourselves in today. However, most of the story is about a prison camp that people are forced to live in. This is a bit confusing, as the plot meanders back and forth a bit, there is quite a bit of detail about the Korean war, which was illuminating, yet this book is wholly science fiction at its heart. At times this story is hard to follow, the plot is often confusing, some of that may be due to the translation aspect, some may be due to the writing style. Ultimately, this author shows great promise, and should with time grow into a formidable force in the science fiction genre.
June 2, 2018
Sometimes our own home can be our prison, and this might sounds cliché but we as prisoners, we can also held the key to set us free, why we don’t realize that more often?
I will admit it, despite I have a hard time trying to comprehend this book, it blow my mind, the book is not easy to read, the characters are just okay but can be difficult to assimilate all that happen. But if you pay enough attention you will find an incredible immersive story that will guide you throughout the past, present and future events, only for you to answer, if you die, it will set you free of this planet?
I find more references or just suggestions to other elements but I really don’t want to steal the surprise for the rest, this is the type of book everyone experienced in different ways, is like a journey, despite the road being the same for everyone, all kind of things can happen to everyone, which is why I encourage you to read it.
I will admit it, despite I have a hard time trying to comprehend this book, it blow my mind, the book is not easy to read, the characters are just okay but can be difficult to assimilate all that happen. But if you pay enough attention you will find an incredible immersive story that will guide you throughout the past, present and future events, only for you to answer, if you die, it will set you free of this planet?
I find more references or just suggestions to other elements but I really don’t want to steal the surprise for the rest, this is the type of book everyone experienced in different ways, is like a journey, despite the road being the same for everyone, all kind of things can happen to everyone, which is why I encourage you to read it.
April 21, 2018
This novel by Kevin Brown is a science fiction book that tells the story of a man who wakes up one day to find that he can now escape from his imprisonment on Earth and works to free himself from his former troubles. However, when all seems to be going well, there might be some problems soon coming into his now peaceful life.
If you enjoy science fiction books, this is definitely one you’ll want to check out. It’s filled with intriguing characters and a unique setting which help to add even more interesting aspects to this story. Brown writes with a great style which adds an amazing twist to the story and will make you feel as if you’ve dived into the story yourself. The novel is about 336 pages long, so it might take some time to read, but it certainly is worth it if you’re looking for a new book to try out.
If you enjoy science fiction books, this is definitely one you’ll want to check out. It’s filled with intriguing characters and a unique setting which help to add even more interesting aspects to this story. Brown writes with a great style which adds an amazing twist to the story and will make you feel as if you’ve dived into the story yourself. The novel is about 336 pages long, so it might take some time to read, but it certainly is worth it if you’re looking for a new book to try out.
October 18, 2018
PARAHAN, 2nd Edition: The Earth We Live on Has Been an Imprisonment System by Kevin Brown has been published for several years in South Korea and is a best seller; this is a newly edited version. Brown writes with authority about his premise, and it is a unique one, highlighting the disparities within class systems. This is certainly apropos now with the heightened tensions between North and South Korea. Beyond that, this story is about a prison system on Earth, one in which aliens from other civilizations are sent to Earth as a form of punishment, live out their sentences, die or get killed, and then return to their own civilizations whereby they are a couple years older. There is a lot going on with this story, a touch of philosophy along with the science fiction, and those touches make this a quite unique book. Highly recommend for something a little different.
May 29, 2019
For a start, the story in itself is slightly on the nose. The dystopic and South Korean influences do manage to largely rectify this, however, it feels a bit obvious and doesn't feel as much as it's adding a lot to the wider world of science fiction.
The story itself is fantastic, however, and does pull you in, but it's completely let down by its translation. This is a great shame because you can quite easily tell what it's supposed to be, but due to the translation this is not what it actually is.
The book is rife with misspellings and instead of staying true to it's origins, the translations become cliche and seem to only exist to fulfil the purpose of moving the book along.
So, while the book is relevant in its subject matter, especially due to the current North Korean climate, the writing and translation let the book down overall.
The story itself is fantastic, however, and does pull you in, but it's completely let down by its translation. This is a great shame because you can quite easily tell what it's supposed to be, but due to the translation this is not what it actually is.
The book is rife with misspellings and instead of staying true to it's origins, the translations become cliche and seem to only exist to fulfil the purpose of moving the book along.
So, while the book is relevant in its subject matter, especially due to the current North Korean climate, the writing and translation let the book down overall.
August 8, 2019
So just based on the little we get from the synopsis, I figured this would be like a Matrix or even a 1984 Orwellian Novel. What we got from the author is actually a Science Fiction story with a social structure ideology and escape symbolism (physical or mental) riddled with political themes. The book was translated from Korean which I was not aware of until after I started reading and then stopped to research more about it. The writing (or the translation) feels off, I had a hard time following the story and it was not that pleasant to read. I did finish it as there were plenty of 5/4-star reviews for the book and it is a hit in South Korea. I think it missed the mark in me, but that’s ok. It was still interesting ideas that were presented, the presentation itself was really the issue, not the ideas/plot itself.
August 14, 2019
Kevin Brown brings a 2nd Edition to Parahan: The Earth We Live on has been an Imprisonment System. Ghil is a POW of the North and South Korean War. When Communist China steps in to help solve their conflict, it divides many of the prisoners from their families and their country. Ghil finds that even if he escapes, he is still a prisoner of the elements.
Parahan: The Earth We Live on has been an Imprisonment System by Kevin Brown take place in South Korean and in the prison camps constructed for the Korean War. Inside the fences is just as political and vicious as the outside. I found this novel interesting as it plays out the activities within a concentration camp. The politics of war and fight for advancement is incredible. The author does an excellent job at keeping this novel interesting and realistic. If you read his first book, you will find this one much improved.
Parahan: The Earth We Live on has been an Imprisonment System by Kevin Brown take place in South Korean and in the prison camps constructed for the Korean War. Inside the fences is just as political and vicious as the outside. I found this novel interesting as it plays out the activities within a concentration camp. The politics of war and fight for advancement is incredible. The author does an excellent job at keeping this novel interesting and realistic. If you read his first book, you will find this one much improved.
March 23, 2018
Parahan is not an easy book to read. I have to say I struggled a bit to understand the story and the way it was written. But good things don’t come easy and as soon as you start immersing yourself in the storyline that’s when the magic happens.
It’s a deep book, one that will make you think about life and the Universe and our existence in this world. I think that you’ll get to the end of the book considering if this is all real or just a dream. It’s great when a book gives you more than just a story: this awakens your mind and makes you wonder and question. It’s a book to read slowly and concentrated (at least I found it hard to read in my daily commutes).
Kevin Brown gives us here a glimpse of his talent and I’m quite curious to check other books from him.
It’s a deep book, one that will make you think about life and the Universe and our existence in this world. I think that you’ll get to the end of the book considering if this is all real or just a dream. It’s great when a book gives you more than just a story: this awakens your mind and makes you wonder and question. It’s a book to read slowly and concentrated (at least I found it hard to read in my daily commutes).
Kevin Brown gives us here a glimpse of his talent and I’m quite curious to check other books from him.
May 16, 2018
Interesting sci-fi adventure but translation is a little rough
This is a sci-fi adventure that finds earth as a prison camp caller parahan. The story goes you are sent to the prison to work and live your life. When you die you get to go home for 2 years and see if you have learned or if you should return again to parahan . The concept and storyline are good. The author has a good imagination and a lot of creative abilities to construct this sci-fi imagery. I found this to be an interesting story but I did get a little confused with some of the translation. I will say this is a good storyline and you should check it out.
This is a sci-fi adventure that finds earth as a prison camp caller parahan. The story goes you are sent to the prison to work and live your life. When you die you get to go home for 2 years and see if you have learned or if you should return again to parahan . The concept and storyline are good. The author has a good imagination and a lot of creative abilities to construct this sci-fi imagery. I found this to be an interesting story but I did get a little confused with some of the translation. I will say this is a good storyline and you should check it out.
June 5, 2018
A Unique Plot!
I thought that story line is really unique about this book. It’s a science fiction based on the idea that Earth is an imprisonment system where alien are sent to complete their punishments, once they die they can return to their home planet with their memories erased. They may be sent again, though. The descriptions are well and storyline for me is the highlight. The author has done a good job filling the book with various historical details, incredible imagination and ideas. One thought I have is possible life on earth is most difficult to any other alien planet to us. Is that really true ?
I thought that story line is really unique about this book. It’s a science fiction based on the idea that Earth is an imprisonment system where alien are sent to complete their punishments, once they die they can return to their home planet with their memories erased. They may be sent again, though. The descriptions are well and storyline for me is the highlight. The author has done a good job filling the book with various historical details, incredible imagination and ideas. One thought I have is possible life on earth is most difficult to any other alien planet to us. Is that really true ?
May 13, 2019
Unique
Parahan, at its core, is about captivity and the battles people fight to break free. The battles are not just physical ones but also mental and emotional. I found the story to be a little too much - it had action, sci-fi and paranormal elements. I never got a good grasp of what the book was ultimately trying to do in regards to the plot. The characters were okay; I didn’t feel a deep connection to them. This isn’t my usual genre but I’m also not afraid to try something new. I think the language translation doesn’t help either. A good try but it ultimately fell a little flat for me.
Parahan, at its core, is about captivity and the battles people fight to break free. The battles are not just physical ones but also mental and emotional. I found the story to be a little too much - it had action, sci-fi and paranormal elements. I never got a good grasp of what the book was ultimately trying to do in regards to the plot. The characters were okay; I didn’t feel a deep connection to them. This isn’t my usual genre but I’m also not afraid to try something new. I think the language translation doesn’t help either. A good try but it ultimately fell a little flat for me.
April 5, 2021
A must!
I have to say I almost gave up on reading this book. ( I am the type that needs to be grabbed fairly quickly) With that being said, due to the popularity of it & ratings, I stuck with it...I am so glad I did! The book definitely will keep you wondering & questioning. Fear not they will be answered, but in my case not the way I thought! The conclusion of this book left me awed. Again I am so happy I continued.
I have to say I almost gave up on reading this book. ( I am the type that needs to be grabbed fairly quickly) With that being said, due to the popularity of it & ratings, I stuck with it...I am so glad I did! The book definitely will keep you wondering & questioning. Fear not they will be answered, but in my case not the way I thought! The conclusion of this book left me awed. Again I am so happy I continued.
August 14, 2019
Kevin Brown brings us a unique time travel novel in PARAHAN: The earth we live on has been an Imprisonment System. Taehan was sent to earth as a punishment for a false accusation. It was believed that he was stirring up a revolt against the leaders of Hoon over their lack of leadership during a time of universal uprising. He spends 35 years on earth to die in a car accident that brings him back to his own world after his punishment is over. One question that continually haunts him is why his years on earth where less then Santun when they both spent two years away from their world. He hasn’t even adjusted to his environment when he is caught up again in the unrest between the traveling worlds and a probable invasion.
I found plot in this novel quite interesting and different. Sometimes the translation is off, but it isn’t too difficult to understand what is being said, nor is it very often. It is refreshing to read a book by an author who grew up from a different culture and standards. I would recommend this for someone who wants something a little deeper.
I found plot in this novel quite interesting and different. Sometimes the translation is off, but it isn’t too difficult to understand what is being said, nor is it very often. It is refreshing to read a book by an author who grew up from a different culture and standards. I would recommend this for someone who wants something a little deeper.
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