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In the Absence of Sun: A Korean American Woman's Promise to Reunite Three Lost Generations of Her Family
A breathtaking true story of a rescue mission undertaken by a young woman and her family in one of the most repressive countries in the world.
Helie Lee often had heard her grandmother speak of an uncle, lost decades ago when he was a child during the family’s daring escape from North Korea. As an adult, he was still living there under horrid conditions. When her grandmother began to ail, Helie became determined to reunite her with her eldest son, despite tremendous odds. Helie’s mission became even more urgent when she realized that her first book, the bestselling novel Still Life with Rice , about the family’s escape, might have angered the North Korean government and put her uncle in danger.
Pushing through rivers and forests, fighting the cold, bribing and manipulating border guards, gangsters, and secret service agents, Helie and her father finally achieve their goal. But there are many hurdles. Her uncle is forced to make a harrowing leave his North Korean family behind or continue to live in oppression and starvation away from his beloved mother. And Helie has to face her deep, sometimes ambivalent, emotions about her identity in the family and as a Korean American woman. Unmarried and outspoken, she struggles in Korea, where women marry early and keep silent, and writes eloquently about the landscape there, both literal and cultural. She comes through a heartbreaking love affair only to face an intense and confusing relationship with the Guide—the man who, despite being crude and macho, ultimately helps to save her uncle and eventually his extended family through several daring acts of heroism.
In the Absence of Sun is a riveting adventure story and a powerful tale of family bonds and reunion.
“An eerie fear crawled through my flesh as I stood on the Chinese side of the Yalu River, gazing across the murky water into one of the most closed-off and isolated countries in the world. I couldn’t believe it. Even as my boots sank into the doughy mud, I had trouble coming to terms with the fact that I was actually standing there. . . . I was not prepared for the kind of despair and insane fear I felt that day. My wizened old uncle looked nothing like the sweet-faced teenager in the faded photograph that Halmoni kept pressed between the pages of her Bible. That day, at the Yalu River, staring helplessly into his terrorized face, I hadn’t fully realized what a dangerous thing I had done the year before. I had placed him and his family in danger. By including details of my uncle’s life in a book, I had alerted North Korea’s enigmatic leadership to the identity of my relatives in a nation where it was better to remain invisible.” —From In the Absence of Sun
Helie Lee often had heard her grandmother speak of an uncle, lost decades ago when he was a child during the family’s daring escape from North Korea. As an adult, he was still living there under horrid conditions. When her grandmother began to ail, Helie became determined to reunite her with her eldest son, despite tremendous odds. Helie’s mission became even more urgent when she realized that her first book, the bestselling novel Still Life with Rice , about the family’s escape, might have angered the North Korean government and put her uncle in danger.
Pushing through rivers and forests, fighting the cold, bribing and manipulating border guards, gangsters, and secret service agents, Helie and her father finally achieve their goal. But there are many hurdles. Her uncle is forced to make a harrowing leave his North Korean family behind or continue to live in oppression and starvation away from his beloved mother. And Helie has to face her deep, sometimes ambivalent, emotions about her identity in the family and as a Korean American woman. Unmarried and outspoken, she struggles in Korea, where women marry early and keep silent, and writes eloquently about the landscape there, both literal and cultural. She comes through a heartbreaking love affair only to face an intense and confusing relationship with the Guide—the man who, despite being crude and macho, ultimately helps to save her uncle and eventually his extended family through several daring acts of heroism.
In the Absence of Sun is a riveting adventure story and a powerful tale of family bonds and reunion.
“An eerie fear crawled through my flesh as I stood on the Chinese side of the Yalu River, gazing across the murky water into one of the most closed-off and isolated countries in the world. I couldn’t believe it. Even as my boots sank into the doughy mud, I had trouble coming to terms with the fact that I was actually standing there. . . . I was not prepared for the kind of despair and insane fear I felt that day. My wizened old uncle looked nothing like the sweet-faced teenager in the faded photograph that Halmoni kept pressed between the pages of her Bible. That day, at the Yalu River, staring helplessly into his terrorized face, I hadn’t fully realized what a dangerous thing I had done the year before. I had placed him and his family in danger. By including details of my uncle’s life in a book, I had alerted North Korea’s enigmatic leadership to the identity of my relatives in a nation where it was better to remain invisible.” —From In the Absence of Sun
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 23, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 6, 2017
***UPDATE: 3 Sept 2017: Wrote this review in 2008 or 2009...revisited it in 2017 and found myself (somewhat) horrified by how harsh I was. Totally unnecessary. Revised review is below.***
When I read this book almost 10 years ago, I found it to be poorly-written, and was irritated by the seemingly endless typos and grammatical errors.
I couldn't get into the story at all, especially after Helie Lee's first book, Still Life With Rice, which is nothing short of a masterpiece. Granted, when you debut with something as powerful as Still Life With Rice, it's nearly impossible to top yourself, but the the differences between Lee's first and second publications--from the writing style to the subject matter--were so vast that I found them impossible to reconcile.
This one of the weaker NK books I've read, and it certainly isn't Lee's best work. There are far better North Korean memoirs out there--hell, Lee's Still Life With Rice is one of them...read that one and skip this one altogether.
Oh, and if you're reading, Helie: sorry about the a**hole review from 2008. You didn't deserve it. :-/
LPA
When I read this book almost 10 years ago, I found it to be poorly-written, and was irritated by the seemingly endless typos and grammatical errors.
I couldn't get into the story at all, especially after Helie Lee's first book, Still Life With Rice, which is nothing short of a masterpiece. Granted, when you debut with something as powerful as Still Life With Rice, it's nearly impossible to top yourself, but the the differences between Lee's first and second publications--from the writing style to the subject matter--were so vast that I found them impossible to reconcile.
This one of the weaker NK books I've read, and it certainly isn't Lee's best work. There are far better North Korean memoirs out there--hell, Lee's Still Life With Rice is one of them...read that one and skip this one altogether.
Oh, and if you're reading, Helie: sorry about the a**hole review from 2008. You didn't deserve it. :-/
LPA
March 23, 2007
I remember in 1997 watching a special news report in Taegu, South Korea about a multi-generational family of 12 that defected from North Korea.
Years later I found this book for 25 cents at a neighborhood garage sale, half way across the world, in Brooklyn, NY.
It wasn't until the later half of the book that I realized that this was the same family that I had watched on the news a decade ago.
As a Korean-American, the issues of re-unification and the US foreign policy with N. Korea are delicate and complicated ones. This book shines light to the various humanitarian layers that our news clips and our current president and administration fails to acknowledge.
Years later I found this book for 25 cents at a neighborhood garage sale, half way across the world, in Brooklyn, NY.
It wasn't until the later half of the book that I realized that this was the same family that I had watched on the news a decade ago.
As a Korean-American, the issues of re-unification and the US foreign policy with N. Korea are delicate and complicated ones. This book shines light to the various humanitarian layers that our news clips and our current president and administration fails to acknowledge.
August 11, 2017
I love this book. It is the harrowing tale of a woman's attempt to reunite her family in America with their relatives trapped in North Korea. Scary, terrifying, yet hopeful. Highly recommended.
October 2, 2014
A necessary follow-up -- almost a sequel -- to Still Life With Rice, this gives a surprisingly detailed and lengthy narrative of the author's family efforts to bring relatives out of North Korea. Some of the maudlin confessional may seem intrusive, but it adds to the pathos of the whole scene, heightening the emotional temperature while also acting as a sort of parallel to the attitudes about the North Korean family members.
Because I traveled to the border area last spring, I could picture the roads and scenery and people the author describes on the China side. These details might seem onerous to some readers, but they increased my feeling of verisimilitude. I was particularly touched by the way the author conveys the thoroughness of DPRK brainwashing of its people: for example, in one scene (in China) where the daughter matter-of-factly notes that her father should be imprisoned for singing an old sunday-school song. The book also exemplifies the power of determination and hope, as their efforts were largely successful.
I recommend this to those interested in Americanized personal stories of North-South reunions...a limited audience, perhaps. The various maudlin side stories are difficult to wade through -- but in the end, for me, they contributed to this unforgettable saga!
Because I traveled to the border area last spring, I could picture the roads and scenery and people the author describes on the China side. These details might seem onerous to some readers, but they increased my feeling of verisimilitude. I was particularly touched by the way the author conveys the thoroughness of DPRK brainwashing of its people: for example, in one scene (in China) where the daughter matter-of-factly notes that her father should be imprisoned for singing an old sunday-school song. The book also exemplifies the power of determination and hope, as their efforts were largely successful.
I recommend this to those interested in Americanized personal stories of North-South reunions...a limited audience, perhaps. The various maudlin side stories are difficult to wade through -- but in the end, for me, they contributed to this unforgettable saga!
December 7, 2015
The story of Helie and her family's arduous journey to free her long lost uncle and his family from the harsh realities of North Korea was captivating and heart wrenching. This story is a follow up to her first novel, which sadly, is the underlying reason for the rescue described in this novel. Her uncle was in North Korea and if found to have family in the U.S.A. it could be fatal to him. Having lived in South Korea for a number of years I was aware of the realities of the North but this book informed me on a much deeper level to the horrendous treatment of the general people in that country. It still amazes me that in such a modern world we have people treated thus.
In addition, I recognized my own fears and resentments in Helie as an older single woman and the pressures put on women to fulfill the role of wife early. Her journey to understanding herself through the trials she faced was enlightening. I am so glad she did not end up with the guide, because although he did help her to grow in ways she couldn't have foreseen at the start, he wasn't what she would need in a man.
In addition, I recognized my own fears and resentments in Helie as an older single woman and the pressures put on women to fulfill the role of wife early. Her journey to understanding herself through the trials she faced was enlightening. I am so glad she did not end up with the guide, because although he did help her to grow in ways she couldn't have foreseen at the start, he wasn't what she would need in a man.
January 9, 2009
I really enjoyed reading Helie Lee's first book, Still Life With Rice, about her grandmother's life. This book is told from Helie's point of view and details the Lee family's long and tedious ordeal in assisting their relatives' escape from North Korea.
Where the story faltered was in Helie's immaturity both in her writing and personality. I found some of her descriptions exaggerated and overly dramatic and bordering on soap opera scenarios when it came to her romantic encounters. I would have preferred a more in-depth focus on her North Korean family's daily life in North Korea.
The family story is certainly dramatic and I was anxious to follow the story to the conclusion. I liked Still Life With Rice a bit more than this book but enjoyed this one as well.
Where the story faltered was in Helie's immaturity both in her writing and personality. I found some of her descriptions exaggerated and overly dramatic and bordering on soap opera scenarios when it came to her romantic encounters. I would have preferred a more in-depth focus on her North Korean family's daily life in North Korea.
The family story is certainly dramatic and I was anxious to follow the story to the conclusion. I liked Still Life With Rice a bit more than this book but enjoyed this one as well.
January 27, 2016
I started this book thinking that it would be about the author's journey of finding her family, but she takes you on her journey of finding herself as well. A great read for anyone (especially a woman) who feels torn between all the different directions life seems to be pulling them in. By the end of it, you will feel like you are on a first name basis with Helie, wishing you could meet up with her for coffee...Your independent, feminist side will love her strength, and your romantic side will hope she ends up with...well, read the book. ;-)
February 18, 2008
This was really interesting to read while in South Korea. I only gave it four stars because I didn't like the parts of the book that dealt with Helie's search for herself although I see how that was so intertwined (for her at least) with her family's escape that she had to leave it in. I wish it had included more details from the defectors on their lives in North Korea but maybe they weren't comfortable sharing more than what is already in the book.
April 11, 2012
Follow up to Still Life with Rice. Need to read Still Life with Rice first. This book is very interesting. The perspective of the writer as an American and view of North Korea during current day. After reading both of the books by Helie Lee (enjoyed them very much as stories), I feel I have a better understanding of history and happenings past and current. Both books are true stories.
May 1, 2009
The idea of the story had so much promise, but it was really not written well. The last couple chapters were the most well written...too bad the rest of the book wasn't. Perhaps she was just too close to the story to leave out some of the frivolous details that didn't need to be there.
November 29, 2010
Loved reading this one...couldn't put it down! Amazing story of how the author's family in North Korea began contact after her first book, Still Life with Rice", and the journey of them meeting and eventually defecting from North Korea. Heartbreaking and sweet all at the same time!
July 11, 2012
This book was fabulous!! Painful and eye opening in many respects. The author gives away the ending about midway through the book but I still found myself on the edge of my seat at times. Highly recommend.
September 2, 2017
another amazing book by helie lee. this time she herself is going to korea to find (and smuggle out) her uncle who was left in north korea during the war. it's crazy--what she did, what she risked, what happened. everything.
February 14, 2016
Immersive true story of a Korean-American woman's attempt to smuggle her relatives out of North Korea. A glimpse into the impoverished country, rife with human rights abuses, that we don't hear about enough in the news.
July 14, 2008
the continuing story...
September 1, 2008
Interesting how Helie can make a book about her uncle's escape from North Korea all about her. If she had written more than a couple of pages about her uncle, it would have been better.
January 21, 2009
Fantastic sequel to Still Life with Rice. The story itself is more compelling and less compelling than the first book. I want to meet Lee -- she is an amazing, strong woman.
June 3, 2009
Wow! Such a look at current life in N. Korea. :( Helps to to know how to pray!
June 24, 2009
This is a must-read follow up to Helie's first book, Still Life with Rice. Her story has stuck with me and always will. Enjoy!
October 6, 2012
Couldn't put it down.
February 7, 2013
What a fantastic story. This is what non-fiction should be! This should be on everyone's to read list. I hope she writes another book,
September 2, 2017
The chest thumping between President Trump and Kim Jung Un scares us all. It looks a bit like a spitting match between rogue children... but the North Korean situation is very, very serious. It's not kids play. We all should be attempting to gain insight into just how evil the North Korean government is... and insisting on an intelligent and appropriate response.
Helie Lees book is a great place to start. It unfolds the human side - the tragic experience of millions of North Koreans imprisoned by a dark and dangerous regime. Lee is like a modern day, Harriet Tubman [who helped 70 slaves escape into freedom via the Underground Railroad]. Against all odds, Helie Lee helped 9 family members escape.
This is a must read in these scary times. It offers a glimmer of hope. If 9 can find their way to freedom, there is hope for the masses left behind. The read is not only insightful, but it is cinematically written. You will be drawn into the adventure through Lees picturesque prose.
It takes you even deeper. You will be privy to the challenges faced by a cross-cultural woman who bucks the systems. Lee made me laugh. She made me cry. More importantly, she made me think deeply about many serious and timely issues. www.helielee.com
Helie Lees book is a great place to start. It unfolds the human side - the tragic experience of millions of North Koreans imprisoned by a dark and dangerous regime. Lee is like a modern day, Harriet Tubman [who helped 70 slaves escape into freedom via the Underground Railroad]. Against all odds, Helie Lee helped 9 family members escape.
This is a must read in these scary times. It offers a glimmer of hope. If 9 can find their way to freedom, there is hope for the masses left behind. The read is not only insightful, but it is cinematically written. You will be drawn into the adventure through Lees picturesque prose.
It takes you even deeper. You will be privy to the challenges faced by a cross-cultural woman who bucks the systems. Lee made me laugh. She made me cry. More importantly, she made me think deeply about many serious and timely issues. www.helielee.com
November 27, 2020
This riveting true account of tenacity and bravery, in the face of possible peril at every turn, highlights how freedom should never be taken for granted. Most people will never know what it's like to be separated from family by a war that has never ended, to be under true oppressive tyranny where dissent means death, or to escape with just the clothes on your back. The author's determination to reunite her grandmother with her long-lost uncle and his entire family after 47 years showcases the power of love against all odds.
September 25, 2017
I loved the prequel to this book and wanted so badly to know what happened to the son! Unfortunately I don't love the authors tone and so I didn't love this book as much as the prequel to it. While I appreciate Helie's unflinching honesty, I struggled with the love story and felt like this book dragged on and on. Still, helped to know there was a happy ending to such a tragedy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2020
This lacked the structure and intensity of its predecessor. I struggled to get through it. Were I not living in Korea and seeking context on this complex society, I’d have put it down long before finishing it.
October 11, 2021
story concentrated heavily on narrator rather than on family being rescued and she grew less and less sympathetic to me. couldn't wait for it to end especially when i realized i had no idea when first part of family reached safety of south korea.
January 5, 2022
Perhaps this is what paralyzing fear looks like - better the devil you know than the devil you do not. What I find most difficult to understand is the unwillingness to leave a country where one is almost starving and without access to medical care.
November 17, 2022
A real eye opener - very much a family story but so much drama. It was an intense read
January 6, 2025
I don’t know if it was coming off of taking Korean American Literature this past semester or what, but this book really touched me. I don’t necessarily think that Helie Lee’s prose is especially beautiful or artful, but her story, her true story, is so fantastic and riveting that I did not mind one bit.
This war affected almost every single Korean and Korean American alive. The ongoing humanitarian tragedy continues today and the memories of those who could benefit from a reunion are fading.
An incredible story and an important one.
This war affected almost every single Korean and Korean American alive. The ongoing humanitarian tragedy continues today and the memories of those who could benefit from a reunion are fading.
An incredible story and an important one.
November 22, 2025
Interesting read this was… Because the topic is not something that we think about often. As a Korean American myself, it made me think about the reunification of my country. Is there even a chance?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews