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This is one of the best books I’ve read lately and I read a lot! It was so fascinating to learn more about life in North Korea and the challenge it is to escape! She actually lived a relatively privileged life in North Korea and sort of accidentally escaped, but then had the struggles of finding a safe and legal place to reside when returning to North Korea would be horrible for her and all her relations. I knew some things about North Korea, but had never heard of the mandatory criticism sessio
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I finished this book the day the leaders of North and South Korea met and agreed on principal to clear the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons. Momentous stuff, and let's hope it happens. However, having read the memoir of this remarkable woman, who escapes her country, with her upbringing of fear, regimentation and brainwashing and gradually adapts to life in the outside world, the two Koreas seem worlds apart. The number of times Hyeonseo (her 7th name) almost gets caught, and the quick thinki
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A well told story about a young women who left North Korea with the intention to return but couldn't without risk to her and her family's safety. Incredibly brave and loyal to her family, Hyeonsee has a remarkable journey to learn about the outside world and the truth about her nation of origin. Anyone who leaves their country, leaves people and things they love behind which is so difficult.
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An incredible telling of one North Korean woman's journey! It is well-written, descriptive, and explores several different aspects of her story (family, education, culture, etc.)
This is honestly the best book I've read in a while. I highly recommend it! ...more
This is honestly the best book I've read in a while. I highly recommend it! ...more

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