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Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughter's Search for Her Mother and Herself
Like much of the North Korean population, Songmi Han was living in desperate poverty. As a young child, she and her family lived a life of dire hardship, and many meals consisted of little more than grass. Domestic abuse, long hours of grueling physical labor, emotional abuse, and primal hunger were her constant companions. School was out of the question and she, along with her mother, had to steal food to survive. Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughter’s Search for Her Mother and Herself, written by Songmi Han and Casey Lartigue Jr, is the perilous and gripping account of Songmi’s childhood and her escape from North Korea.
As written in this book, “mindless patriotism can only last so long.” Most people know that life in North Korea is difficult and that leaving the country is not an option. In this book, Songmi Han tells her story of growing up in this military state, and her words are nothing short of shocking and endearing at the same time. The descriptions of public executions, presumably intended for population control, are painful and distressing. According to Songmi, though, this was not the worst thing she endured in North Korea. The book is endearing because there is a strong emotive undertone. Relationships, psychological well-being, and self-reflection are also important themes in this read. The most poignant part of the book is the very last page. The book’s cover may seem simple, but it is just perfect for this story.
The best part of the writing is the raw description of the events. Songmi recalls experiences from her childhood in vivid detail, both through the eyes of the child that she was and the woman she has become. The maltreatment she received by adults and the realization that North Korea was not the utopia that was described in her preschool class affected her young spirit profoundly. Additionally, I enjoyed the authors' tone. The writing itself was fluent and professionally edited, but I could still discern that the protagonist is a foreigner. This added an element of authenticity to the writing. At the end of the book, a very long list of acknowledgements further testifies to Songmi’s deep gratitude for everyone who had helped her. I really liked this part, and I sincerely hope that all those people will one day read her words. What a wonderful tribute!
The descriptions described above really made it a life-changing experience. Because of this book, I have spent many hours researching the influence of totalitarian governments on the lives of their citizens because the story Songmi narrates is just remarkable. The four or five other stories I have read because of hers are just heartbreaking. As good books do, this one has really ignited a curiosity about the topic.
At one point in the book, Songmi wondered if anyone would want to read her story. This was surprising to read, as most people who will read this cannot fathom the depravity and oppression that many North Koreans must endure. All high school government, psychology, and history students should read this book. I also recommend it to readers who are interested in the plight of refugees and those who draw inspiration from reading about the trials of others. Every person who reads this story will learn something from Songmi’s experiences. As noted in the book, you may have to read it twice to fully understand it; it’s that powerful.
--From the Online Book Club, July 2022
As written in this book, “mindless patriotism can only last so long.” Most people know that life in North Korea is difficult and that leaving the country is not an option. In this book, Songmi Han tells her story of growing up in this military state, and her words are nothing short of shocking and endearing at the same time. The descriptions of public executions, presumably intended for population control, are painful and distressing. According to Songmi, though, this was not the worst thing she endured in North Korea. The book is endearing because there is a strong emotive undertone. Relationships, psychological well-being, and self-reflection are also important themes in this read. The most poignant part of the book is the very last page. The book’s cover may seem simple, but it is just perfect for this story.
The best part of the writing is the raw description of the events. Songmi recalls experiences from her childhood in vivid detail, both through the eyes of the child that she was and the woman she has become. The maltreatment she received by adults and the realization that North Korea was not the utopia that was described in her preschool class affected her young spirit profoundly. Additionally, I enjoyed the authors' tone. The writing itself was fluent and professionally edited, but I could still discern that the protagonist is a foreigner. This added an element of authenticity to the writing. At the end of the book, a very long list of acknowledgements further testifies to Songmi’s deep gratitude for everyone who had helped her. I really liked this part, and I sincerely hope that all those people will one day read her words. What a wonderful tribute!
The descriptions described above really made it a life-changing experience. Because of this book, I have spent many hours researching the influence of totalitarian governments on the lives of their citizens because the story Songmi narrates is just remarkable. The four or five other stories I have read because of hers are just heartbreaking. As good books do, this one has really ignited a curiosity about the topic.
At one point in the book, Songmi wondered if anyone would want to read her story. This was surprising to read, as most people who will read this cannot fathom the depravity and oppression that many North Koreans must endure. All high school government, psychology, and history students should read this book. I also recommend it to readers who are interested in the plight of refugees and those who draw inspiration from reading about the trials of others. Every person who reads this story will learn something from Songmi’s experiences. As noted in the book, you may have to read it twice to fully understand it; it’s that powerful.
--From the Online Book Club, July 2022
- GenresMemoir
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2022
9 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 10, 2022
Review from Chile
This was a very fresh and honest account of a north korean refugee. I cried and laughed with her story. I hope to be able to meet her someday, just to tell her how much I admire her courage and grit! Such an inspiring young woman. Five Stars!
This was a very fresh and honest account of a north korean refugee. I cried and laughed with her story. I hope to be able to meet her someday, just to tell her how much I admire her courage and grit! Such an inspiring young woman. Five Stars!
January 9, 2023
a story to be told all over the world
i had to stop reading her story and take a break. it was impossible to keep reading it because it was so sad. this book made me ask lots of questions like why is the life so unfair?, is it meaningful to live a life?, what should we do to make a difference in north korea, and so on. they are not answered by her story but one thing is sure: she has not given up answering to them just like the ones reading her story.
i had to stop reading her story and take a break. it was impossible to keep reading it because it was so sad. this book made me ask lots of questions like why is the life so unfair?, is it meaningful to live a life?, what should we do to make a difference in north korea, and so on. they are not answered by her story but one thing is sure: she has not given up answering to them just like the ones reading her story.
June 17, 2023
Recently I had the opportunity to meet Songmi Han and Casey Lartigue Jr. at a hearing on Capital Hill where Ms. Han addressed the group and described her experience in North Korea before she escaped to South Korea. Her story was so compelling that I bought her book. Her book was almost traumatic to read, as she goes in to much greater detail about the hardships and abuses she suffered. It is hard to fathom where she got the motivation to endure and survive, eating grass for survival, for example. Even as a very young child she had the stamina of a much older person, walking for hours to try to locate her mother, and later, walking three hours up a mountain to gather wood, which she would then carry back three hours to her aunt's house, where they barely fed her. Thankfully, her mother is able to arrange for her escape, which is at last successful.
Mr Lartigue has done a wonderful job helping Ms Han tell her story. One hopes that her story is spread far and wide so the world knows the reality of life in North Korea.
I hope that someday, Ms Han writes a sequel about her life in South Korea. It would also be interesting to know what contact, if any, she has with those relatives still in NK and what has become of them. Were any of them punished when Songmi's escape was discovered?
Mr Lartigue has done a wonderful job helping Ms Han tell her story. One hopes that her story is spread far and wide so the world knows the reality of life in North Korea.
I hope that someday, Ms Han writes a sequel about her life in South Korea. It would also be interesting to know what contact, if any, she has with those relatives still in NK and what has become of them. Were any of them punished when Songmi's escape was discovered?
January 11, 2023
I saw the entire process of Songmi and Casey writing this book together. Songmi was very open in sharing her story despite revealing some embarrassing details about her life in North Korea. She also told her story to Casey in English, even though English is not her native language and she learned it recently. Her story is about North Korea, but it is really a lovely story about a mother and daughter who happened to be born in a terrible situation and overcoming that.
Casey was very senstive in making sure he accurately told Songmi's story. It was really impressive because he is an American with no connection to North Korea, but he has done so much to help North Korean refugees tell their stories in books and speeches. He helps North Korean refugees believe in themselves and helps build up their confidence.
Casey was very senstive in making sure he accurately told Songmi's story. It was really impressive because he is an American with no connection to North Korea, but he has done so much to help North Korean refugees tell their stories in books and speeches. He helps North Korean refugees believe in themselves and helps build up their confidence.
January 21, 2025
Greenlight to Freedom
This four star read is a heartbreaking story of growing up in North Korea, and the search for the authors mom.
As a mom, I couldn't imagine leaving my child for any length of time in search for something better. My heart breaks for the little girl who always went looking for her mom, no matter what.
I listened to this in one sitting, I couldn't stop.
This four star read is a heartbreaking story of growing up in North Korea, and the search for the authors mom.
As a mom, I couldn't imagine leaving my child for any length of time in search for something better. My heart breaks for the little girl who always went looking for her mom, no matter what.
I listened to this in one sitting, I couldn't stop.
February 2, 2025
This compelling memoir is brutally honest, heart wrenching, and insightful. A story of courage, strength and resilience in her search for her mother, but more in the search for herself. A truly moving novel.
January 15, 2023
An inspiring story of a North Korean daughter's search for her mother...and herself
First time author Songmi Han has written an inspiring autobiography with Casey Lartigue Jr. titled "Greenlight to Freedom." This compelling, riveting story, is told through the eyes, memory and perspective of a young girl who lives during the famine in North Korea during the 1990's.
Songmi faces challenges, heartache, fears and disappointments when her mother that she loves deeply leaves her behind to search for food to feed her daughter.
Her resiliency, courage and determination and the risk she took when she set out to find her mother, warmed my heart and moved me in ways I can't explain.
First time author Songmi Han has written an inspiring autobiography with Casey Lartigue Jr. titled "Greenlight to Freedom." This compelling, riveting story, is told through the eyes, memory and perspective of a young girl who lives during the famine in North Korea during the 1990's.
Songmi faces challenges, heartache, fears and disappointments when her mother that she loves deeply leaves her behind to search for food to feed her daughter.
Her resiliency, courage and determination and the risk she took when she set out to find her mother, warmed my heart and moved me in ways I can't explain.
May 8, 2023
A young woman’s story of growing up in North Korea and the. Escaping, due to her mother’s support and money.
I didn’t quite understand how her mother has been able to leave but it was much harder for the author to escape.
Interesting story.
I didn’t quite understand how her mother has been able to leave but it was much harder for the author to escape.
Interesting story.
July 16, 2023
Among all the NK books
Another NK book?
Very pleasant surprise!
With such depressing and impossible subjects, Han wrote it uniquely interesting way.
I couldn't put the book down until finishing it.
Another NK book?
Very pleasant surprise!
With such depressing and impossible subjects, Han wrote it uniquely interesting way.
I couldn't put the book down until finishing it.
April 29, 2023
This is an amazing work! Very brave and very honest.
July 25, 2023
Touches your heart
Inspirational. What she went through and did to reunite with her mother. I admire how strong she was, and am so happy she found some inner peace.
Inspirational. What she went through and did to reunite with her mother. I admire how strong she was, and am so happy she found some inner peace.
November 5, 2025
Touching story of a girl escaping North Korea
Songmi's story is so honest and authentic that it becomes increible touching. Although perhaps the flow could be improved, in a way the rough style highlights the pureness of the story. It really shows the good and the bad of living in a challenging situation in North Korea, yet it doesn't make big claims or statements, but rather reminds us that behind those challenges are simple people trying to live and smile
Songmi's story is so honest and authentic that it becomes increible touching. Although perhaps the flow could be improved, in a way the rough style highlights the pureness of the story. It really shows the good and the bad of living in a challenging situation in North Korea, yet it doesn't make big claims or statements, but rather reminds us that behind those challenges are simple people trying to live and smile
November 10, 2025
writing is okay; simple but good since the lady's first language is Korean. However, the content is meaningful and worth reading. I appreciated the honest, raw account of her abusive family member and his contradictory actions. I always wondered if abuse is present in North Korea
December 23, 2025
A rare and unique story everyone must read as North Koreans escape less and less.
This is an amazing book of such hard life trials most of us can't even imagine. This book is unique in the fact Songmi wasn't an elite North Korean, nor was she the lowest class. She was somewhere in the middle, caught in the economic and communist turmoil that is the DPRK. This is a rare opportunity to hear how one lived both in some comfort, yet pain, and then in the poorest conditions and made it out on the other side. Sadly, not many can say they've reached freedom escaping North Korea. As security tightens, less and less defectors will make it out- making this story all the more rare and important to read...
To Songmi: Thank you for taking the time and strength to relive your trauma, share your life story and journey to freedom. You're stronger than you know! As an American who wants nothing more than the North Korean people to be free, I appreciate you immensely for speaking out on the realities the North Korean people still face today. I admire your courage, bravery and determination. Sharing your story and bringing awareness to what many North Koreans go through, is so important and needed in this world. I hope to find you on social media and support you as much as I can, you deserve it. Keep fighting the good fight. Your words will live long after our lifetime and matter so much to our history and future in humanity. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to hear your story. May you always find comfort in knowing how many lives you've touched positively!
This is an amazing book of such hard life trials most of us can't even imagine. This book is unique in the fact Songmi wasn't an elite North Korean, nor was she the lowest class. She was somewhere in the middle, caught in the economic and communist turmoil that is the DPRK. This is a rare opportunity to hear how one lived both in some comfort, yet pain, and then in the poorest conditions and made it out on the other side. Sadly, not many can say they've reached freedom escaping North Korea. As security tightens, less and less defectors will make it out- making this story all the more rare and important to read...
To Songmi: Thank you for taking the time and strength to relive your trauma, share your life story and journey to freedom. You're stronger than you know! As an American who wants nothing more than the North Korean people to be free, I appreciate you immensely for speaking out on the realities the North Korean people still face today. I admire your courage, bravery and determination. Sharing your story and bringing awareness to what many North Koreans go through, is so important and needed in this world. I hope to find you on social media and support you as much as I can, you deserve it. Keep fighting the good fight. Your words will live long after our lifetime and matter so much to our history and future in humanity. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to hear your story. May you always find comfort in knowing how many lives you've touched positively!
January 12, 2025
"Greenlight to Freedom" is a book that will stay with me for a lifetime. Songmi Han and Casey Lartigue Jr. have created a masterpiece of resilience, courage, and hope. Songmi’s story of survival and escape from one of the most oppressive regimes in modern history is nothing short of extraordinary. Her vivid descriptions of life in North Korea, paired with her unyielding determination to find freedom, offer a rare and deeply personal glimpse into a world most of us cannot fathom.
What makes this memoir truly remarkable is the seamless partnership between Songmi’s authentic voice and Casey’s thoughtful co-authoring. Together, they illuminate the complexities of her journey, not just as a physical escape, but as an emotional and spiritual odyssey toward self-discovery.
The book is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit even in the face of unimaginable hardship. It also serves as a powerful call to action, shedding light on the plight of North Korean refugees and the ongoing need for advocacy and support.
If you are looking for a book that will move you to tears, inspire hope, and make you reconsider what freedom truly means, Greenlight to Freedom is an absolute must-read. I cannot recommend it enough.
What makes this memoir truly remarkable is the seamless partnership between Songmi’s authentic voice and Casey’s thoughtful co-authoring. Together, they illuminate the complexities of her journey, not just as a physical escape, but as an emotional and spiritual odyssey toward self-discovery.
The book is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit even in the face of unimaginable hardship. It also serves as a powerful call to action, shedding light on the plight of North Korean refugees and the ongoing need for advocacy and support.
If you are looking for a book that will move you to tears, inspire hope, and make you reconsider what freedom truly means, Greenlight to Freedom is an absolute must-read. I cannot recommend it enough.
February 3, 2024
I read whatever I can get my hands on when it comes to DPRK memoirs. Some I’ve just had to wait to buy because the library doesn’t have them. This is one of the ones I bought and it was worth it. I read straight through it in one sitting.
The story is obviously difficult for her to tell, and I admire the author for having the courage to speak up. There’s explicit details about troubling times, but you can tell there’s even more that is being left untold.
She survived impossible odds, despite losing some of those she loved. She is a success story, brave, and telling her story of a world so many of us barely even think about.
This is a memoir I would recommend for someone who isn’t familiar with North Korea to start with.
The story is obviously difficult for her to tell, and I admire the author for having the courage to speak up. There’s explicit details about troubling times, but you can tell there’s even more that is being left untold.
She survived impossible odds, despite losing some of those she loved. She is a success story, brave, and telling her story of a world so many of us barely even think about.
This is a memoir I would recommend for someone who isn’t familiar with North Korea to start with.
May 8, 2023
An excellent memoir from Songmi. I don't know how I would function if I couldn't see my mom for so long. She is my everything and it was heartbreaking to see how Songmi had to live without her for so long. I was impressed at her resilience and how she was able to find her mom in these random places so many times as well.
I wish we knew what happened to her "Dad", I was torn when he was taken away... We never hear anything about him again and I can't help but think DPRK killed that man.
I am rooting for Songmi and her newfound life with her son! Also as a Girls' Generation fan, I am curious which song was her mom's ringtone lol. I really feel it must have been "Into The New World".
I wish we knew what happened to her "Dad", I was torn when he was taken away... We never hear anything about him again and I can't help but think DPRK killed that man.
I am rooting for Songmi and her newfound life with her son! Also as a Girls' Generation fan, I am curious which song was her mom's ringtone lol. I really feel it must have been "Into The New World".
June 5, 2023
No.Korea total destruction of human spirit
I felt thankful to not be born there and do sorry for those who are. What a frightful and wretched existence .thankful she made it out. Loved the suspense. But she’s broken. As all people born there are. They suffer every day thru are alive. The Book makes you think.
I felt thankful to not be born there and do sorry for those who are. What a frightful and wretched existence .thankful she made it out. Loved the suspense. But she’s broken. As all people born there are. They suffer every day thru are alive. The Book makes you think.
December 19, 2024
Interesting read. Maybe the least sophisticated and informative book about N Korea defections, but this little girl tells such a moving and personal story it is interesting.
May 31, 2025
Pretty good. She was definitely one of the more privileged North Koreans to escape. She was given multiple chances and didn’t have to suffer like others that I’ve read about. Good book
November 22, 2024
It reads easy but the subject is hard.
Great subject and book about a very relevant matter. Glad to know that the author is living and healing every day.
Great subject and book about a very relevant matter. Glad to know that the author is living and healing every day.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews