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Tendrils of Life
Acute food shortages and lawlessness plague communist-occupied Seoul at the start of the Korean War in 1950. Jimin, a sixteen-year-old boy, aches to return to the safety of his old home on Ockdo (Jade Island), a remote island he'd left years earlier. But only his father, who is absent from home, knows the way.
His adversary, a man who's been plotting to wipe out Jimin's family and steal their island, brings a tragedy and tries to eliminate him, forcing him to traverse the war-torn country on foot with his seven-year-old sister to find his father. But the war sweeps across the country multiple times and hinders them from meeting up with their father.
Back in Seoul, with Chinese troops (who have invaded the country to prop up the communists) bearing down on them, Jimin is forced to join the army, leaving his sister alone, hungry, and homeless in the cold, bomb-devastated city.
With action and suspense, Tendrils of Life is a rich and intriguing upmarket fiction, interwoven with gripping character-oriented narratives and full of visual detail. It's a story of love and hope, greed and revenge, and the quest for survival in the turmoil of war - a depiction of resilience of the human spirit.
Note: This is an alternate cover edition for asin B008PWSG2O.
His adversary, a man who's been plotting to wipe out Jimin's family and steal their island, brings a tragedy and tries to eliminate him, forcing him to traverse the war-torn country on foot with his seven-year-old sister to find his father. But the war sweeps across the country multiple times and hinders them from meeting up with their father.
Back in Seoul, with Chinese troops (who have invaded the country to prop up the communists) bearing down on them, Jimin is forced to join the army, leaving his sister alone, hungry, and homeless in the cold, bomb-devastated city.
With action and suspense, Tendrils of Life is a rich and intriguing upmarket fiction, interwoven with gripping character-oriented narratives and full of visual detail. It's a story of love and hope, greed and revenge, and the quest for survival in the turmoil of war - a depiction of resilience of the human spirit.
Note: This is an alternate cover edition for asin B008PWSG2O.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2012
40 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Owen Choi
1 book14 followersOwen Choi worked in various fields of computer science, most notably in networking software, and took an early retirement from a technical leadership position at IBM. He now devotes his time to writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 8, 2013
A Korean Epoch
This reviewer was a young married woman to a WWII veteran when the U.S. went to war against Korea, and since all WWII veterans were in the reserves for ten years following WWII, we all held our breath as to whether our men would go into battle again. At least in our part of the country, no veterans were recalled and since having read and heard the news from the U.S. point of view and how American soldiers suffered from the cold, and the cruelty if captured by North Koreans, it was enlightening to read this story, which sets forth the suffering of this people, who to this day still suffer.
Chapter 9 of this historical novel sets forth the history of Korea up to the time this novel takes place. “…the Koreans, steeped in relatively disaster-free surroundings and centuries-old state imposed Confucianism (whose aim was to keep peace under the country’s ruler by making the people docile and obedient) became languid and submissive…In the 7th century, Korea, through its three consecutive dynasties paid tribute to China until 1895 when Japan divested China’s dignity…Weak with various factions fighting to influence inept and often spoiled kings, Korea had become a hermit kingdom to protect itself from Western powers and fell behind other countries in technology and industry…After Japan was forced to open its ports by American warships, within two decades Japan transformed from a primitive agricultural country to a modern industrial nation…In 1895 the Japanese won the war over control of Korea from China…In 1904 Japan won its war against Russia and made Korea its protectorate and assumed all diplomatic rights for Korea. In 1905 with President Roosevelt’s approval, an agreement was formalized to give Japan de facto control of Korea.” The Japanese took the best Korea had to offer and left Korea rather destitute. Eventually the Korean landowners were so poor that most of them favored communism. “The U.S, after an agreement with Russia sliced Korea in half at the 38th parallel. After the defeat of Japan, the U.S. military considered the Koreans to be of the same breed of cats as the Japanese and by August 1945, from its already inflated wartime prices, nearly everyone was starving. The U.S. military followed through with the same rules that the Japanese had caused the Koreans to suffer under.” This reviewer suggests that you read the balance of this chapter so that you can understand how the U.S. got bogged down there and still is.
This is the basis of this historical novel, utilizing the actual facts and making it more real by inserting these several characters, Bark Jimin, a sixteen year old boy, his seven year old sister, Misern, an attractive girlfriend Sora, Barn Sinman, and several other family members or friends, who are starving, homeless, beset and pummeled by soldiers or hoods from the North and driven South. The author includes the terrible damage done upon the Korean people by the U.S. military, not deliberately but as occurs in wartime. This is not a happy story, but it is an informative one and the author describes his characters realistically and holds nothing back when describing the horrific suffering and hopelessness of the masses, who are not political as they are shoved back and forth between the North and the South. I could not lay this book down as it filled in many of the empty spaces for me during those times and our veterans of that war did not come home jubilant, but rather bitter and damaged goods in many instances.
The author gave me a free e-book to read for an honest review.
This reviewer was a young married woman to a WWII veteran when the U.S. went to war against Korea, and since all WWII veterans were in the reserves for ten years following WWII, we all held our breath as to whether our men would go into battle again. At least in our part of the country, no veterans were recalled and since having read and heard the news from the U.S. point of view and how American soldiers suffered from the cold, and the cruelty if captured by North Koreans, it was enlightening to read this story, which sets forth the suffering of this people, who to this day still suffer.
Chapter 9 of this historical novel sets forth the history of Korea up to the time this novel takes place. “…the Koreans, steeped in relatively disaster-free surroundings and centuries-old state imposed Confucianism (whose aim was to keep peace under the country’s ruler by making the people docile and obedient) became languid and submissive…In the 7th century, Korea, through its three consecutive dynasties paid tribute to China until 1895 when Japan divested China’s dignity…Weak with various factions fighting to influence inept and often spoiled kings, Korea had become a hermit kingdom to protect itself from Western powers and fell behind other countries in technology and industry…After Japan was forced to open its ports by American warships, within two decades Japan transformed from a primitive agricultural country to a modern industrial nation…In 1895 the Japanese won the war over control of Korea from China…In 1904 Japan won its war against Russia and made Korea its protectorate and assumed all diplomatic rights for Korea. In 1905 with President Roosevelt’s approval, an agreement was formalized to give Japan de facto control of Korea.” The Japanese took the best Korea had to offer and left Korea rather destitute. Eventually the Korean landowners were so poor that most of them favored communism. “The U.S, after an agreement with Russia sliced Korea in half at the 38th parallel. After the defeat of Japan, the U.S. military considered the Koreans to be of the same breed of cats as the Japanese and by August 1945, from its already inflated wartime prices, nearly everyone was starving. The U.S. military followed through with the same rules that the Japanese had caused the Koreans to suffer under.” This reviewer suggests that you read the balance of this chapter so that you can understand how the U.S. got bogged down there and still is.
This is the basis of this historical novel, utilizing the actual facts and making it more real by inserting these several characters, Bark Jimin, a sixteen year old boy, his seven year old sister, Misern, an attractive girlfriend Sora, Barn Sinman, and several other family members or friends, who are starving, homeless, beset and pummeled by soldiers or hoods from the North and driven South. The author includes the terrible damage done upon the Korean people by the U.S. military, not deliberately but as occurs in wartime. This is not a happy story, but it is an informative one and the author describes his characters realistically and holds nothing back when describing the horrific suffering and hopelessness of the masses, who are not political as they are shoved back and forth between the North and the South. I could not lay this book down as it filled in many of the empty spaces for me during those times and our veterans of that war did not come home jubilant, but rather bitter and damaged goods in many instances.
The author gave me a free e-book to read for an honest review.
April 16, 2013
To many the Korean War remains a distant memory, except for those American soldiers who fought in the war and passed on their knowledge to their children and grandchildren. Now we have a potent novel that explores what happened to the Korean people before and during this war, how the Japanese, Chinese and North Koreans forced Koreans to turn against Koreans. We read a story of the depths of despair from starvation, filth, disease, rape, murder, but we also have here a story replete with the deepest love, cooperation, compassion, and most of all hope that drives men and women forward to obtain dreams of a better life.
Jimin and Sinman are the protagonist and antagonist respectively who are deadly enemies not realizing how deeply they are truly connected. The novel opens with Jimin, his sister Misern, their mother and father leaving the island of Ockdo, a remote island in southern Korea. The father comes briefly and infrequently and leaves for long periods of time. They arrive in a communist-occupied Seoul in 1950 before the war begins and they live with starvation, fear of the communists who randomly arrest, torture and kill anyone and everyone for the flimsiest reason. On and on this horror continues, with Jimin and Misern’s mother eventually attacked and dying from her wounds. Sinman hates Jimin, a family clan warfare whose origin is gradually revealed throughout the entire novel. Sinman has money and bribes whoever he needs; his goal is to kill Jimin, but after much suffering Jimin and Misern decide to return to Ockdo.
Little do they know that they are about to begin a horrendous, long journey which will be full of hate and love, starvation and food provided by kind-hearted Koreans, and so so much more than this review can adequately convey. Sinman hates his father but must comply with his commands due to their true origins as poverty-stricken peasants; trying to be what one can never be is what tips the mental imbalance of Sinman and his father. But Jimin doesn’t know this and escapes before he can come to harm; later he will have one final confrontation.
American soldiers are depicted quite poorly here; they speak of their disdain for the country that they are risking their lives for. They bomb cities and towns, never realizing that the Communist Chinese have hidden in the hills and caves. Communists cannot be trusted for one second. Sora becomes Jimin’s lover, introducing a new type of relationship into Jimin’s life. Other characters like Teacher Yang appear when just needed, wisely advising Jimin how to proceed when his fears and ignorance would threaten to destroy his dream.
So much more could be said about this surprising, fascinating novel that has received little attention and deserves so much more. It is well-researched, perhaps one-sided in several places, but still reflective of the multiple points of view regarding that long ago, almost forgotten nightmare period in Korean history. Highly recommended historical fiction!
Jimin and Sinman are the protagonist and antagonist respectively who are deadly enemies not realizing how deeply they are truly connected. The novel opens with Jimin, his sister Misern, their mother and father leaving the island of Ockdo, a remote island in southern Korea. The father comes briefly and infrequently and leaves for long periods of time. They arrive in a communist-occupied Seoul in 1950 before the war begins and they live with starvation, fear of the communists who randomly arrest, torture and kill anyone and everyone for the flimsiest reason. On and on this horror continues, with Jimin and Misern’s mother eventually attacked and dying from her wounds. Sinman hates Jimin, a family clan warfare whose origin is gradually revealed throughout the entire novel. Sinman has money and bribes whoever he needs; his goal is to kill Jimin, but after much suffering Jimin and Misern decide to return to Ockdo.
Little do they know that they are about to begin a horrendous, long journey which will be full of hate and love, starvation and food provided by kind-hearted Koreans, and so so much more than this review can adequately convey. Sinman hates his father but must comply with his commands due to their true origins as poverty-stricken peasants; trying to be what one can never be is what tips the mental imbalance of Sinman and his father. But Jimin doesn’t know this and escapes before he can come to harm; later he will have one final confrontation.
American soldiers are depicted quite poorly here; they speak of their disdain for the country that they are risking their lives for. They bomb cities and towns, never realizing that the Communist Chinese have hidden in the hills and caves. Communists cannot be trusted for one second. Sora becomes Jimin’s lover, introducing a new type of relationship into Jimin’s life. Other characters like Teacher Yang appear when just needed, wisely advising Jimin how to proceed when his fears and ignorance would threaten to destroy his dream.
So much more could be said about this surprising, fascinating novel that has received little attention and deserves so much more. It is well-researched, perhaps one-sided in several places, but still reflective of the multiple points of view regarding that long ago, almost forgotten nightmare period in Korean history. Highly recommended historical fiction!
August 14, 2013
I have often wondered what it must be like for the folks that live in a country where a war is taking place. In "Tendrils of Life" the author (who was a boy living in war-torn Korea) not only gives the reader that perspective but also from the perspective of a young man. The main character is Jimin whose dad has joined the fight and who loses his mother his sole caretaker. In this chaotic setting the reader follows Jimin, with his younger sister Misern in tow, as they attempt to find the town where his grandparents and family live. Jimin and Misern persevere through the various tragedies that befall them as they hide from those who wish them harm. During their trials they dream of an island were they lived as young children using the memory as a source of hope.
During their trip friendships are made and lost and love is found only to be lost for a period before finally being recovered in the end. I found the story fascinating and while a fictional tale it includes perspectives only gained from living through the experience so it reads like a historic fiction. I highly recommend this book.
During their trip friendships are made and lost and love is found only to be lost for a period before finally being recovered in the end. I found the story fascinating and while a fictional tale it includes perspectives only gained from living through the experience so it reads like a historic fiction. I highly recommend this book.
October 2, 2012
Owen Choi's 'Tendrils of Life' not only tugged at my heartstrings as a reader, it strummed and plucked them through a whole range of emotions like a well-played harp. Moving themes of love, filial loyalty, and the kindness of strangers play counterpoint against the horrors of the Korean War and the rapacious greed of men ready to take advantage of a country in turmoil. I could not put it down - I worried for them as if the characters were neighbors and friends of mine who were going through so much personal upheaval, and I could not stop till I knew all that befell them.
Bark Jimin and his sister Misern had an idyllic childhood in the remote island of Ockdo in the South Seas of Korea. Likewise, somewhere near Pyongyang a young girl named Sora was enjoying life at her grandfather's home before her family left to visit the United States. Both Jimin and Sora held memories of their childhood dear to their heart by the time their two families end up as neighbors in Seoul. They had no idea how precious those memories would become - Korea was in the middle of social, economic and political upheavals that would give rise to the Korean War, and soon Jimin and Sora would lose their homes, their families, even each other. Despite heart-wrenching tragedies and ordeals that pushed the limits of their bodies and sanity, a love blossomed between them. But how can tenuous tendrils of a possible life together survive the ravages of war?
'Tendrils of Life' hooked me immediately as a reader because of the emotional rollercoaster the characters went through - Jimin, Sora, and Misern endured so many tragedies I found it easy to commit to them and fret for their welfare. They went through so much - the physical exhaustion of walking everywhere because there was no reliable transport; the gnawing hunger and the filth they endured as they traveled; the dangers of the road both from people and attacking aircraft - that I was on tenterhooks trying to find out if they managed to stay alive. In quiet contrast to the atrocities of war was the slow bloom of love between Jimin and Sora. In Seoul they were neighbors who saw each other but never spoke. When they met once again they met as strangers who started to talk to each other frankly and deeply, and it was those quiet talks that sealed the bond and made them seek each other out each time they were split apart. This quiet theme of love anchored me as a reader and helped me speed through the tumultuous events taking place in the hopes that they would find each other again. And yet this was not solely a romance: the author was just good at using quiet themes to anchor me through the backdrop of turmoil and tragedy. The growing love between Jimin and Sora was a pervading and obvious 'quiet' theme, but there was also the quiet sibling loyalty of Misern, who my heart went out to because in my opinion she was the saddest subplot of the book. Little Misern was relatively helpless for being so young, yet she followed her elder brother doggedly, accepted his decisions despite any difficulties they caused her, and believed all his promises. There were times when Jimin was near death, or nearly insane, and the thought of Misern - worrying about her, remembering a promise he made to her, or just knowing he might let her down - would pull him from the brink and strengthen his resolve. Perhaps it is because I have a younger brother I am close to and have sacrificed for that I sympathized with her plight the most, and even after reading all through to the end and the epilogue, I still shed a tear for her.
This tale was riddled with numerous personal tragedies - War is ugly, sad, and painful - so there was very little levity to be found within this book's pages. The story was uplifting however because Owen Choi struck the right balance to give me as a reader lucid insights in human hopes and dreams that transcended the mind-numbing suffering. There were quiet vignettes of touching kindness from strangers on the road who had very little to give, but cared and helped in whatever way they could - they alleviated the characters' current pains, restored my faith in the better parts of human nature, and helped both of us move on. There was the stoic tone the author used to illustrate how victims crushed under War's heel managed to keep going - no matter how many times one is raped, no matter how many times one is conscripted by thugs and made to march to parts unknown, no matter how many loved ones are killed or die by the wayside, one must still pick oneself up and move on. There would be little strength to waste on drama because there were still loved ones traveling with you who need your care, there was the gnawing hunger in your belly and theirs that needed to be sated, and more was asked of you - the stark tone the author used for narration, devoid of overly flowery description, helped give me that impression and helped me grit my teeth and keep going with the characters. And finally the chapters that were called 'Commentary' also helped - they gave a overview of what was taking place in Korea at the time in order to show the historical and socio-political context of Jimin's and Sora's situation. I found these chapters disconcerting because they pulled me out of the characters' personal tragedies, yet I realized in retrospect that they helped restore my objectivity, gave my emotions rest, then gave me useful information before I delved deeply once more into the intricacies of each characters' journey.
I get the impression that Owen Choi wrote from the heart - he did not belittle his characters' suffering, but he did not sensationalize the drama or pain. I hope more readers discover this moving story and would highly recommend 'Tendrils of Life' to all those who would like a peek at human resilience amidst a difficult time in Korea's history.
Bark Jimin and his sister Misern had an idyllic childhood in the remote island of Ockdo in the South Seas of Korea. Likewise, somewhere near Pyongyang a young girl named Sora was enjoying life at her grandfather's home before her family left to visit the United States. Both Jimin and Sora held memories of their childhood dear to their heart by the time their two families end up as neighbors in Seoul. They had no idea how precious those memories would become - Korea was in the middle of social, economic and political upheavals that would give rise to the Korean War, and soon Jimin and Sora would lose their homes, their families, even each other. Despite heart-wrenching tragedies and ordeals that pushed the limits of their bodies and sanity, a love blossomed between them. But how can tenuous tendrils of a possible life together survive the ravages of war?
'Tendrils of Life' hooked me immediately as a reader because of the emotional rollercoaster the characters went through - Jimin, Sora, and Misern endured so many tragedies I found it easy to commit to them and fret for their welfare. They went through so much - the physical exhaustion of walking everywhere because there was no reliable transport; the gnawing hunger and the filth they endured as they traveled; the dangers of the road both from people and attacking aircraft - that I was on tenterhooks trying to find out if they managed to stay alive. In quiet contrast to the atrocities of war was the slow bloom of love between Jimin and Sora. In Seoul they were neighbors who saw each other but never spoke. When they met once again they met as strangers who started to talk to each other frankly and deeply, and it was those quiet talks that sealed the bond and made them seek each other out each time they were split apart. This quiet theme of love anchored me as a reader and helped me speed through the tumultuous events taking place in the hopes that they would find each other again. And yet this was not solely a romance: the author was just good at using quiet themes to anchor me through the backdrop of turmoil and tragedy. The growing love between Jimin and Sora was a pervading and obvious 'quiet' theme, but there was also the quiet sibling loyalty of Misern, who my heart went out to because in my opinion she was the saddest subplot of the book. Little Misern was relatively helpless for being so young, yet she followed her elder brother doggedly, accepted his decisions despite any difficulties they caused her, and believed all his promises. There were times when Jimin was near death, or nearly insane, and the thought of Misern - worrying about her, remembering a promise he made to her, or just knowing he might let her down - would pull him from the brink and strengthen his resolve. Perhaps it is because I have a younger brother I am close to and have sacrificed for that I sympathized with her plight the most, and even after reading all through to the end and the epilogue, I still shed a tear for her.
This tale was riddled with numerous personal tragedies - War is ugly, sad, and painful - so there was very little levity to be found within this book's pages. The story was uplifting however because Owen Choi struck the right balance to give me as a reader lucid insights in human hopes and dreams that transcended the mind-numbing suffering. There were quiet vignettes of touching kindness from strangers on the road who had very little to give, but cared and helped in whatever way they could - they alleviated the characters' current pains, restored my faith in the better parts of human nature, and helped both of us move on. There was the stoic tone the author used to illustrate how victims crushed under War's heel managed to keep going - no matter how many times one is raped, no matter how many times one is conscripted by thugs and made to march to parts unknown, no matter how many loved ones are killed or die by the wayside, one must still pick oneself up and move on. There would be little strength to waste on drama because there were still loved ones traveling with you who need your care, there was the gnawing hunger in your belly and theirs that needed to be sated, and more was asked of you - the stark tone the author used for narration, devoid of overly flowery description, helped give me that impression and helped me grit my teeth and keep going with the characters. And finally the chapters that were called 'Commentary' also helped - they gave a overview of what was taking place in Korea at the time in order to show the historical and socio-political context of Jimin's and Sora's situation. I found these chapters disconcerting because they pulled me out of the characters' personal tragedies, yet I realized in retrospect that they helped restore my objectivity, gave my emotions rest, then gave me useful information before I delved deeply once more into the intricacies of each characters' journey.
I get the impression that Owen Choi wrote from the heart - he did not belittle his characters' suffering, but he did not sensationalize the drama or pain. I hope more readers discover this moving story and would highly recommend 'Tendrils of Life' to all those who would like a peek at human resilience amidst a difficult time in Korea's history.
January 8, 2013
I completed reading Tendrils of Life last night, and I should be adding "unfortunately" because I did enjoy the reading so much, not only the story, but the style as well as the rhythm throughout each and every page.
My feelings about the book: I felt just like when I was younger, reading classics, a feeling I miss more and more as time passes by...
I would add that the historical backgrounds about Korea and Korean War were really eye opening; I will certainly try to read and understand more about Korea.
Hope lots of folks would realize what wars and instability can do to humans. Unfortunately it seems that the situation is not improving much these days. But I am glad that my country, France, participated in the Korean War to protect the free world.
I'd be thrilled with the prospect of reading more from Owen Choi.
My feelings about the book: I felt just like when I was younger, reading classics, a feeling I miss more and more as time passes by...
I would add that the historical backgrounds about Korea and Korean War were really eye opening; I will certainly try to read and understand more about Korea.
Hope lots of folks would realize what wars and instability can do to humans. Unfortunately it seems that the situation is not improving much these days. But I am glad that my country, France, participated in the Korean War to protect the free world.
I'd be thrilled with the prospect of reading more from Owen Choi.
June 12, 2018
I appreciated the book for the history and commentary which taught me a lot about the Korean War. My reading coincided with a trip to Seoul, so many of the things I learned in the book I was able to see first hand. The downside is it's long and sometimes so detailed. overall it's a beautiful story which will enlighten most people's understanding of the Korean War.
September 29, 2012
Tendrils of Life, by Owen Choi: A literary gem
Tendrils of Life takes you through the turmoil of war in Korea at the end of World War II and the Pacific War with the surrender of the Empire of Japan. Choi writes a detailed narrative of the plight of the Korean people during the timeframe when their beloved country is torn in two by outside forces. He weaves the historical events through the eyes of his main characters as they struggle to survive the injustices and strife that war brings. Readers need not be familiar with the Korean War to appreciate the story. Choi's writing is non-linear, using flashbacks at strategic points in the novel to give us the backstory of the characters while driving the action forward in the present. The novel could easily be transcribed into a screenplay, as the historical framework, visual detail and pace of the story are not unlike a cinematic movie -- similar to other novels which have successfully been made into films such as Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor or Heinrich Harrer's Seven Years in Tibet.
The overall journey through the war-torn country of the main characters -- Jimin, his little sister Misern, his soul mate Sora, his arch-nemesis Sinman and others -- is depicted with so much visual detail that I felt hunger, pain, sorrow, loneliness and despair as I read each chapter. What is unique in this story is that the main character Jimin is not portrayed as a typical hero -- he is not particularly strong nor is he brave. However, every time he looks death in the eye, his faith, love and determination to survive overcome the impossible.
I was so moved by the story and enjoyed every word. I felt as though I was right there beside Jimin, Sora, Teacher Yang, Jimin's father and even Sinman. I loved how the story was brought together at the end. Knowing now that Sinman was Jimin's half-brother and the real reason there was trouble between both families brought closure for me. It made sense to have heard the different points of view from each of the main characters. In addition to the narrative, I thoroughly enjoyed the historical information interweaved between the chapters. It helped me place the story in context with the actual events of the war.
Tendrils of Life is a literary gem, a novel I recommend to readers, especially those who appreciate good writing and historical fiction. I anticipate more novels by Owen Choi and look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
Tendrils of Life takes you through the turmoil of war in Korea at the end of World War II and the Pacific War with the surrender of the Empire of Japan. Choi writes a detailed narrative of the plight of the Korean people during the timeframe when their beloved country is torn in two by outside forces. He weaves the historical events through the eyes of his main characters as they struggle to survive the injustices and strife that war brings. Readers need not be familiar with the Korean War to appreciate the story. Choi's writing is non-linear, using flashbacks at strategic points in the novel to give us the backstory of the characters while driving the action forward in the present. The novel could easily be transcribed into a screenplay, as the historical framework, visual detail and pace of the story are not unlike a cinematic movie -- similar to other novels which have successfully been made into films such as Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor or Heinrich Harrer's Seven Years in Tibet.
The overall journey through the war-torn country of the main characters -- Jimin, his little sister Misern, his soul mate Sora, his arch-nemesis Sinman and others -- is depicted with so much visual detail that I felt hunger, pain, sorrow, loneliness and despair as I read each chapter. What is unique in this story is that the main character Jimin is not portrayed as a typical hero -- he is not particularly strong nor is he brave. However, every time he looks death in the eye, his faith, love and determination to survive overcome the impossible.
I was so moved by the story and enjoyed every word. I felt as though I was right there beside Jimin, Sora, Teacher Yang, Jimin's father and even Sinman. I loved how the story was brought together at the end. Knowing now that Sinman was Jimin's half-brother and the real reason there was trouble between both families brought closure for me. It made sense to have heard the different points of view from each of the main characters. In addition to the narrative, I thoroughly enjoyed the historical information interweaved between the chapters. It helped me place the story in context with the actual events of the war.
Tendrils of Life is a literary gem, a novel I recommend to readers, especially those who appreciate good writing and historical fiction. I anticipate more novels by Owen Choi and look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
August 30, 2014
I rarely read novels but the setting of this one caught my attention. A journey of a family through war torn Korea was too close to the historical genre to pass up. I am glad that I did not.
I do not want to give away much about the plot but you are entitled to a general outline. A brother and sister, Jimin and Misern Bark, spend most of the book trying to return to their native island of Ockdo from which they had been driven by a feud with the Barn family. If the origin of the feud sounds familiar, check out Chapter 21 of Genesis. They seek to reunite their family to return home amidst the shifting tides of war sweeping across the peninsula. Along the way they find love and hatred, hope and disappointment.
As an historical novel, “Tendrils of Life” put a human face to the Korean War. So often, the literature of war focuses on the soldiers and the battles. In this book we follow the lives of the people caught in the maelstrom. Did you ever think of the Koreans who were forced into the service of one side or the other? Did it ever occur to you that the allegiance that brought privilege today brought persecution next week? And back again, if you survived that long? Did you ever ponder how you would cope with the lawlessness that flowed in the wake of battle? Readers tag along as the characters sift their way through these challenges and more.
The most impressive aspect of this book is the writing itself. Author Owen Choi has succeeded in weaving the characters into and out of the action without disrupting continuity. He has inserted factual backgrounds that place the action in context. His descriptive narrative and picture words paint scenes in the mind’s eye. Choi accomplishes all of this without descending into the muck that some authors think they need to carry their story. I debated between 4 stars and five. I finally asked myself, “If I give this 5 stars, what do I give Huckleberry Finn?” So it is 4 stars. Not a classic for the ages yet, although time could prove me wrong, but a good, enjoyable read.
I did receive a free copy of this book for review.
I do not want to give away much about the plot but you are entitled to a general outline. A brother and sister, Jimin and Misern Bark, spend most of the book trying to return to their native island of Ockdo from which they had been driven by a feud with the Barn family. If the origin of the feud sounds familiar, check out Chapter 21 of Genesis. They seek to reunite their family to return home amidst the shifting tides of war sweeping across the peninsula. Along the way they find love and hatred, hope and disappointment.
As an historical novel, “Tendrils of Life” put a human face to the Korean War. So often, the literature of war focuses on the soldiers and the battles. In this book we follow the lives of the people caught in the maelstrom. Did you ever think of the Koreans who were forced into the service of one side or the other? Did it ever occur to you that the allegiance that brought privilege today brought persecution next week? And back again, if you survived that long? Did you ever ponder how you would cope with the lawlessness that flowed in the wake of battle? Readers tag along as the characters sift their way through these challenges and more.
The most impressive aspect of this book is the writing itself. Author Owen Choi has succeeded in weaving the characters into and out of the action without disrupting continuity. He has inserted factual backgrounds that place the action in context. His descriptive narrative and picture words paint scenes in the mind’s eye. Choi accomplishes all of this without descending into the muck that some authors think they need to carry their story. I debated between 4 stars and five. I finally asked myself, “If I give this 5 stars, what do I give Huckleberry Finn?” So it is 4 stars. Not a classic for the ages yet, although time could prove me wrong, but a good, enjoyable read.
I did receive a free copy of this book for review.
September 20, 2013
I don't even know where to begin with this book...
About the book.
This book follows Jimin, a young man in Korea, during the war. He is constantly struggling to do the right thing, to take care of his sister, and to get home.
So much factual history in this book. I actually cried at the end when I read that much of the horror you read in this book actually happened.
My one beef...well...is the wishy-washy ending. However, how could the ending NOT be that way? Even today Korea still isn't at peace.
This books is well written. History and war buff's will appreciate this book. Heck, even if you AREN'T a history or a war buff, it is worth reading.
I feel so bad for the fictional characters but I am also very glad they weren't real people. The depressing thought is the idea that this very thing probably happened to many many people during that time period.
Man, I am still reeling emotionally from that ending. I just don't know what else to say about this book.
Pick it up, read it for yourself. If nothing else, it tells you the horror of war from the civilians view point. And it is worth knowing what actually happened.
About the book.
This book follows Jimin, a young man in Korea, during the war. He is constantly struggling to do the right thing, to take care of his sister, and to get home.
So much factual history in this book. I actually cried at the end when I read that much of the horror you read in this book actually happened.
My one beef...well...is the wishy-washy ending. However, how could the ending NOT be that way? Even today Korea still isn't at peace.
This books is well written. History and war buff's will appreciate this book. Heck, even if you AREN'T a history or a war buff, it is worth reading.
I feel so bad for the fictional characters but I am also very glad they weren't real people. The depressing thought is the idea that this very thing probably happened to many many people during that time period.
Man, I am still reeling emotionally from that ending. I just don't know what else to say about this book.
Pick it up, read it for yourself. If nothing else, it tells you the horror of war from the civilians view point. And it is worth knowing what actually happened.
February 3, 2014
This historical story set during the Korean war in Seoul and other spots in Korea captivated me. As I read about the devastation the war caused the people, I was appalled and my heart reached out to them. Food shortages, lawlessness, and kidnapping of young men to serve in the army were only a few of the things Koreans suffered. Jimin, a 16-year-old boy, is the main character who is trying to return to Jade Island with his 7-year-old sister after his mother’s death.
The history intertwined in the fictional account mesmerized and appalled me. So many people were brutalized and I couldn’t help thinking how not very long ago this all happened. It made me realize how resilient and hard working the South Korean people must be to have turned their war torn country into such a modern, civilized one today. Great story that tugged my emotions all over the place as I cried, rejoiced and cried again for the characters.
The history intertwined in the fictional account mesmerized and appalled me. So many people were brutalized and I couldn’t help thinking how not very long ago this all happened. It made me realize how resilient and hard working the South Korean people must be to have turned their war torn country into such a modern, civilized one today. Great story that tugged my emotions all over the place as I cried, rejoiced and cried again for the characters.
Read
February 18, 2014Tendrils of life
When I started reading this book I knew very little about the Korean War beyond the show MASH, so I really liked that Owen Choi added information about what was happening during the war as the storyline progressed. This is a truly remarkable book. the characters are dynamic and very believable. I found myself so immersed in the story that it was as if I was experiencing the heartache and joy along with the characters. I never wanted the story to end because I found myself so invested in the characters. I look forward to reading more from Owen Choi and I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
When I started reading this book I knew very little about the Korean War beyond the show MASH, so I really liked that Owen Choi added information about what was happening during the war as the storyline progressed. This is a truly remarkable book. the characters are dynamic and very believable. I found myself so immersed in the story that it was as if I was experiencing the heartache and joy along with the characters. I never wanted the story to end because I found myself so invested in the characters. I look forward to reading more from Owen Choi and I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
February 8, 2013
This is a very moving historical fiction. It is about the Korean conflict. I thought it would be interesting because my father served in Korea during that time. Life was very difficult and dangerous for the Korean people. This is a very long read (406 pgs) - but worth reading. We have never been through that kind of difficulty here in America, except for during the Civil War - but even that wasn't what the people of Korea went through. This book reminded me of the book I read recently about China (Wild Swans, by Jung Chang).
March 8, 2013
You never know what hardships war can bring unless you lived thought it. This was an amazing look at the Korean War, from the perspective of those who were most affected by it. I keep hopping for a happy ending although with War there is no happy ending.
August 10, 2020
Enthralling read!
The story had me crying several times. So much heartbreak, struggle and tragedy. A journey through war torn lands and the battle to just survive. Such a great story that will take you through so much with the various characters
The story had me crying several times. So much heartbreak, struggle and tragedy. A journey through war torn lands and the battle to just survive. Such a great story that will take you through so much with the various characters
March 26, 2023
The Book of Love
When I think of my problems they are none
When I think of my weaknesses they are none
When I think of my illnesses they are none
When I think of my blessings they remain
When I think of my problems they are none
When I think of my weaknesses they are none
When I think of my illnesses they are none
When I think of my blessings they remain
September 3, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
April 8, 2015
Tendrils of Life by Owen Choi is a well written literary fiction and historical story which touched my heart. The author utilized some facts from history, documentaries, etc. There are illustrations of maps to help you visualize the various areas of the Korean War. I applaud the author. I rate this story five stars but in a sense I'm sorry I read this story because it is such an emotional one. I don't recommend this book to anyone who suffers from depression. Many times I discontinued reading this story. If this story was made into a film, I wouldn't wish to view it. I dreaded picking the book back up to read; the only reason I continued reading it further was because I was hoping the characters would get reunited with their loved ones.
The story depicts the catastrophic effects of wars, spoils of war:
families separated
family members killed
rape, etc.
Their instinct to survive, persevere, endure the torture they went through was greatly felt by me as a reader, as a human being. The various stories of the characters were heartbreaking. The characters walked around nearly dead searching for their loved ones. You'll read the stories of what so many people endured day after day only to get worse with the passing of time. Friends and strangers were willing to share what little they had left. This story had me continuously in tears.
There have been many wars, battles in the world, and most people don't wish to speak of the horrors they have experienced in their life. But, I believe such stories have to be written whether as nonfiction or fictional works to remind each of us how precious life is, to love each other; we don't know what tomorrow holds for us and our loved ones.
Josephine Calabrese
Writer, Lyricist, Publisher, Teacher
The story depicts the catastrophic effects of wars, spoils of war:
families separated
family members killed
rape, etc.
Their instinct to survive, persevere, endure the torture they went through was greatly felt by me as a reader, as a human being. The various stories of the characters were heartbreaking. The characters walked around nearly dead searching for their loved ones. You'll read the stories of what so many people endured day after day only to get worse with the passing of time. Friends and strangers were willing to share what little they had left. This story had me continuously in tears.
There have been many wars, battles in the world, and most people don't wish to speak of the horrors they have experienced in their life. But, I believe such stories have to be written whether as nonfiction or fictional works to remind each of us how precious life is, to love each other; we don't know what tomorrow holds for us and our loved ones.
Josephine Calabrese
Writer, Lyricist, Publisher, Teacher
March 9, 2014
Tendrils of Life is historical fiction set in Korea. Most of the story, though not all of the story, occurs during the early years of the Korean War, 1950-1953. Flashbacks. Tendrils of Life has plenty of flashbacks. These take readers back even further, several decades further in some cases. These flashbacks do place the "main story" into context. I will say that there were times I was confused, but, by the end, I saw how the pieces of the puzzle fit together and I understood, for the most part, WHY the flashbacks were so important to the overall story. It is a complex story. I won't lie. For those unfamiliar with the Korean War--like me--this one may prove challenging: not impossible, just challenging. I believe it seeks to provide some answers, some insight, into the war itself: the history and politics. Trying to explain a war is not ever easy, and, I appreciate the complexity of this one.
The characters. I felt all the characters had strengths and weaknesses. I felt they were human which is the best compliment I can give any author. Tendrils of Life is at best bittersweet, if I'm being honest, more bitter than sweet. It felt bleak, very bleak, but its an honest bleakness and not mere manipulation.
Tendrils of Life was a bit outside my comfort zone, but, I am so glad I read it.
The characters. I felt all the characters had strengths and weaknesses. I felt they were human which is the best compliment I can give any author. Tendrils of Life is at best bittersweet, if I'm being honest, more bitter than sweet. It felt bleak, very bleak, but its an honest bleakness and not mere manipulation.
Tendrils of Life was a bit outside my comfort zone, but, I am so glad I read it.
August 14, 2013
Tendrils of Life is a sort of book that you don’t see much of these days—a sweeping epic that is also an intimate portrait of its characters. Set mainly during the Korean Conflict of the early 1950s, this compelling story of war and its effects on a small number of civilians trying to survive amidst food shortages, bombings, and the mad violence that always comes when the world is falling to pieces, grabs you by the collar and pulls you in from the first page to the last.
Choi doesn’t give us characters without context. His Michener-like explanations of the war’s background and causes, and what is going on in the big picture as we follow the close-up view of the main characters, bring a special richness to the book. Some readers might not like these breaks in the action, but I found the information invaluable. He also includes a map that helps the reader see the distances the main characters traveled.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history and/or a gripping tale.
Choi doesn’t give us characters without context. His Michener-like explanations of the war’s background and causes, and what is going on in the big picture as we follow the close-up view of the main characters, bring a special richness to the book. Some readers might not like these breaks in the action, but I found the information invaluable. He also includes a map that helps the reader see the distances the main characters traveled.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history and/or a gripping tale.
August 1, 2013
Owen Choi. Heart breaking story
Tendrils of Life
Based around the Korean War this is a real life story about food shortages, it starts in 1945 and quickly moves on to 1950.
This is a story of Life, love, loss and survival, when you read this heartbreaking story you should never say you are starving ever again.
The Korean War started in June 1950 and lasted until July 1953 and they estimate that 2.5 million civilians were killed.
This story is about a young boy (jimin) and his younger sister (misern) and their struggle for food and survival.
Whilst on their long walk from Seoul to Hadong, and even further they come up against many obstacles. Starvation being a big obstacle that they faced daily .
He spends his time doing menial work to scrape a living, and he is always on the look out for Sinman who is his evil enemy.
A truly heart braking story of what war means.
4 stars. 01 August 2013.
Tendrils of Life
Based around the Korean War this is a real life story about food shortages, it starts in 1945 and quickly moves on to 1950.
This is a story of Life, love, loss and survival, when you read this heartbreaking story you should never say you are starving ever again.
The Korean War started in June 1950 and lasted until July 1953 and they estimate that 2.5 million civilians were killed.
This story is about a young boy (jimin) and his younger sister (misern) and their struggle for food and survival.
Whilst on their long walk from Seoul to Hadong, and even further they come up against many obstacles. Starvation being a big obstacle that they faced daily .
He spends his time doing menial work to scrape a living, and he is always on the look out for Sinman who is his evil enemy.
A truly heart braking story of what war means.
4 stars. 01 August 2013.
July 16, 2014
I was hoping to gain insight into what North vs South Korea was all about, and I thought this book was enlightening me - it did for a while, but as the story went on, I felt I didn't have any conclusions. Maybe because the conflict has gone on so long, the Koreans have also lost sight of why there was a conflict in the first place.
I read a little about the author and confirmed that English is not his first language, evident in the writing style. Some of the scenarios were played over and over and some of the dialog, while written in English, came across as Koreans speaking in English to each other, not very well.
But what a horrid ordeal to go through, war against other nations, civil war, starvation and deprivation, loss of family, loss of home. So many displaced people, just wanting to stay out of the way. I am so thankful we have not had war on our soil in my lifetime!
I read a little about the author and confirmed that English is not his first language, evident in the writing style. Some of the scenarios were played over and over and some of the dialog, while written in English, came across as Koreans speaking in English to each other, not very well.
But what a horrid ordeal to go through, war against other nations, civil war, starvation and deprivation, loss of family, loss of home. So many displaced people, just wanting to stay out of the way. I am so thankful we have not had war on our soil in my lifetime!
December 21, 2013
Tendrils of Life is a page-turning literary epic in the style of Steinbeck's East of Eden or Buck's The Good Earth. Choi's characters bring alive the real experience of war -- not a date and fact overview from the history books, or a casualty count from the headlines, but the daily lives of realistic characters as they navigate the horrors and chaos of war.
Choi makes the reader care for Jimin and his family, but also understand the actions and motivations of his adversaries. What appears to be a classic family feud between the Barks and the Barns unravels to be a far more complex tale of human fallibility. There are no fairytale endings here, but Choi leads the reader through the sorrow to a place of hope.
Choi makes the reader care for Jimin and his family, but also understand the actions and motivations of his adversaries. What appears to be a classic family feud between the Barks and the Barns unravels to be a far more complex tale of human fallibility. There are no fairytale endings here, but Choi leads the reader through the sorrow to a place of hope.
October 28, 2014
I am torn between 3 and 4 stars as this is a very interesting story filled with heartache, cruelty, and the devastation of war. Knowing very little about the Korean War, I figured there would be plenty for me to learn. The way the author included historical facts between parts was unique. He even made it personal by suggesting that if you didn't wish to read the history, you could skip over it.
Unfortunately, I think Owen Choi's story would have benefited from a good editor. It wasn't the grammar or spelling that was a problem for me; there were just too many scenarios that were repetitive and overly long.
The ending was quite surprising in the way the author presented it. Hmmmm...I'm still wondering whether or not it appealed to me.
Unfortunately, I think Owen Choi's story would have benefited from a good editor. It wasn't the grammar or spelling that was a problem for me; there were just too many scenarios that were repetitive and overly long.
The ending was quite surprising in the way the author presented it. Hmmmm...I'm still wondering whether or not it appealed to me.
August 16, 2013
This is an honest, powerful and exceptionally well written book about a time in history that I knew very little about. It follows 8 years in the life of a young boy from 1945 to 1953, which were 8 very bleak years in Korea's history. The author keeps this story real, you see what the characters saw and you feel what they feel. I found the plot to be compelling, and despite having other things to do, once I started reading I had to finish it. The characters and the struggles that they face are very believable and it's easy to empathize with them. This is a powerful must read book and I highly recommend it.
December 26, 2012
You can read the full review here on my blog - Book Review: Tendrils of Life by Owen Choi
This book is a must read if you want to experience the war in Korea and understand it’s people – how they think and feel, what they have experienced and been through. Choi explores ideas, questions beliefs, and brings out the strength of the human spirit in Tendrils of Life.
This book is a must read if you want to experience the war in Korea and understand it’s people – how they think and feel, what they have experienced and been through. Choi explores ideas, questions beliefs, and brings out the strength of the human spirit in Tendrils of Life.
September 4, 2013
This is a story about what happened to a teenager and those close to him during the Korean War. While this is a novel, it is based on many things that actually happened during the Korean War. It is hard to believe that people suffered so much during the war and survived. This book made me very thankful for the life I am living.
May 27, 2014
Tendrils of Life: A story of love, loss, and survival in the turmoil...
This book was a joy to read. It is very profound in so many ways. If you are interested in a book that was part of a historical event then you will enjoy this. I really liked how the book is divided into many short, but many chapters.
I recommend this story.
This book was a joy to read. It is very profound in so many ways. If you are interested in a book that was part of a historical event then you will enjoy this. I really liked how the book is divided into many short, but many chapters.
I recommend this story.
September 2, 2013
Difficult book to read. Too many names sounded too much the same. Too much coming, going, coming again. It must have been a terrible time for the Koreans and anyone involved in the war and that did come through in this story. But it was too much of a chore to follow through this book.
Read
August 27, 2013This book is an amazing read. For someone who had little knowledge of the Korean war, it gave me a deep insight, both painful and moving, about life for those caught up in the madness. The author manages to make you feel at some level as if you had experienced it with him.
May 7, 2014
Compelling, well written and just plain awesome. On some level, it reminded me of Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance, probably because of the depth of suffering contained within the story. It may have been fiction, but people really did suffer that way in that war and every other war.
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