A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa

[Jeremiah]

A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa
4 out of 5 Stars
Audiobook

I love when a book that you have never heard of ends up in your life and is an eye opening read. I had never heard of A River in Darkness but ended up with the book as a Kindle First choice. The idea of the story was so intriguing that I decided it would be my first audiobook of the year. I am glad I made that choice.

The story tracks the author's life from being born in Japan, immigrating to North Korea as a nationalization movement, and eventually his escape. While most know that life in North Korea is not easy, and has not been for years, hearing the first hand account of the life that those in North Korea are forced to live was heartbreaking. The thought that the homeless in our country often have it better than an average citizen in North Korea is frightening.

Overall, the book is well written and engaging. The author gives you plenty of information to understand the nature of the life the people were and are forced to live and yet not so much that you get bogged down in details. I chose to listen to the audiobook and it was tremendously well done. I recommend the book to anyone that enjoys biographies, multi-multicultural texts, or social issues in particular.

[Jen]

I too got this as my kindle first book. I'm glad to see your review because it looks good and I often don't read my kindle first picks

[Jeremiah]

Jen wrote: "I too got this as my kindle first book. I'm glad to see your review because it looks good and I often don't read my kindle first picks"

I don't either. I actually use them for audiobooks often. Get the book for free, upgrade to audio for $1.99. This time it worked out really well. I hope it will take off and get exposure.

[annapi]

This is not usually my cup of tea, but I know nothing about North Korea and this sounds fascinating. Will have to add it to my TBR.

[Joi]

Sounds interesting, I've actually never read a male's defecting story from NK- only females. Addding to my TBR

To anyone who likes this, I'd also suggest In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom.

[Anthony]

Joi wrote: "Sounds interesting, I've actually never read a male's defecting story from NK- only females. Addding to my TBR

To anyone who likes this, I'd also suggest [book:In Order to Live: A North Korean Gir..."

Thank you! I will read this book as well.

This was a tough read for me, but I could not put the book down. It added to my own despairs, and one night I could barely sleep after reading it. But I did love the book.

[Nicole R]

I just finished In Order to Live last night and am posting my review shortly. I have mixed feeling about it.

[Lindsey]

This story was unbelievable. I too chose the audiobook to listen to while working and found myself having trouble concentrating on work.

Of all the countries living under terrible authoritarian, corrupt governments it's sometimes easy to forget about the suffering of North Koreans because they are so secretive and there can't be as much media coverage. Only speculation. After reading this I think North Korea, at least during the 90s mass famine, might actually be the worst. Sadly, they are also the country I see as least likely to drastically change their situation without any external intervention.

I also have to wonder if native North Koreans suffer as much as this man did. In part, his suffering was much greater because he had lived in Japan and was aware that a better life existed, and what he was enduring was not normal.

Very tough book. I hope his life story gets the happier ending it deserves.