Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home

by Laura Ling, Lisa Ling

Somewhere Inside is the electrifying, never-before-told story of Laura Ling’s capture by the North Koreans in March 2009, and the efforts of her sister, journalist Lisa Ling, to secure Laura’s release by former President Bill Clinton. This riveting true account of the first ever trial of an American citizen in North Korea’s highest court carries readers deep inside the world’s most secretive nation while it poignantly explores the powerful, inspiring bonds of sisterly love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Asia, Politics, Book Club, Biography Memoir

317 pages, Hardcover

First published May 18, 2010

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book last month and have frequently thought about it since then. It's the story of two American journalists who were reporting on a story while on the border of China and North Korea, when some North Korean soldiers arrested them. One of the journalists was Laura Ling, who is the sister of Lisa Ling. Laura and Euna Lee were arrested and held captive for about five months in 2009. They were finally released when former President Bill Clinton flew to Pyongyang to meet with Kim Jong Il.

The book alternates between Laura's description of her time in captivity, and her sister's efforts back in the U.S. to get them released. I found the story interesting for several reasons, most notably because it was a fascinating look inside the secretive North Korea, but also because it's a look at how important it is to have a powerful social network. Lisa Ling is a well-known journalist and had contact with powerful politicians, including Al Gore, Hillary Clinton and Bill Richardson. Lisa also had powerful media contacts, including higher-ups at CNN and other broadcast companies, so she could influence the media coverage of her sister's plight. Few people have those kinds of contacts. I wondered if the story would have turned out differently if Laura Ling had not had a sister with such influential ties.

The book is also a heartfelt memoir about the bond between those two sisters. Laura and Lisa had always been close, and it was inspiring to read about their relationship. I would heartily recommend the book to everyone.

[Marty Pellum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found Laura's first-person experience of North Korea's political and legal system far more interesting than her personal situation itself. By that I mean that despite her efforts to convey how scared she felt or Lisa's alternating chapters lamenting being separated from her "Baby Girl", they were unable to make me feel really badly for her. Laura was treated extremely well compared to most North Koreans, whether or not they are in prison. Laura was in an unpredictable part of the world doing something she knew would embarrass the North Korean regime, and she got caught with her options down. I grew tired of hearing how much they missed each other during Laura's confinement and could only think about the soldiers, sailors and airmen who are separated for their second or third deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan--there was no comparison. Part of my less-than-impressive reaction to the book was colored by the fact that the Lings had VERY unique leverage through their political associations with Al Gore and current State Department and White House staff. There are literally thousands of Americans in foreign prisons who cannot secure their release by contacting a ex-President and then writing a book for profit within 10 months of returning to the States. In addition, their political ideology rang through in comment after comment. It was very apparent that they completely ignored former President Bush when considering who might be able to help negotiate Laura's release--it was Carter and Clinton from the get-go. In the last chapter, they tried to express remorse for the trouble they had caused, but in reality, it cost the US great embarrassment and untold costs. My final reaction was to hope they both would stay home and focus on positive stories without our own country.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this memoir was a follow-up to other books on my reading table regarding North Korea's tendency to sacrifice all good-will in order to keep her people in a perpetual lockdown. The kidnapping, imprisoning and worse of all those who come or go without permission is just the tip of the punitive measures iceberg involved. Those who cross her are dealt hard blows at the hands of local oppressors, and the two Ling sisters are no exception. One can only hope the North Korean people can survive these years of cruel regimes. I'm always mystified by countries whose leaders feel they must divide in order to thrive - a united Korea would be stronger, healthier and happier. But then, it truly boils down to who is in power, doesn't it. . .remnants of the old familial "you're not the boss of me" rant. Compromise, cooperation, collaboration and tolerance yield best results, however achieved by governments.

The authors' collaboration tells an exciting story, showing all the many moving parts that led to their final solution resulting in a positive outcome for all involved. Of all the books I've read on this topic, this has been the most engaging - but that may be because I have some memory of this occurring in my past, remembering old newscasts, etc.

I'm always grateful to others for sharing their experiences in other lands and cultures in order to broaden our perspectives and help to better understand our global communities.

[La Petite Américaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just one more reminder of why I hate the North Korean government ... oh, and why I love Bill Clinton.

Can you imagine being held prisoner in the Orwellian hellhole that is North Korea for six months, only to be brought home by Bill Clinton in a shiny private jet?

Yet another reason of why Bill can call me Monica any time. :)

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was terribly disappointing. I was not very familiar with Laura at all, and had only limited experience with Lisa. For whatever reason, I thought that nationally known journalists would be more intelligent than the average person. This book seemed rushed, maudlin and only mildly interesting. I was expecting a lot more political background, detail and insight into North Korea from Laura. [And, oh yeah, an APOLOGY! But she never really seems to admit her absolute foolishness in knowingly crossing the border into NK. Her story was on defectors in China, so there was no reason to go onto NK soil. There is no excuse for the NK government behavior, but any journalist covering the region should know what to expect.:] Lisa's sections are clearly included for the name recognition and are trite and surprisingly poorly written. She brags about her many connections in media and politics, but doesn't really acknowledge what a colossal drain of time, money and energy went into haranguing those people into rescuing her sister and Euna Lee. Of course they should have been rescued and of course they should not have been held captive by NK, but even more obvious is that they should not have crossed the border in the first place.

[Sabrina Rutter]

I was really into this book, but was so busy I didn't have enough time to finish it before it was due back at the library. Someone put this book on hold, so I couldn't extend my time with it. I did however put this on hold for me after that person is done with the book so that I can finish it. This is why I like owning my books!

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Investigative journalism through a very personal lens. Through reading this matter of fact version of what the sisters endured, the reader can peek into what it is like to be a prisoner in North Korean and simultaneously experience what is like to be the family of the captive. Extremely interesting.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

North Koreans guards dragged these two injured frightened women back across a frozen river onto North Korean soil. Laura and Euna tried to grab bushes, rocks, ice anything to keep them on Chinese soil. Finally, all they could hold onto was each other, but they were soon forced apart.

I called my sister tonight just to confirm that she would do everything she could to bring me home if I'm ever in a North Korean jail.

The love between these two sisters is amazing. Lisa Ling's powerful love for her sister is expressed through everything Lisa did to bring her sister Laura home, navigating the tricky world of American politics as well. When a homeless man calls out to Lisa, "I'm praying for your sister!" I teared up.

I avidly followed the story of two journalists -Laura Ling and Euna Lee- working for Al Gore's network Current and cried when they made it home safe and alive. I'm always a little suspicious when Americans are captured on foreign soil and then claim they didn't know the boundaries. (The hikers currently imprisoned in Iran are from Minnesota). But that's more because I'm a conspiracy theorist and believe that the CIA and NSA are smart and tricky. Plus journalists tend to have free access and are nosier, so who better to be a spy than a journalist? It sickens me a little to think that I have the same train of thought as a North Korean interrogator.

Laura will narrate her version of one event and then Lisa will narrate the same event from her perspective. In addition to have each sister's voice be a different font, this style lets them tell a complicated story with ease. It didn't annoy me the way it did others; it helped me.

Carefully spoken messages and scanned letters simply don't tell Laura's friends and family what is happening. Laura's health issues prevent her from being sent to the hard labor camps, but she's suffering from such ill health, they can't send her. Laura's retelling of her un-anesthetized endoscopy made me wince. Plus Laura has to try to give the North Koreans a public apology by some established American and make that American publicly apologize. Meanwhile Lisa is juggling the offices of John Kerry, Bill Richardson, Hillary Clinton (who made the first public apology and then was mocked and insulted by the North Korean government), Al Gore, Bill Clinton and the White House.

I'm so grateful that we are the land of the free and the home of the brave.

www.bookreviewsbyclare.blogspot.com

[John Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book 5 stars because I can't imagine how difficult for both sisters to tell it.

[Lahni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't follow current events much and I hadn't even known about this whole event until I saw a book review a couple of months ago.

I really liked the rare look into North Korea and it's government. And I felt for Laura and Euna, to a point. I couldn't help but think that they brought everything upon themselves. Laura knew full well she was stepping on North Korean soil. They had highly controversial tapes and notes with them. What did she think would happen if she was caught?

I think she was treated way better because she is a journalist and they knew the story would get out when she was finally released and I don't think they really ever intended on sending the girls to a labor camp for the same reason.

I did like the insights in the book and I'm glad the girls are safely home but I think Laura felt a bit invincible because of her family and their contacts. I doubt Pres. Clinton would go there to bring me home if I had been as foolish.

And I hope every dime of profit from the book goes to help the North Korean refugees.

[Meri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow. I really want to know what happens in North Korean detention, but the writing was so bad that I couldn't get past the first chapter. I mean, really bad. This lady would not have passed a high school writing class. I can only imagine what it looked like before it was edited. Here's hoping Euna Lee's book is better.

[Tasha Bui · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts off interesting, middle drags, end gets interesting again but lacks detail. Appreciate that it's a personal account but I still would've enjoyed it more with a bit of research and detail included at the end.

Really liked that it was insight into NK though. Reading this book opened my mind.

[Marceline · Rating 3 out of 5]

On one hand the story was very interesting and I liked that we got insight as to both Lisa and Laura's thoughts as things were going on.

The other hand part is the massive amount of leverage they had to get the girls back, leverage that many others like Otto didn't have. Which seems like almost rubbing it in.

Why would you follow a guide you didn't vet properly after he started walking more than halfway over the ice covered river making hooting sounds? And why would you not throw your camera and try to break if once you knew you were most likely caught?


Overall 3 stars because while enjoyable the entire situation could have been avoided

[Maya Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very interesting read. It was an insiders point of view on being an American hostage in North Korea. Laura and Lisa Ling are news reporters. Laura was doing a story on the border of China and North Korea, and she hardly steps foot on North Korean soil before being captured. From the beginning of the book to the very end, you can experience how the two sisters felt. Their connections to people, quick thinking, and sisterly bond make a one-of-a-kind true story.

[Susan (aka Just My Op) · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a very frigid morning in March, 2009, Laura Ling, Euna Lee, and Mitch Koss crossed a frozen river from China and spent a few minutes on the North Korean bank of the river before turning back to China. Their purpose was to produce a documentary about the defectors fleeing North Korea into an uncertain future in China. Before they reached the Chinese bank, they were chased by North Korean soldiers. Mitch escaped. Laura and Euna spent 5 months detained by the North Korean government, not knowing what would happen to them. This is Laura's story of her imprisonment alternating with sister Lisa's story of her struggles to bring the two prisoners home.

Many of us know some of the story because of the media coverage. Now we can know much more of what really happened and the behind-the-scene struggles. I found the book fascinating, as entertaining (to use a word inappropriate for the gravity of the situation) as any spy novel out there, even though I knew how this one was going to end.

There was little in the story about Euna because she and Laura had a few days together before they were separated. Neither knew what was happening to the other. They didn't know what would happen to themselves, whether they would be released, go to a work prison camp, or be executed. After the violence at the time of the arrest, Laura was not treated viciously or violently, but that is certainly not to say that she was treated well. Still, in some respects, they were treated better than the average citizens of the country.

It seems hopeful that with the few people Laura met on a frequent basis, such as her guards and her interpreter, there was eventually a grudging kinship, person getting to know person, rather than governments with opposite agendas. There were unexpected kindnesses.

I was amazed to learn of all the people who wanted to help, from bloggers to many people in government, to celebrities. Michael Jackson, just before he died, learned that North Korea's leader Kim Jon Il is a fan of Hollywood movies, and Jackson offered to go to Korea if it would help. In a rough part of Los Angeles where gang warfare is a part of life, both a “working girl” and a homeless person told Lisa that they were praying for Laura. Throughout, the strength and meaning of family was an unbreakable bond.

One very minor problem in the writing for me is the use of “girls” to describe Euna and Laura. In one case, it was a strategic move, entirely appropriate, but in the others, it seemed a little flippant.

There are people who given this book very low ratings because they believe that what this team did was wrong. While I respect that point of view, it does not lessen the impact the book had on me. Yes, the team broke laws. And they caused our government to be put in a very touchy situation. Crossing into North Korea was stupid, even if their guide, who apparently set them up, said it was safe. And the outcome might have been very different if the Lings didn't have friends and connections in the proverbial high places. Nevertheless, I am grateful that we have journalists who are willing to go that extra mile to report the controversial, hidden stories, and I am grateful that we are able to hear and read and see those stories.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been on a bit of a North Korea kick lately – seriously guys, I am fascinated by this dark and terrifying place – and when a blogger reminded me about this book, I knew I had to read it. I am a huge fan of Lisa Ling – I think her journalism is smart and brave, and I truly admire her for the stories and truths she’s been able to bring to the public eye – and while I was less familiar with her sister Laura, I was still very interested in this harrowing story.

Somewhere Inside was everything I expected. What Laura Ling experienced was truly terrifying, and something that just shouldn’t happen in this world. She literally stepped a FOOT onto North Korean soil (which, she admits, was a huge mistake) and was immediately arrested and brought to a North Korean jail for months. What she experienced was atrocious and scary and almost unbelievable. But the most unbelievable part, to me, is that compared to actual prisoners in North Korea (non-famous ones), she was treated exceptionally well. She was fed regular meals, allowed to receive letters and a few packages from home, given an English translator so she could understand what was said to her, and guarded twenty-four hours a day by two women whose company she actually ended up enjoying. Her extraordinary ordeal was nothing close to paradise, but even she admits as she reflects upon her time there that it could have been much, much worse.

Lisa Ling’s story is almost as terrifying as her sister’s, just because there were so many unknowns in her situation. She is an incredibly famous person with a lot of political connections, but even she had extreme difficulty securing her sister’s safety – and came very close to not doing so at all. She had to walk on eggshells for this entire time in fear that she could do one wrong thing and they would execute her sister. She had to rally every single political figure she could think of (including President Barack Obama) on just the slightest chance that one of them would have enough pull with the North Korean government to get something accomplished. And she had to do all this while reassuring the rest of her family that somehow she would be able to get it done.

Like all of the other books I’ve read about North Korea, Somewhere Inside serves as a reminder of how horrific the regime in North Korea is. There are no words to describe how closed, strange, oppressive, terrifying this society truly is. If nothing else, this book will remind you of how lucky you are to live anywhere but there.

I would be remiss not to mention that, of course, this book is written exceptionally well. Two journalists coming together can obviously put together a coherent and well-written memoir, but these sisters really did an excellent job.

Highly recommended!

[Sarah Coats · Rating 4 out of 5]

It isn't like me to not follow something in the media, but I have to admit that I didn't follow the arrest and prison journey of Euna and Laura, and after reading the book about their journey, I wish that I had followed it more closely. The book truly offered insight into realms of North Korea that I didn't realize existed. The moment that Euna and Laura descend down the stairs at the hanger, I was so excited and moved to tears that they were released. What did the book teach me? I would say much about policital diplomacy and the fact that sometimes you make mistakes in your field of work, and sometimes those mistakes can affect the entire country. I also would say that it also demonstrates the egotistical nature of journalists (of which I was once a member). They feel a bit infallible and will do anything to get the next svot for their news package. And in this case crossing the border for the big "interview" almost cost them their lives.

[Adam McPhee · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Ling sisters like to mock North Koreans for their worship of then leader Kim Jong-il, which makes their adulation of American celebrities like Oprah and Democrats like Al Gore bitterly ironic. At least with the Koreans you get the sense they're doing it out of fear. The Ling sisters, however, don't have that excuse to fall back on.

[Ruds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one amongst millions of people who weeped and rejoiced upon their release. It's heartwrenching to read what had happen to these girls inside North Korea as recounted by Laura Ling and the accounts of Lisa Ling's efforts to secure the release of her sister.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this is a fascinating story, it is amateurishly written and honestly, it is hard to empathize with feelings of despair and the unknown in captivity when Laura's sister Lisa works for Oprah and is friends with Al Gore.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

For such an interesting topic this was surprisingly boring.

[Chrissy Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible account of Laura Ling's captivity in the DPRK in 2009.

Told from both Laura and her sister Lisa's point of view (with different fonts to prevent confusion), I found this story very well told. One could actually feel like they were there at the compound with Laura, or really on the phone with political figures like Lisa was.

One thing I liked in particular was how they were careful not to bash anybody, not even the North Korean government, yet their accounts were real, emotional, and heart-wrenching. At the time of these events, I was busy with a newborn and had no idea all this was happening.

It was also very interesting to have a little insight on the everyday life of North Korean citizens, and the privileges of the elite class.

Great read, and I suspect this will become one of my favorite all-time books.

[Tae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 24 of 2020

My 24th book of 2020! After reading If I Had Your Face, I wanted to read something easy and quick. My wife had read this book a while back and I figured it would be an easy read and it really was.
I remember the incident very well as it was publicized especially Laura being Lisa’s sister. I didn’t really know the details on what they were doing that got them detained. It was really hard for me to read that part. I just wanted to scream, don’t do it! You guys are being dumb!!

Well they paid for their mistake thought not as bad as some other people have. They got off really easy as far as I was concerned. The biggest question I have about the incident was, what happened to the guide? Felt like it was a total setup. Wondered if they ever tracked him down to get some answers.

Regardless, felt like Laura showed a lot of weakness and would not have lasted all about few months in a North Korean labor camp. She’s owes her life to her sister Lisa who happened to have all these crazy connections and it was much more interesting to hear about the behind the scene stories on how all these negotiations work. It was interesting enough for me to finish this book in one day.

Laura’s co-worker Euna Lee also wrote a book about the same incident and I think her story would be much more interesting as she understood everything what the North Koreans were saying.

mybookcritic.com

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The factual details of this story were very interesting. I learned a lot about North Korea and appreciated the insight into the lives of North Koreans. I was impressed by the strings Lisa Ling was able to pull here in the US to get her sister freed and the kindness and generosity of some important people.
I cringed at the emotional aspect. Each time Lisa Ling referred to her younger sister of only 3 years as "baby girl" I didn't think I'd be able to continue. If you can stand the mush, this is a story worth hearing.

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it hard to relate to this book. Although it seems harrowing for an investigative journalist to be captured and imprisoned, in this case the family had incredible leverage and seems to personally know a huge number of politicians, media owners, and celebrities who were able to help them out. I’m very happy everyone made it home safely, but as a book it almost feels like a deus ex machina and is not especially interesting or satisfying to read about.

If you want to read a book about North Korea, I’d recommend one of the several memoirs written by defectors instead, such as A River In Darkness.

[Laura]

I had the opportunity to hear Laura Ling speak at a conference recently and was impressed by her story and as a speaker. I liked the book as well and the added benefit of getting Lisa’s perspective on what was going back in the US and efforts to get them freed - the format worked for me. Fascinating politics.

[Jody Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting reading about all the behind the scenes that took place to bring Laura Ling home for North Korea. Journalists risk alot to bring home a story, when it involves foreign countries. Knowing Laura gets home safely makes reading the book easier. It's written so that you are reading what is happening to Laura in North Korea and then what is going on with family members in the USA at the same time. There was no torture and were treated humanely they never should have been abducted in the first place.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fascinating to see inside a world we would never normally know of. Bravery and determination were exhibited by Laura and her entire family throughout this journey. Very eye opening.

[Heather Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this as an audio book on my commutes and walking the dog. It was very attention catching and I learned more about North Korea.

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but a bit repetitive and long-winded at times.