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A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia
A constant stream of impoverished women and girls have been, and are being, enslaved and abused in the Asia Pacific region. Slavery is not a historical issue - it's happening today. History is repeating itself. Through Sylvia Yu Friedman's work in journalism, counter-trafficking and philanthropy, she has had rare and incredible access to victims of sex trafficking and modern slavery in China, Thailand, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Myanmar and Indonesia. Amid this terrible human suffering, she has seen frontline workers carrying a great light that has overcome the darkness in some of the most frightening places on Earth. This memoir describes her personal journey in the fight against slavery through supporting philanthropic initiatives and raising awareness through writing articles and producing films. She shares her personal setbacks, and how her awakening to the plight of the victims of Imperial Japanese sex slavery during World War II helped her come to terms with her identity issues over her Korean heritage. She writes about the lessons - the good, the bad, and the ugly - and the people and events that have shaped her along the way.
- GenresNonfiction
294 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2021
17 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Yu Friedman
4 books14 followersSylvia has led philanthropic initiatives for some of the world’s wealthiest families, transforming countless lives while shining a light on the worst human rights abuses of our time. Her pioneering investigations into the dark underworld of sex trafficking and modern-day slavery for two decades – even at the risk of her own life – shattered barriers and charted a course for a new generation of philanthropists and activists.
Sylvia is an award-winning Penguin Random House Author, TV Host, Filmmaker, Serial Entrepreneur, and Philanthropy Advisor.
She hosts a digital interview show on LinkedIn called 'Inspiring YOU with Sylvia Yu' that puts a spotlight on remarkable individuals. She also has a TV series in development inspired by her life and memoir, A Long Road to Justice.
Since 2005, Sylvia has managed and directed millions of dollars to major humanitarian portfolios impacting at least one million people. This work has given her access to many influential networks.
Sylvia is the author of 4 books: A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia (Penguin Random House); Silenced No More: Voices of Comfort Women, the only journalistic account of historical Japanese military sex slavery during WWII, and Heart and Soul: The Life Story of Pastor Augustus Chao. She is the editor of the Penguin book Rethink the Couch: Into the Bedrooms and Boardrooms of Asia with an Expat Therapist. Her latest book, Fearless: A Guide to Freedom and Fulfilling Your Fullest Potential, will be released in October 2024 by Penguin Random House.
A former TV anchor, Sylvia was awarded the Global Top 50 Women In Sustainability Awards 2022 by The SustainabilityX® Magazine. In 2017, she was included in the Top 100 Human Trafficking & Slavery Influence Leaders List. In 2013, she won the prestigious International Human Rights Press Award for her documentary series on human trafficking.
After ten years of intensive research and interviewing elderly survivors, academics and lawyers in different nations for her book Silenced No More, Sylvia is considered an expert on Japanese Imperial military sex slavery known by the terrible euphemism "comfort women."
Sylvia has been recognized as one of the Top 200 Global LinkedIn Creators and Top 10 LinkedIn Creators in Hong Kong by Favikon (She is ranked #6). The Favikon Top 200 LinkedIn Creators list features the most influential and inspiring personalities from around the globe.
Sylvia is married to Matthew Friedman, a top-ranked keynote speaker, CEO of The Mekong Club, and former U.N. and U.S. diplomat.
Matthew Friedman is the author of Where Were You? A Profile of Modern Slavery (Penguin Random House).
Sylvia is an award-winning Penguin Random House Author, TV Host, Filmmaker, Serial Entrepreneur, and Philanthropy Advisor.
She hosts a digital interview show on LinkedIn called 'Inspiring YOU with Sylvia Yu' that puts a spotlight on remarkable individuals. She also has a TV series in development inspired by her life and memoir, A Long Road to Justice.
Since 2005, Sylvia has managed and directed millions of dollars to major humanitarian portfolios impacting at least one million people. This work has given her access to many influential networks.
Sylvia is the author of 4 books: A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia (Penguin Random House); Silenced No More: Voices of Comfort Women, the only journalistic account of historical Japanese military sex slavery during WWII, and Heart and Soul: The Life Story of Pastor Augustus Chao. She is the editor of the Penguin book Rethink the Couch: Into the Bedrooms and Boardrooms of Asia with an Expat Therapist. Her latest book, Fearless: A Guide to Freedom and Fulfilling Your Fullest Potential, will be released in October 2024 by Penguin Random House.
A former TV anchor, Sylvia was awarded the Global Top 50 Women In Sustainability Awards 2022 by The SustainabilityX® Magazine. In 2017, she was included in the Top 100 Human Trafficking & Slavery Influence Leaders List. In 2013, she won the prestigious International Human Rights Press Award for her documentary series on human trafficking.
After ten years of intensive research and interviewing elderly survivors, academics and lawyers in different nations for her book Silenced No More, Sylvia is considered an expert on Japanese Imperial military sex slavery known by the terrible euphemism "comfort women."
Sylvia has been recognized as one of the Top 200 Global LinkedIn Creators and Top 10 LinkedIn Creators in Hong Kong by Favikon (She is ranked #6). The Favikon Top 200 LinkedIn Creators list features the most influential and inspiring personalities from around the globe.
Sylvia is married to Matthew Friedman, a top-ranked keynote speaker, CEO of The Mekong Club, and former U.N. and U.S. diplomat.
Matthew Friedman is the author of Where Were You? A Profile of Modern Slavery (Penguin Random House).
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 17, 2021
A gripping account that reveals the true, untold stories of human trafficking from all facets. An exciting, illuminating read into a subject that I couldn't put down. Definite recommend.
July 16, 2022
⭐️ 4.5/5.0
This is a book about modern slavery in Asia but also about the author’s self-exploration throughly out the past few years.
There are three parts: door of hope, wartime sex slavery and modern human trafficking/ slavery. While all three are brilliantly written, I personally love the final part concerning the different types of modern human trafficking and slavery. Living in Hong Kong for over 5 years, I am still shocked to read all the stories told by the survivors in the book. (For those asking why I didn’t rate it a 5, I’d say the religion plays an important part in this book, but I would stay conservative with these statements.)
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone that is curious about human trafficking in Asia, including WWII and nowadays. If you’re thinking this is not your business, we’ll, it might be, and this book will tell you why!
This is a book about modern slavery in Asia but also about the author’s self-exploration throughly out the past few years.
There are three parts: door of hope, wartime sex slavery and modern human trafficking/ slavery. While all three are brilliantly written, I personally love the final part concerning the different types of modern human trafficking and slavery. Living in Hong Kong for over 5 years, I am still shocked to read all the stories told by the survivors in the book. (For those asking why I didn’t rate it a 5, I’d say the religion plays an important part in this book, but I would stay conservative with these statements.)
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone that is curious about human trafficking in Asia, including WWII and nowadays. If you’re thinking this is not your business, we’ll, it might be, and this book will tell you why!
November 15, 2021
So touching! I read it in a few days and was very moved when reading the heartbreaking stories of the women in slavery.
December 10, 2021
Modern day slavery, forced prostitution, comfort women, North Korean refugees — these are just some of the hard-hitting topics that Sylvia Yu Friedman explores in A Long Road to Justice. Through her work as a journalist, activist, and philanthropy fund consultant, she has had access to NGOs, victims, and traffickers themselves, the interviews with whom she recounts in great detail here.
I was struck by how prevalent these issues were, and how little attention governments seem to pay to these flagrant human rights violations. Governments can and should do more to protect the lives of their people and put an end to the human traffickers horrible acts. As the writer points out, we need sustainable and viable jobs for these victims of human trafficking that, accompanied with professional mental health services, will help them integrate into mainstream society.
The section on comfort women was eye-opening to me, as the author went a step further and also interviewed former Japanese soldiers, one of whom was also guilty of rape during the war. It struck me how most of these soldiers only realised that what they did was brutal and wrong only after their own traumatic experiences being imprisoned in Siberia and not receiving reparations from the Japanese government. I hope that all these elderly folk will get closure in one form or another to end their lives in peace, far away from the nightmare of war.
There are also some religious undertones scattered around. My personal reservations on religions, which I've written about before, might have held me back from enjoying this fully. However, it does not negate fact that this is a crucial piece of work on human trafficking and its related crimes that you should definitely pick up. Kudos to the author and all the NGOs around the world for the risky but necessary work that they do to make this world a better place 🙏🏻
(Complimentary e-copy courtesy of the author and Penguin SEA in exchange for an honest review)
I was struck by how prevalent these issues were, and how little attention governments seem to pay to these flagrant human rights violations. Governments can and should do more to protect the lives of their people and put an end to the human traffickers horrible acts. As the writer points out, we need sustainable and viable jobs for these victims of human trafficking that, accompanied with professional mental health services, will help them integrate into mainstream society.
The section on comfort women was eye-opening to me, as the author went a step further and also interviewed former Japanese soldiers, one of whom was also guilty of rape during the war. It struck me how most of these soldiers only realised that what they did was brutal and wrong only after their own traumatic experiences being imprisoned in Siberia and not receiving reparations from the Japanese government. I hope that all these elderly folk will get closure in one form or another to end their lives in peace, far away from the nightmare of war.
There are also some religious undertones scattered around. My personal reservations on religions, which I've written about before, might have held me back from enjoying this fully. However, it does not negate fact that this is a crucial piece of work on human trafficking and its related crimes that you should definitely pick up. Kudos to the author and all the NGOs around the world for the risky but necessary work that they do to make this world a better place 🙏🏻
(Complimentary e-copy courtesy of the author and Penguin SEA in exchange for an honest review)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2021
This is going to be my last non fiction book for 2021 and I am glad I chose this one. Sylvia covered the effects of human trafficking and how it relates to sex slavery and abuse in Asia. This was such a heart-wrenching book to read especially listening to the voices of these women.
Sylvia explored alot of hard-hitting topics from modern day slavery to forced prostitution to voices of comfort women to trafficking and being exploited. Through her work as a journalist and activist, she is able to interview in detail with different victims and even the traffickers themselves. Listening to these women’s voices really made me feel so sad and frustrated. What a harsh, harsh world we live in. I feared for Sylvia as I read how she put her life at risk in order investigate and film how these women were being exploited. I admire her courage to give these women a chance to speak up and to sit through some very tough interviews.
Even to this day, these issues are still happening and what exactly has the government done about this? Young girls are still getting trafficked and exploited. Their life and dreams are trampled on. Their rights are being violated and they lose their humanity and identity. They constantly live in fear and will continue to live in trauma even after they are rescued. Some of these girls Sylvia interviewed were being exploited as young as 14!
I also enjoyed reading the chapters on comfort women and how the term comfort women came about. I was particularly intrigued by Sylvia’s interview with two Japanese soldiers who talked about their experiences with comfort women but it doesn’t make the events any less horrifying and heart-wrenching.
There are some religious aspects in this book. Although I don’t have a strong attachment to religion, it doesn’t take away the fact that religion plays an important role here in creating a safe space for these women to heal. Sometimes having faith can help one come out of a dark time and have courage to start afresh.
If I have any takeaway from this, we should all treat people around us with a bit more kindness, have more compassion and just reach out a hand to help in any way we can. Thank you Sylvia and Penguin SEA for giving me an e-copy!
Sylvia explored alot of hard-hitting topics from modern day slavery to forced prostitution to voices of comfort women to trafficking and being exploited. Through her work as a journalist and activist, she is able to interview in detail with different victims and even the traffickers themselves. Listening to these women’s voices really made me feel so sad and frustrated. What a harsh, harsh world we live in. I feared for Sylvia as I read how she put her life at risk in order investigate and film how these women were being exploited. I admire her courage to give these women a chance to speak up and to sit through some very tough interviews.
Even to this day, these issues are still happening and what exactly has the government done about this? Young girls are still getting trafficked and exploited. Their life and dreams are trampled on. Their rights are being violated and they lose their humanity and identity. They constantly live in fear and will continue to live in trauma even after they are rescued. Some of these girls Sylvia interviewed were being exploited as young as 14!
I also enjoyed reading the chapters on comfort women and how the term comfort women came about. I was particularly intrigued by Sylvia’s interview with two Japanese soldiers who talked about their experiences with comfort women but it doesn’t make the events any less horrifying and heart-wrenching.
There are some religious aspects in this book. Although I don’t have a strong attachment to religion, it doesn’t take away the fact that religion plays an important role here in creating a safe space for these women to heal. Sometimes having faith can help one come out of a dark time and have courage to start afresh.
If I have any takeaway from this, we should all treat people around us with a bit more kindness, have more compassion and just reach out a hand to help in any way we can. Thank you Sylvia and Penguin SEA for giving me an e-copy!
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March 31, 2022This was such an eye-opening read. Rarely do I ever pick up non-fiction for myself but this book- was such a heart wrenching one. Sylvia talks about the real life stories of women she met who have experienced horrific events of sex trafficking, and as I read on, it really shook me to my core.
Some of the women she mentioned had such traumatic backstories, but I admired how they were able to push themselves forward after such experiences and come out even stronger than before. This book highlights these topics in great detail, and it was certainly empowering to read about these strong women from all over Asia.
Definitely a must-read book, I highly encourage you to pick it up but please check the TW if needed.
Some of the women she mentioned had such traumatic backstories, but I admired how they were able to push themselves forward after such experiences and come out even stronger than before. This book highlights these topics in great detail, and it was certainly empowering to read about these strong women from all over Asia.
Definitely a must-read book, I highly encourage you to pick it up but please check the TW if needed.
April 4, 2022
Such moving stories that call you to fight for justice! Great author with such authentic writing. Thanks so much for writing these stories down ❤️
January 25, 2022
This book is a must read for those who need a dose of inspiration from ordinary people who displayed extraordinary fortitude in living their lives after toiling in so much hardships and heartbreaks.
There are three parts, and I was pleasantly surprised that the author dedicated one part towards Wartime Sex Slavery, particularly the one that happened during the Japanese Occupation of several Asian countries in the 30s and 40s.
I'm not so sure why, but amongst the many atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army, the ones that struck me the most are the ones involving crimes towards women. I just have a special interest in this, most probably because I am a woman, and I have the utmost sympathy to the ladies who were subjected to such injustice. I read many stories regarding this topic, like The Rape of Nanking By Iris Chang, White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht, How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee.I also watch documentaries and films like 'Spirits Homecoming', and 'Her Story'.
Sad to say, as highlighted in this book, this type of slavery is still prevalent in the modern days, with girls as young as 9 were being sold off to people as brides, been denied of their rights to education and freedom, probably for the rest of their lives, mostly as a result of lust and greed. Women were being trafficked, held against their wills, sexually assaulted, abused in many ways, and still, this situation is like an open secret, whereby many people know about it, but seemed not to have the power to stop it from happening.
A small number of them, Sylvia Yu Friedman and her comrades included, feel that it is their responsibility to take charge of the change they wish to see in this world. Thus, these 'frontliners of justice' decided to risk their lives to uncover the devastating stories behind these unfortunate women, also to help these women to escape their fate, giving them hope to build a better life, no matter how dire their situations were. Thus the author presented to us her quest and journey of divulging the many stories of 'the abuse and enslavement of women and girls in Asia'. It was dangerous and intriguing at the same time.
Courage is the fear of doing something, and yet you do it anyway. What amazed me is the courage displayed by the victims, or shall I say, the heroes and survivors of the slavery (both modern and old age). Despite the traumatising phase of their lives that they had experienced, they managed to gather all their hope and courage to live better, to change their perceptions from victim to hero. It's not easy, but these women did this, and for that, they are my heroes. 😊
This book is a must read for those who need a dose of inspiration from ordinary people who displayed extraordinary fortitude in living their lives after toiling in so much hardships and heartbreaks.
There are three parts, and I was pleasantly surprised that the author dedicated one part towards Wartime Sex Slavery, particularly the one that happened during the Japanese Occupation of several Asian countries in the 30s and 40s.
I'm not so sure why, but amongst the many atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army, the ones that struck me the most are the ones involving crimes towards women. I just have a special interest in this, most probably because I am a woman, and I have the utmost sympathy to the ladies who were subjected to such injustice. I read many stories regarding this topic, like The Rape of Nanking By Iris Chang, White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht, How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee.I also watch documentaries and films like 'Spirits Homecoming', and 'Her Story'.
Sad to say, as highlighted in this book, this type of slavery is still prevalent in the modern days, with girls as young as 9 were being sold off to people as brides, been denied of their rights to education and freedom, probably for the rest of their lives, mostly as a result of lust and greed. Women were being trafficked, held against their wills, sexually assaulted, abused in many ways, and still, this situation is like an open secret, whereby many people know about it, but seemed not to have the power to stop it from happening.
A small number of them, Sylvia Yu Friedman and her comrades included, feel that it is their responsibility to take charge of the change they wish to see in this world. Thus, these 'frontliners of justice' decided to risk their lives to uncover the devastating stories behind these unfortunate women, also to help these women to escape their fate, giving them hope to build a better life, no matter how dire their situations were. Thus the author presented to us her quest and journey of divulging the many stories of 'the abuse and enslavement of women and girls in Asia'. It was dangerous and intriguing at the same time.
Courage is the fear of doing something, and yet you do it anyway. What amazed me is the courage displayed by the victims, or shall I say, the heroes and survivors of the slavery (both modern and old age). Despite the traumatising phase of their lives that they had experienced, they managed to gather all their hope and courage to live better, to change their perceptions from victim to hero. It's not easy, but these women did this, and for that, they are my heroes. 😊
This book is a must read for those who need a dose of inspiration from ordinary people who displayed extraordinary fortitude in living their lives after toiling in so much hardships and heartbreaks.
January 16, 2022
Book: A Long Road To Justice: Stories From The Frontlines In Asia
Author: Sylvia Yu Friedman
Review: “I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.” Welcome readers to another book review, where today I have something that is not merely a story, or documentation of historical events. It is something that all of us should care deeply about. Slavery. We’ve all heard about it, and read about it. We’ve definitely read of the struggles that African Americans had to go through in the states. How they were enslaved and considered to be beneath others, all because of race. They won a battle against slavery, as we know of, through texts and documents. But did they? Did slavery lose? What most people fail to realize was slavery was not only widespread in the world, it still prevails. Asia, the biggest continent in the world, has been struggling with slavery for years. The reasons for this are still the usual, poverty, illiteracy.
The author has brought to light a concerning issue of human trafficking where girls from South Korea, Myanmar, India, Thailand and even China are being bought and sold and enslaved as sex workers. They are trapped in this dangerous lifestyle, where they are always at harm and are going through a number of hardships every day, with hardly anyone to be their voice, and ask for help. This dark industry that deals in people and their lives is flourishing, while life itself is losing value.
The book is a real eye opener. I would say it is a sensational masterpiece that should reach more and more people to bring this subject to light, so that we can all contribute in some little way to bring justice to these girls that are forced to sell themselves to survive. Get your copies today, and become a part of this movement against slavery.
Author: Sylvia Yu Friedman
Review: “I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.” Welcome readers to another book review, where today I have something that is not merely a story, or documentation of historical events. It is something that all of us should care deeply about. Slavery. We’ve all heard about it, and read about it. We’ve definitely read of the struggles that African Americans had to go through in the states. How they were enslaved and considered to be beneath others, all because of race. They won a battle against slavery, as we know of, through texts and documents. But did they? Did slavery lose? What most people fail to realize was slavery was not only widespread in the world, it still prevails. Asia, the biggest continent in the world, has been struggling with slavery for years. The reasons for this are still the usual, poverty, illiteracy.
The author has brought to light a concerning issue of human trafficking where girls from South Korea, Myanmar, India, Thailand and even China are being bought and sold and enslaved as sex workers. They are trapped in this dangerous lifestyle, where they are always at harm and are going through a number of hardships every day, with hardly anyone to be their voice, and ask for help. This dark industry that deals in people and their lives is flourishing, while life itself is losing value.
The book is a real eye opener. I would say it is a sensational masterpiece that should reach more and more people to bring this subject to light, so that we can all contribute in some little way to bring justice to these girls that are forced to sell themselves to survive. Get your copies today, and become a part of this movement against slavery.
November 11, 2021
This book was so gripping and sombering! I totally rate this book 5 stars out of 5 ⭐️!!! The author was able to share all the testimonies and accounts of her life and all the people involved in the world of modern day slavery and trafficking. You will see the faithfulness and read about the courageous people and also the dark side of industries and workplaces of those around the world (and even in our own backyard in Southeast Asia). It’s daunting to read but we all need to be aware of what is going on around us and fight for justice in little (or big) ways we can! Thank you Sylvia for bringing more awareness to this. I know this has been your fight - but the book was so good and I recommend it for everyone! We need to pray for God’s justice in this world and more people to join this fight!
December 22, 2021
A long road to justice : stories from the frontlines in asia written by sylvia yu friedman is a heart touching yet powerful book. The book is about modern day slavery and trafficked people.
The book is an expose on sex trafficking in Asia. It shares the tragic stories of the victims and traffickers. The author weaves her own life and experiences with these people. She gives a voice and support to the sufferers.
The book describes the personal journey of the author in the fight against slavery through supporting the victims and raising awareness through writing articles and producing films.
This book is a must read for anyone interested in women's rights. I highly recommend this inspirational book to everyone. The author has done a great job with this book. She was listed in assent compliance's top 100 human trafficking and slavery influence leaders.
The book is an expose on sex trafficking in Asia. It shares the tragic stories of the victims and traffickers. The author weaves her own life and experiences with these people. She gives a voice and support to the sufferers.
The book describes the personal journey of the author in the fight against slavery through supporting the victims and raising awareness through writing articles and producing films.
This book is a must read for anyone interested in women's rights. I highly recommend this inspirational book to everyone. The author has done a great job with this book. She was listed in assent compliance's top 100 human trafficking and slavery influence leaders.
November 8, 2021
I was moved to tears while reading this powerful book. It's a one-of-a-kind unforgettable expose on sex trafficking in Asia. It's a must-read for anyone interested in women's rights and global citizenship. An extremely powerful and unforgettable book.
November 30, 2021
A very important book that highlights a tragic issue that happens even today, which more people must know about. Written vividly and honestly from the heart.
September 12, 2023
A journalistic account of certain systems of exploitation and human trafficking in Asia. The author has Korean heritage and first took an interest in the field when she read about a Korean survivor of Japan’s comfort stations. In her book, she also covers more modern systems of exploitation, such as North Korean defectors who are sold as brides or into prostitution in China, Southeast Asian women and children trafficked as domestic workers in cities like Hong Kong and Singapore, and Filipino children forced into cyber sex work.
It’s a harrowing read – story after story of desperate people from broken families and/or extreme circumstances being taken advantage of, whether they realise it or not. She also writes about the people who enable such abuse and the people who fight against it. One quote in particular, from a Korean businessman who was occasionally arrested for his work rescuing North Korean defectors, stuck with me: I’m not angry if I’m imprisoned because it means there’s someone in jail that God wants me to meet [and minister to] (paraphrased). As someone whose worries include what groceries to order and where to eat on a Saturday night, I felt personally challenged to do more to support the fight against these systems of abuse and trafficking.
It’s a harrowing read – story after story of desperate people from broken families and/or extreme circumstances being taken advantage of, whether they realise it or not. She also writes about the people who enable such abuse and the people who fight against it. One quote in particular, from a Korean businessman who was occasionally arrested for his work rescuing North Korean defectors, stuck with me: I’m not angry if I’m imprisoned because it means there’s someone in jail that God wants me to meet [and minister to] (paraphrased). As someone whose worries include what groceries to order and where to eat on a Saturday night, I felt personally challenged to do more to support the fight against these systems of abuse and trafficking.
November 7, 2022
A Long Road to Justice -
✨Book Review 😇
📚 A long road to justice
Ratings : 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✨I really like to appreciate the author for the opening dedication. The lines were dedicated in this book to those who have suffered unspeakable horrors for years in slavery.
✨This book will teach anyone how to feel to be human which humankind has forgotten. The 3 parts of this book have 14 chapters which all are different from each other.
✨Every chapter comes here with new challenges and how the author has dealt with all situations with odds is written in this book. The character from the second chapter that is FEARLESS CHRISTAIN WOMEN who were Sarah, was an inspiration to the whole world.
✨ She set the example of why it is necessary to be kind and compassionate. To learn all those life turning lessons read this book.
.
.
Get your book from amazon ✨
✨Book Review 😇
📚 A long road to justice
Ratings : 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✨I really like to appreciate the author for the opening dedication. The lines were dedicated in this book to those who have suffered unspeakable horrors for years in slavery.
✨This book will teach anyone how to feel to be human which humankind has forgotten. The 3 parts of this book have 14 chapters which all are different from each other.
✨Every chapter comes here with new challenges and how the author has dealt with all situations with odds is written in this book. The character from the second chapter that is FEARLESS CHRISTAIN WOMEN who were Sarah, was an inspiration to the whole world.
✨ She set the example of why it is necessary to be kind and compassionate. To learn all those life turning lessons read this book.
.
.
Get your book from amazon ✨
August 26, 2022
A profound book by a most courageous author who has braved the frontlines in this fight for justice. Sylvia has brought much needed attention to the problem of modern day human trafficking; she has brought to light the pain and suffering of young women and children being sold into sex slavery and prostitution. It was heart-breaking to read about young girls being lured or tricked, then raped repeatedly by traffickers in order to break their spirit and coerce them into prostitution; about impoverished children as young as three years old being sold into exploitation by sex tourists. Thank you Sylvia and Matt Friedman for the amazing work you do through your books, films and the Mekong Club, in trying to make this world a better place.
October 23, 2022
The narration of this book is done by the author itself because it is inspired by the real encounters with those who were struggling to get out of the tortured place. The stories about soldiers and their survival as a slave were quite hurtful for me and I felt all emotions because the author has written with appropriate wording and emotions. This book will give you a vibe about the story inside a story so any reader should read very carefully to understand the depth of this book. The title suits the content of the book and the cover shows that if we all united against something wrong then we can fight it together. Do not let anyone lose the battle of self-respect and life. Life can be harsh but patience can make it easy too. So to the emotional roller coaster read this book.
October 23, 2022
This book is one of those which I will cherish until the end of my life.
•As the name suggest the book is about the (broken) justice system and processes that happen in Asian countries.
• It is undoubtedly a long and tough route to get any wronged woman, justice and this book sheds light on all kinds of crimes committed against Womenkind in the entirety of Asia.
• All three parts of this book are beautifully written and crafted to deliver the entire spectrum of emotions.
• Part -1 has in all 4 stories which is an absolute rollercoaster.
•The story Near - Death Experience is my favorite. It had everything that made me tear up and *feel* all kinds of things .
•This book is just as passionate as the House of Little Sisters by Eva Wong Nava. Both books are quite a blessing
•As the name suggest the book is about the (broken) justice system and processes that happen in Asian countries.
• It is undoubtedly a long and tough route to get any wronged woman, justice and this book sheds light on all kinds of crimes committed against Womenkind in the entirety of Asia.
• All three parts of this book are beautifully written and crafted to deliver the entire spectrum of emotions.
• Part -1 has in all 4 stories which is an absolute rollercoaster.
•The story Near - Death Experience is my favorite. It had everything that made me tear up and *feel* all kinds of things .
•This book is just as passionate as the House of Little Sisters by Eva Wong Nava. Both books are quite a blessing
October 22, 2022
🍁It is very tough to bring truth on the light and get the justice. This book will describe the journey of the author and her experiences.
🍁I appreciate the author because it is too tough to fight some terrific cases and again while writing the book again sum up in creative way.
🍁I loved all the 3 parts of the book which will show different parts of society of South Asian Countries and it's judiciary systems.
🍁The journey may be complicated but if it gives the justified results then it's worth it.
To go on the worthy reading trip Read this book.
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🍁I appreciate the author because it is too tough to fight some terrific cases and again while writing the book again sum up in creative way.
🍁I loved all the 3 parts of the book which will show different parts of society of South Asian Countries and it's judiciary systems.
🍁The journey may be complicated but if it gives the justified results then it's worth it.
To go on the worthy reading trip Read this book.
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October 24, 2022
✨Book Review 😇
📚 A long road to justice
Author : Sylvia Yu Friedman
- As we know in Asian countries due to the higher population crime rates are quite high and it is not possible to get justice every time because sometimes people ask for justice from generation to generation. To solve the problem and to find out the best way to find a quick path for certain scenarios, this book was quite helpful. Many rights and incidents are described in this book which usually people do not talk about and the author found the topic to write down correctly so a big round of applause for her. A captive book with heartbroken scenes. Do give it a try.
📚 A long road to justice
Author : Sylvia Yu Friedman
- As we know in Asian countries due to the higher population crime rates are quite high and it is not possible to get justice every time because sometimes people ask for justice from generation to generation. To solve the problem and to find out the best way to find a quick path for certain scenarios, this book was quite helpful. Many rights and incidents are described in this book which usually people do not talk about and the author found the topic to write down correctly so a big round of applause for her. A captive book with heartbroken scenes. Do give it a try.
April 18, 2022
Vielen Dank an Sylvia Yu Friedman für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionsexemplars.
Sylvia schreibt aus erster Hand über ein Thema, was immer noch zu wenig Beachtung erfährt. Sexsklaverei, Menschenhandel und beides in Verbindung, Menschenschmuggel.
Sie schreibt nach über 10 Jahren Erfahrung auf diesem Gebiet über ihre Erkenntnisse und Erlebnisse. Sie ist Aktivistin in diesem Bereich und war früher Journalistin. In mehreren Kapiteln beleuchtet und erzählt sie von Zuständen, die schon früh ihren Anlauf nahmen, verdrängt wurden und doch immer noch herrschen. Viele Täter stellen sich ahnungslos. Wie weit geht diese Ahnungslosigkeit, wie weit geht der strategische Rassismus, bei der Bewertung und Auswahl der Frauen?
Beginnend bei den Comfort Women, während der japanischen Invasion, über den modernen Menschenhandel, gezielte Auswahl der Frauen, Verträge und Schulden, falsche Pässe, Missstände, sexuellen Missbrauch, Abtreibungen und die damit einhergehenden Gefahren wird sehr detailreich vielen Opfern das Wort gegeben. Opfern, die endlich bereit sind ihre Geschichte zu erzählen, Opfern, die noch immer Entschuldigungen der Regierungen erwarten. Tätern, Mittätern, die es endlich wagen, den Tatsachen ins Gesicht zu sehen und zurücktreten; zurücktreten, von ihrem aktiven Mitwirken und zurücktreten von ihren geschlossenen Augen.
Ein heftiges Buch, was durch den sehr nahen Schreibstil und die sehr bildliche Wortwahl unglaublich eindringlich ist und den Leser innerlich aufwühlt. Gleichzeitig öffnet dieses Buch die Augen für alltägliche Ereignisse, die viel zu oft untergehen und Schicksale, die vermieden werden könnten, wenn sich mehr Menschen damit beschäftigen und aufklären würden. Schicksale, die grausam zu lesen sind.
Mit ihren Memoiren führt Sylvia Yu Friedman den Lesern vor Augen, wie vielfältig mittlerweile die Methoden sind und wie verbreitet und anscheinend auch akzeptiert Menschenhandel und Sexsklaverei, sowie sexueller Missbrauch sind.
Eine Empfehlung, jedoch sollten zart besaitete Leser dieses Buch nur in Dosen lesen und versuchen ein klein wenig emotionalen Abstand zu nehmen. Falls man bei Memoiren Triggerwarnungen anbringen könnte, dann hier. Dieses Buch motiviert sich dagegen zu stellen.
Sylvia schreibt aus erster Hand über ein Thema, was immer noch zu wenig Beachtung erfährt. Sexsklaverei, Menschenhandel und beides in Verbindung, Menschenschmuggel.
Sie schreibt nach über 10 Jahren Erfahrung auf diesem Gebiet über ihre Erkenntnisse und Erlebnisse. Sie ist Aktivistin in diesem Bereich und war früher Journalistin. In mehreren Kapiteln beleuchtet und erzählt sie von Zuständen, die schon früh ihren Anlauf nahmen, verdrängt wurden und doch immer noch herrschen. Viele Täter stellen sich ahnungslos. Wie weit geht diese Ahnungslosigkeit, wie weit geht der strategische Rassismus, bei der Bewertung und Auswahl der Frauen?
Beginnend bei den Comfort Women, während der japanischen Invasion, über den modernen Menschenhandel, gezielte Auswahl der Frauen, Verträge und Schulden, falsche Pässe, Missstände, sexuellen Missbrauch, Abtreibungen und die damit einhergehenden Gefahren wird sehr detailreich vielen Opfern das Wort gegeben. Opfern, die endlich bereit sind ihre Geschichte zu erzählen, Opfern, die noch immer Entschuldigungen der Regierungen erwarten. Tätern, Mittätern, die es endlich wagen, den Tatsachen ins Gesicht zu sehen und zurücktreten; zurücktreten, von ihrem aktiven Mitwirken und zurücktreten von ihren geschlossenen Augen.
Ein heftiges Buch, was durch den sehr nahen Schreibstil und die sehr bildliche Wortwahl unglaublich eindringlich ist und den Leser innerlich aufwühlt. Gleichzeitig öffnet dieses Buch die Augen für alltägliche Ereignisse, die viel zu oft untergehen und Schicksale, die vermieden werden könnten, wenn sich mehr Menschen damit beschäftigen und aufklären würden. Schicksale, die grausam zu lesen sind.
Mit ihren Memoiren führt Sylvia Yu Friedman den Lesern vor Augen, wie vielfältig mittlerweile die Methoden sind und wie verbreitet und anscheinend auch akzeptiert Menschenhandel und Sexsklaverei, sowie sexueller Missbrauch sind.
Eine Empfehlung, jedoch sollten zart besaitete Leser dieses Buch nur in Dosen lesen und versuchen ein klein wenig emotionalen Abstand zu nehmen. Falls man bei Memoiren Triggerwarnungen anbringen könnte, dann hier. Dieses Buch motiviert sich dagegen zu stellen.
February 8, 2024
It’s cliche to say but this book was a very eye opening - Sylvia has written such a important book that is both articulate and compassionate about the multifaceted factors and consequences of modern day slavery and trafficking of women and children in Asia.
July 13, 2025
Such an amazing book. The stories in this book are personal and moving - often really heavy, but I learned so much about different forms of modern day slavery and am so grateful for a book that covers what it looks like in my own home city of Hong Kong.
November 11, 2022
A Long Road to Justice -
✨Book Review 😇
📚 A long road to justice
Author : Sylvia yu Friedman
Ratings : 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Some books because of their writing craft bring out the unheard and hidden facts about the history and some social systems. This book is one of the kinds of books that will bring untalked and underrated topics like Slavery in Asian countries and women's rights. Some hidden facts about China, Japan, and Korea are the amazing part of this book but the here dark side of humanity is shown with perfect words and incidents. It is a good book with good content and I think every women out there must read this book once in their lifetime.
✨Book Review 😇
📚 A long road to justice
Author : Sylvia yu Friedman
Ratings : 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Some books because of their writing craft bring out the unheard and hidden facts about the history and some social systems. This book is one of the kinds of books that will bring untalked and underrated topics like Slavery in Asian countries and women's rights. Some hidden facts about China, Japan, and Korea are the amazing part of this book but the here dark side of humanity is shown with perfect words and incidents. It is a good book with good content and I think every women out there must read this book once in their lifetime.
December 1, 2021
Sylvia Yu Friedman’s “A Long Road to Justice” covers the whole spectrum of human trafficking as it relates to women and sex slavery all throughout Asia. I personally know Sylvia in her profession in filmmaking, investigative journalism, and her interaction with philanthropists.
When I began to read Sylvia’s book, it was hard to put it down. All the stories are based on her own firsthand experiences. She relates moving and sometimes heart-breaking stories of both victims of sex slavery and even of some traffickers who are responsible for and benefit from it.
Of course, as Christians we consider the buying and selling of children, women, and men as a great unspeakable evil, as sin in its most ugly form, and this book relates touching stories of some frontline workers including many Christians who made great sacrifices and faced many dangers as they both exposed this evil and tried to rescue the sex trafficking victims.
Sylvia herself had a harrowing experience while meeting with and trying to help women forced into prostitution in dangerous red-light districts in Yunnan Province, as related in the first chapter, “Near-death Experience.”
As an ethnic Korean raised in Canada, Sylvia has researched and spoken to Korean,
Dutch and other Asian ‘comfort women’ survivors of the Imperial Japanese Army in occupied countries and territories before and during World War II. These stories including those of repentant Japanese soldiers are both shocking and inspiring. It is inspiring as it calls not only for justice for these horrendous crimes, but also for forgiveness and reconciliation.
As a Hong Kong resident for over 52 years in which I have travelled extensively throughout China and Southeast Asia, I was shocked to read of the horrors of the sex trade in Hong Kong, especially as it relates to the Philippines and a few other SE Asian nations.
As I read these chapters, I thought, ‘How could such evil, illegal practices be allowed to flourish in Hong Kong and other Asian nations such as Thailand, with the respective governments seemingly closing a blind eye?’
All I read in this book relates to people we as Christians are called to help and reach out to in Hong Kong, China, and other Asian nations. It exposes a horrific crime against girls and women, yet Sylvia’s book gives an answer and call to action to help address this evil and offers hope for the victims of sex trafficking.
Thus, it has inspired me to commit more to the good work of Sylvia Yu Friedman and her husband, Matt Friedman, the CEO of The Mekong Club.
If you have a heart of compassion for victims of sex trafficking and modern slavery in Asia, both men and women victims, you must read this book. It will both open your eyes and show you practical ways you can reach out and help these people who are suffering in slavery.
Pastor Dennis Balcombe,
Founding Pastor of Revival Christian Church, Hong Kong
Director of Revival Chinese Ministries International, Hong K
When I began to read Sylvia’s book, it was hard to put it down. All the stories are based on her own firsthand experiences. She relates moving and sometimes heart-breaking stories of both victims of sex slavery and even of some traffickers who are responsible for and benefit from it.
Of course, as Christians we consider the buying and selling of children, women, and men as a great unspeakable evil, as sin in its most ugly form, and this book relates touching stories of some frontline workers including many Christians who made great sacrifices and faced many dangers as they both exposed this evil and tried to rescue the sex trafficking victims.
Sylvia herself had a harrowing experience while meeting with and trying to help women forced into prostitution in dangerous red-light districts in Yunnan Province, as related in the first chapter, “Near-death Experience.”
As an ethnic Korean raised in Canada, Sylvia has researched and spoken to Korean,
Dutch and other Asian ‘comfort women’ survivors of the Imperial Japanese Army in occupied countries and territories before and during World War II. These stories including those of repentant Japanese soldiers are both shocking and inspiring. It is inspiring as it calls not only for justice for these horrendous crimes, but also for forgiveness and reconciliation.
As a Hong Kong resident for over 52 years in which I have travelled extensively throughout China and Southeast Asia, I was shocked to read of the horrors of the sex trade in Hong Kong, especially as it relates to the Philippines and a few other SE Asian nations.
As I read these chapters, I thought, ‘How could such evil, illegal practices be allowed to flourish in Hong Kong and other Asian nations such as Thailand, with the respective governments seemingly closing a blind eye?’
All I read in this book relates to people we as Christians are called to help and reach out to in Hong Kong, China, and other Asian nations. It exposes a horrific crime against girls and women, yet Sylvia’s book gives an answer and call to action to help address this evil and offers hope for the victims of sex trafficking.
Thus, it has inspired me to commit more to the good work of Sylvia Yu Friedman and her husband, Matt Friedman, the CEO of The Mekong Club.
If you have a heart of compassion for victims of sex trafficking and modern slavery in Asia, both men and women victims, you must read this book. It will both open your eyes and show you practical ways you can reach out and help these people who are suffering in slavery.
Pastor Dennis Balcombe,
Founding Pastor of Revival Christian Church, Hong Kong
Director of Revival Chinese Ministries International, Hong K
December 2, 2022
A Long Road to Justice -
✨Book Review 😇
📚 A long road to justice
Author : Sylvia Yu Friedman
Ratings : 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The presented book by Sylvia Yu Friedman will bring the stories from South Asia mostly because this part has the world's dense population and the dense population will bring more stories to tell and learn. The 3 parts which are collected in 14 chapters in this book will give goosebumps. Some heartwarming stories will tear your heart apart and strike as a pang in your chest. I really felt terrified when I read the story about the North Korean refugees. This story or incident will come under THE SLAVERY topic in which readers will find out how Korean women find themselves in slavery to Chinese people which is very heart-wrenching. This book indeed is a good read and very informative.
✨Book Review 😇
📚 A long road to justice
Author : Sylvia Yu Friedman
Ratings : 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The presented book by Sylvia Yu Friedman will bring the stories from South Asia mostly because this part has the world's dense population and the dense population will bring more stories to tell and learn. The 3 parts which are collected in 14 chapters in this book will give goosebumps. Some heartwarming stories will tear your heart apart and strike as a pang in your chest. I really felt terrified when I read the story about the North Korean refugees. This story or incident will come under THE SLAVERY topic in which readers will find out how Korean women find themselves in slavery to Chinese people which is very heart-wrenching. This book indeed is a good read and very informative.
December 21, 2021
Documentaries, memoires and real stories are the true eye openers around us and this phenomenal creation by the former journalist has been a revolutionary read. The author Sylvia Yu Friedman in her career has witnessed disheartening and threatening crime of sex trafficking and modern slavery in the major Asian countries and with this book she shares her experiences, analysis and a lot more spectacular and valuable information.
The book includes various stories and incidents revolving around the victims and their sufferings, this not only reveals the heartbreaking reality but keeps us in the middle of a powerful tornado of thoughts. I have been studying journalism for four years and the author's courage and ideology has influenced me greatly.
The readers will come across the incidents of slavery and trafficking and will acknowledge the author's constant efforts through her actions. The book does a spectacular job and aims to spread knowledge, awareness and courage. For me this is an unforgettable read and I have shared this will my classmates as well.
Great efforts by the author, her ideologies and efforts must be appreciated by everyone. The young readers should definitely not miss this phenomenal book. Hurry up! grab your copies now.
The book includes various stories and incidents revolving around the victims and their sufferings, this not only reveals the heartbreaking reality but keeps us in the middle of a powerful tornado of thoughts. I have been studying journalism for four years and the author's courage and ideology has influenced me greatly.
The readers will come across the incidents of slavery and trafficking and will acknowledge the author's constant efforts through her actions. The book does a spectacular job and aims to spread knowledge, awareness and courage. For me this is an unforgettable read and I have shared this will my classmates as well.
Great efforts by the author, her ideologies and efforts must be appreciated by everyone. The young readers should definitely not miss this phenomenal book. Hurry up! grab your copies now.
December 22, 2021
I personally love reading memoirs and journey of various individuals through book and especially those whose book are launched especially to teach and inspire about something, like this book A long Road to Justice:Stories from the Frontline in Asia by Author Sylvia Yu Friednman.
I have personally heard about and gone through works by the author in different fields aswell so couldn't stop myself to learn in depth about such sensitive topics.
The book widely covers about the females from the Asia Pacific region who have been enslaved and even physically abused alot mainly through trafficking and modern slavery.
The storytelling is vividly based on her own experience as she has helped those women and girls to let them come out from a place like that and overcome their fears, which was highly empowering and motivating.
And overall I loved this book, not forget to mention the powerful storyline and presenting it in such unfiltered manner gave me goosebumps plus the cover is absolutely pretty.
I have personally heard about and gone through works by the author in different fields aswell so couldn't stop myself to learn in depth about such sensitive topics.
The book widely covers about the females from the Asia Pacific region who have been enslaved and even physically abused alot mainly through trafficking and modern slavery.
The storytelling is vividly based on her own experience as she has helped those women and girls to let them come out from a place like that and overcome their fears, which was highly empowering and motivating.
And overall I loved this book, not forget to mention the powerful storyline and presenting it in such unfiltered manner gave me goosebumps plus the cover is absolutely pretty.
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December 28, 20252023: NSDA DI Finalist
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews