Eunsun Kim's Incredible Journey to Freedom: A Thousand Miles to Escape North Korea

Dietmar Bramsel: Thank you for this glimpse into a world that, although reachable in a few hours, is so far away. People and land come threateningly close. So close that you want to flee yourself. You feel the cold and the pain, you pine for freedom and get an idea what hope can do. This book is great. We look into a world we will probably never see closer and accompany a girl who died so many emotional deaths and we wish her survival from the first to the last page. After the relief of survival, there is just enough depressing that we are guaranteed not to forget. Thank you EUNSUM KIM

Germany on Sep 14, 2023

Buttons: I couldn’t put this book down, this young lady has been through so much but stayed determined for a better life throughout her ordeal.

United Kingdom on Aug 09, 2023

David V Day, PE: This book should be required reading for any one who thinks relying on the government is the way to go.

United States on Aug 06, 2023

Virginia Feigert: An amazing account of one North Korean woman’s journey out of her native country. Very well written & honest. Her positive attitude in spite of setbacks, hunger, & loss should provide hope in this world that one truly can overcome the bleakest challenges in life.

United States on May 09, 2023

amy210395: I found it very interesting and thought provoking & an interesting look into North Korea & what a massive achievement escape is plus the struggle doesn’t just stop once you’ve escaped! I was completely glued to this book and would recommend it if you have an interest in this type of topic

United Kingdom on Mar 08, 2022

Joël Ouellette: As someone who is extremely interested in North Korea, I am drawn to all books about the secluded nation. This book is very personal. The author does a wonderful job telling her story in an emotionally engaging way.

This book further opened my eyes to the atrocities committed by the Kim dynasty's regime. I think it imperative that we, as a global civilization, do our best to take down this regime and help the 22 million North Koreans living in misery every day.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the DPRK, or anyone who likes an emotionally charged story.

Canada on Oct 10, 2017

Miriam Fahim: I strongly recommend this book to all readers. This book sheds light on the political regime in North Korea from the perspective of a young girl, and outlines the struggle North Koreans must face whether they are living inside or outside the country's borders. The book is well written and a very easy read. It is not difficult to fall in love with the author and her dedication and will to not only survive but to succeed. Moreover, her desire to educate the world and help others is inspiring. All in all, this memoir is educational, eye-opening and inspiring. Wishing Eunsun a life full of happiness.

Canada on Jun 15, 2016

Richard C. Reynolds: Ms. Kim portrays her difficult childhood with stark candor. She, her sister Keomsung, and her mother are starving because of the oppressive policies of Dear Leader Kim Jong-il. As a schoolgirl, Eunsum is forced to attend public executions and participate in classroom exercises of self-criticism. The only pictures in their humble apartment are of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il; severe punishments are awarded if these photos are damaged.
The lack of food drives Ms. Kim, Keomsung and their mother to defect North Korea and cross the frozen Tumen River into China. They are taken in by a family whose head is a man needing a wife and a male heir. Ms. Kim’s mother reluctantly agrees to marry this man and soon becomes pregnant. But this life style as Chinese farmers does not suit the Kims and, once they accumulate enough money, put themselves into the hands of traffickers who get them into Mongolia for a further journey to South Korea. It takes years for this to happen. Keomsun has fallen in love with a Chinese soldier and has decided to stay with him. Eunsum’s mother has given birth to a boy and he is left with his father, a decision which causes considerable anguish to Eunsum because...

United States on May 15, 2016

Hans: At first glance, this is a heartbreaking story about a young girl and her (along with her mother and sister) desperate bid for freedom from the "Socialist Utopia" that is North Korea under Kim Jong Un. True, the life of 12 year-old Eunsun is horrible by any standard of measurement. She watches her grandparents, and then her father die from malnourishment. Then she nearly dies from hunger herself when her mother and sister leave for several days to try and find food in a neighboring town. Finally, with no other option than to watch her daughters starve, Eunsun's mother decides to try and escape to South Korea. She literally has nothing left to lose except her life, which is already forfeit if she stays in North Korea.

However, as you get further into the story you begin to marvel at how time and again, Eunsun, her sister, and especially her fiercely determined and very resourceful mother escape catastrophe after catastrophe, nightmare after nightmare, and dangers that most people can't even imagine. These include sleeping on the streets in winter with ZERO resources, being sold into human slavery by fake friends, being captured TWICE and sent back to face the North Korean...

United States on May 11, 2016

Amazon Customer: This book was my first experience with North Korean defectors and I really enjoyed it. I have watched the news and read accounts of what they think is going on, but this first hand experience reflected on by the author is touching and informative. I really had no idea how terrible the situation is over there. It is quite an eye-opener as to the true reality that a lot of refugees face as they try to obtain a better life. Eunsun Kim's story of optimism in the face of dire circumstances was empowering. The fact that she states hope in almost all of her circumstances in truly unbelievable. I was also touched by her true desire for an education. Her difficult life is filled with fear, humiliation, separation, isolation, starvation, famine, despair, and hopelessness, however, I found the story to be uplifting rather than depressing because the author is careful not to dwell on the negative. I really expected this book to hang on the explicit details of her negative situations, but was uplifted by the way she, her sister and mother hung on until opportunity provided a way for them to escape their current situation; they were very persistent. I enjoy happy endings and was relieved that...

United States on Apr 20, 2016