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The World Is Bigger Now: An American Journalist's Release from Captivity in North Korea . . . A Remarkable Story of Faith, Family, and Forgiveness
For the first time, Euna Lee—the young wife, mother, and film editor detained in North Korea—tells a harrowing, but ultimately inspiring, story of survival and faith in one of the most isolated parts of the world.
On March 17, 2009, Lee and her Current TV colleague Laura Ling were working on a documentary about the desperate lives of North Koreans fleeing their homeland for a chance at freedom when they were violently apprehended by North Korean soldiers. For nearly five months they remained detained while friends and family in the United States were given little information about their status or conditions. For Lee, detention would prove especially harrowing. Imprisoned just 112 miles from where she was born and where her parents still live in Seoul, South Korea, she was branded as a betrayer of her Korean blood by her North Korean captors. After representing herself in her trial before North Korea’s highest court, she received a sentence of twelve years of hard labor in the country’s notorious prison camps, leading her to fear she might not ever see her husband and daughter again.
The World Is Bigger Now draws us deep into Euna Lee’s life before and after this experience: what led to her arrival in North Korea, her efforts to survive the agonizing months of detainment, and how she and her fellow captive, Ling, were finally released thanks to the efforts of many individuals, including Bill Clinton. Lee explains in unforgettable detail what it was like to lose, and then miraculously regain, life as she knew it.
The World Is Bigger Now is the story of faith and love and Euna Lee’s personal
conviction that God will sustain and protect us, even in our darkest hours.
On March 17, 2009, Lee and her Current TV colleague Laura Ling were working on a documentary about the desperate lives of North Koreans fleeing their homeland for a chance at freedom when they were violently apprehended by North Korean soldiers. For nearly five months they remained detained while friends and family in the United States were given little information about their status or conditions. For Lee, detention would prove especially harrowing. Imprisoned just 112 miles from where she was born and where her parents still live in Seoul, South Korea, she was branded as a betrayer of her Korean blood by her North Korean captors. After representing herself in her trial before North Korea’s highest court, she received a sentence of twelve years of hard labor in the country’s notorious prison camps, leading her to fear she might not ever see her husband and daughter again.
The World Is Bigger Now draws us deep into Euna Lee’s life before and after this experience: what led to her arrival in North Korea, her efforts to survive the agonizing months of detainment, and how she and her fellow captive, Ling, were finally released thanks to the efforts of many individuals, including Bill Clinton. Lee explains in unforgettable detail what it was like to lose, and then miraculously regain, life as she knew it.
The World Is Bigger Now is the story of faith and love and Euna Lee’s personal
conviction that God will sustain and protect us, even in our darkest hours.
306 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 29, 2012
I'm 18% into this now (I know that looks strange but that's what the Kindle tells me - no pint in rounding off just to seem normal) and I may not be able to finish it.
I started it because I became so interested in North Korea after reading the excellent "Nothing to Envy". This book is about a Korean-American documentary film maker who was captured and imprisoned in NK while shooting a film about North Koreans who escaped to China.
The writing is quite pedestrian and the author wears her Christianity on her sleeve - something I have difficulty with. I find her rather unlikeable. I wonder whether, if I do stick to it, I'll be rooting for the North Korean prison guards in this one? Not too likely, I know, but .... did I say that I don't like this woman?
It was nice to see her corroboration of much of what I read in "Nothing to Envy".
I created a new shelf for this book, which I've called abandoned, because that's what I've done to this book. I did stick with it until somewhat past the 50% mark, but just couldn't take her self-pity and her religiosity any more. She reports being interrogated constantly, but tells us nothing about the content of the interrogation.
I can't figure out how to take this off my "currently-reading" shelf without putting it on either my to-be-read shelf or my read shelf, so it remains on currently-reading even though that's a lie.
I've read that this author's co-worker's book about her capture and captivity is better - I'll probably give that a try some day.
I started it because I became so interested in North Korea after reading the excellent "Nothing to Envy". This book is about a Korean-American documentary film maker who was captured and imprisoned in NK while shooting a film about North Koreans who escaped to China.
The writing is quite pedestrian and the author wears her Christianity on her sleeve - something I have difficulty with. I find her rather unlikeable. I wonder whether, if I do stick to it, I'll be rooting for the North Korean prison guards in this one? Not too likely, I know, but .... did I say that I don't like this woman?
It was nice to see her corroboration of much of what I read in "Nothing to Envy".
I created a new shelf for this book, which I've called abandoned, because that's what I've done to this book. I did stick with it until somewhat past the 50% mark, but just couldn't take her self-pity and her religiosity any more. She reports being interrogated constantly, but tells us nothing about the content of the interrogation.
I can't figure out how to take this off my "currently-reading" shelf without putting it on either my to-be-read shelf or my read shelf, so it remains on currently-reading even though that's a lie.
I've read that this author's co-worker's book about her capture and captivity is better - I'll probably give that a try some day.
June 12, 2011
A few months ago I reviewed Somewhere Inside by Laura Ling and Lisa Ling about Laura's captivity in North Korea for five months. Euna Lee was the film editor also on that trip who was captured as well. I won't recap the whole story or the tid bits I included about North Korea, but it's really interesting so please refer to the linked review above and go read that first!
But back to this review, I definitely think The World is Bigger Now is absolutely worth reading even if you've already read the memoir by Laura Ling; in fact, I pretty much believe that if you're going to read one you should read them both, as they complement each other and are riveting memoirs in their own rights.
Euna Lee had experiences during her captivity in North Korea that were similar to Laura Ling's but ironically were also vastly different. Somewhere Inside focused largely on the political aspect of the events and the measures that were taken by Lisa Ling and the government of the United States in order to contribute to the release of the women. Euna Lee was in the shadows for a large part of these political movements since Laura's involvement was due to her sister. In Euna's memoir, then, the focus was much more on her emotional and psychological reactions to her confinement. Her reactions were genuine -- on the verge of a mental breakdown on many occasions and alternating days of depression with days of hopefulness, I agonized along with her while reading about her experience. Stories like this really illustrate for me the strength of the human spirit because I cannot imagine going through a fraction of what she did. And though she didn't go into it too much, the effect this had on her 4-year-old daughter gave me more to think about as well.
The writing style of both books was different, too, which very likely exemplifies the different women they each are. Euna Lee also was treated somewhat more harshly throughout the ordeal because as a native Korean (despite being from South Korea, not north) she was considered a betrayer to people of her own blood. She spoke, throughout the book, about her conflicting feelings of hatred for the country she was in but the simultaneous reminders of her childhood. North Korea is so stuck in time without the progression of the rest of the world that in many ways the country reminded her of growing up in South Korea.
Euna Lee is also a devout Christian and talked about this in some parts. This section was mild enough that non-Christians won't at all be put off. But for those who are Christians, I believe this aspect of the book will be very inspiring. Euna vacillated between having absolute faith and feeling completely abandoned by God which I feel is an aspect some readers will definitely be able to relate to even without having been in her situation.
There was no lack of tears from me while reading this book, that's for sure! It was definitely an emotional read in some aspects. I'm glad I was able to read about this experience from her perspective as well.
Interesting side note... I went back and read my review for Somewhere Inside to compare to this one and noticed I used the words/phrases "riveting" and "human spirit" when writing both reviews, lol. But they're both relevant!
Taken from my blog at www.takemeawayreading.com
But back to this review, I definitely think The World is Bigger Now is absolutely worth reading even if you've already read the memoir by Laura Ling; in fact, I pretty much believe that if you're going to read one you should read them both, as they complement each other and are riveting memoirs in their own rights.
Euna Lee had experiences during her captivity in North Korea that were similar to Laura Ling's but ironically were also vastly different. Somewhere Inside focused largely on the political aspect of the events and the measures that were taken by Lisa Ling and the government of the United States in order to contribute to the release of the women. Euna Lee was in the shadows for a large part of these political movements since Laura's involvement was due to her sister. In Euna's memoir, then, the focus was much more on her emotional and psychological reactions to her confinement. Her reactions were genuine -- on the verge of a mental breakdown on many occasions and alternating days of depression with days of hopefulness, I agonized along with her while reading about her experience. Stories like this really illustrate for me the strength of the human spirit because I cannot imagine going through a fraction of what she did. And though she didn't go into it too much, the effect this had on her 4-year-old daughter gave me more to think about as well.
The writing style of both books was different, too, which very likely exemplifies the different women they each are. Euna Lee also was treated somewhat more harshly throughout the ordeal because as a native Korean (despite being from South Korea, not north) she was considered a betrayer to people of her own blood. She spoke, throughout the book, about her conflicting feelings of hatred for the country she was in but the simultaneous reminders of her childhood. North Korea is so stuck in time without the progression of the rest of the world that in many ways the country reminded her of growing up in South Korea.
Euna Lee is also a devout Christian and talked about this in some parts. This section was mild enough that non-Christians won't at all be put off. But for those who are Christians, I believe this aspect of the book will be very inspiring. Euna vacillated between having absolute faith and feeling completely abandoned by God which I feel is an aspect some readers will definitely be able to relate to even without having been in her situation.
There was no lack of tears from me while reading this book, that's for sure! It was definitely an emotional read in some aspects. I'm glad I was able to read about this experience from her perspective as well.
Interesting side note... I went back and read my review for Somewhere Inside to compare to this one and noticed I used the words/phrases "riveting" and "human spirit" when writing both reviews, lol. But they're both relevant!
Taken from my blog at www.takemeawayreading.com
October 26, 2012
Euna Lee chronicles the events that resulted in her captivity in North Korea, her experience as a captive and her ultimate release. While there are good and important parts in this book, I felt too much space was devoted to never sent letters home, text relating to missing/loving family, prayers and guilt feelings. These could might comprise one third of the book.
Lee, appropriately begins with her life. She tells of her family and how she came to be a Current TV journalist. The next part on the North Korean refugees took me right in. Lee and her partner Laura Ling uncovered important information. I am sure there was more to say about this and would have liked to read it.
It is hard to tell if they were brave or foolhardy to walk out on the semi-frozen Tumen River, but I believe Lee when she says it was her career orientation. She wanted to make the best documentary, and the river crossing footage was important in telling the story. The footsteps of the guide (disguised by wearing her shoes) was a creative way to illustrate the peril of crossing the river and would have been a stirring segment.
The best segments of Lee's captivity are the reports of her living conditions and the types of interrogation and intimidation she suffered. Lee emphasizes her reactions to it all, her crying, illnesses, fear, etc. There is a lot of text (mentioned earlier) devoted to unsent and received letters and her prayers. While she honestly tells of her emotions regarding Laura Ling, she only lightly shows how this relationship was manipulated. For instance, the book could use a report of her and Ling comparing notes to see how much NK received from each of them, and how much had to come from outside sources.
The description of the people and place was rudimentary. Did she see any other prisoners? While it might be dangerous to Sunshine to divulge a relationship (which is hinted at with the bouquet and the uncertain good bye protocol) something of her condition, her age, her role/status in the prison would be of interest. In the end, she mentions a TV near her cell. If it was there the whole time, what did the guards watch (Lee does speak Korean)? What was the daily conversation of the guards? It seemed that they were living there too (almost like the prisoners) but this is not clear. Officer Lee seems to be good at his job as an interrogator. Lee calls him a "good person". With the advantage of sharing his native tongue, I would expect more nuance in his description, if only some commentary on how he learned English and keeps his skills honed. Did she learn anything about his "career" and how he got into it?
As a journalist, I was surprised that Lee seemed to have no interest in the negotiations regarding her release (before or after the fact). She says nothing of the role of the Swedish ambassador. Why did Officer Lee tell her to beg him to help? How did it happen that Bill Clinton was selected to escort her home? What did the US give up to get her out? Even if this is classified, there should be some acknowledgment of the effort. Similarly, there is no follow up on whatever consequences might have fallen those who's names and images wound up in the hands of the North Koreans.
This book will be of interest to those interested in North Korea. It would also be good for introducing young people into the methods and risks of good journalism.
Lee, appropriately begins with her life. She tells of her family and how she came to be a Current TV journalist. The next part on the North Korean refugees took me right in. Lee and her partner Laura Ling uncovered important information. I am sure there was more to say about this and would have liked to read it.
It is hard to tell if they were brave or foolhardy to walk out on the semi-frozen Tumen River, but I believe Lee when she says it was her career orientation. She wanted to make the best documentary, and the river crossing footage was important in telling the story. The footsteps of the guide (disguised by wearing her shoes) was a creative way to illustrate the peril of crossing the river and would have been a stirring segment.
The best segments of Lee's captivity are the reports of her living conditions and the types of interrogation and intimidation she suffered. Lee emphasizes her reactions to it all, her crying, illnesses, fear, etc. There is a lot of text (mentioned earlier) devoted to unsent and received letters and her prayers. While she honestly tells of her emotions regarding Laura Ling, she only lightly shows how this relationship was manipulated. For instance, the book could use a report of her and Ling comparing notes to see how much NK received from each of them, and how much had to come from outside sources.
The description of the people and place was rudimentary. Did she see any other prisoners? While it might be dangerous to Sunshine to divulge a relationship (which is hinted at with the bouquet and the uncertain good bye protocol) something of her condition, her age, her role/status in the prison would be of interest. In the end, she mentions a TV near her cell. If it was there the whole time, what did the guards watch (Lee does speak Korean)? What was the daily conversation of the guards? It seemed that they were living there too (almost like the prisoners) but this is not clear. Officer Lee seems to be good at his job as an interrogator. Lee calls him a "good person". With the advantage of sharing his native tongue, I would expect more nuance in his description, if only some commentary on how he learned English and keeps his skills honed. Did she learn anything about his "career" and how he got into it?
As a journalist, I was surprised that Lee seemed to have no interest in the negotiations regarding her release (before or after the fact). She says nothing of the role of the Swedish ambassador. Why did Officer Lee tell her to beg him to help? How did it happen that Bill Clinton was selected to escort her home? What did the US give up to get her out? Even if this is classified, there should be some acknowledgment of the effort. Similarly, there is no follow up on whatever consequences might have fallen those who's names and images wound up in the hands of the North Koreans.
This book will be of interest to those interested in North Korea. It would also be good for introducing young people into the methods and risks of good journalism.
June 5, 2011
I'd probably give this about 2.5 stars. I was very intrigued by the story of journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling. The women were captured in North Korea while filming a documentary and spent months imprisoned.
Sadly, this book just wasn't written very well. Lee may be a great documentary maker, but I don't think she was meant to write books . . . even with a co-writer. The story was kind of boring. I'm sure it was difficult to remember all the details of things that happened during such a stress-filled time, but it seemed like Lee didn't give enough information about important or interesting situations, while she'd sometimes give minute details about things that really had no impact on the story at all.
The story itself came across more like a journal entry rather than a re-telling of a story. Lee would explain that her interrogator would yell at her for hours trying to get information out of her, but she wouldn't really give a description of the scene or dialogue between herself and the interrogator. The writing was rather stilted, and it felt like I was getting a third-hand report of events.
I respect Euna Lee and admire her courage during her harrowing experience, but I'm interested to read Laura Ling's book to see if there is any improvement in writing.
Sadly, this book just wasn't written very well. Lee may be a great documentary maker, but I don't think she was meant to write books . . . even with a co-writer. The story was kind of boring. I'm sure it was difficult to remember all the details of things that happened during such a stress-filled time, but it seemed like Lee didn't give enough information about important or interesting situations, while she'd sometimes give minute details about things that really had no impact on the story at all.
The story itself came across more like a journal entry rather than a re-telling of a story. Lee would explain that her interrogator would yell at her for hours trying to get information out of her, but she wouldn't really give a description of the scene or dialogue between herself and the interrogator. The writing was rather stilted, and it felt like I was getting a third-hand report of events.
I respect Euna Lee and admire her courage during her harrowing experience, but I'm interested to read Laura Ling's book to see if there is any improvement in writing.
April 15, 2018
The story of Euna Lee's and Laura Ling's imprisonment in North Korea and the negotiations that led to their release is a very interesting one, but this book is not the one to tell it. Lee does convey her daily experiences well, but there wasn't as much about the culture or the behind-the-scenes details I was hoping for.
October 14, 2010
Previously this year, I read Somewhere Inside, by Laura and Lisa Ling, and I wanted to read this book to see how (if at all) Euna Lee was treated because she is South Korean.
Though there were similarities to their stories, their experiences were quite different. It definitely seemed as though Euna had harsher treatment, though only to a degree. It was interesting that she spent the majority of her captivity locked in her head whereas Laura was constantly trying to find a way to communicate and get out. I wonder if it was just Euna if she would be living out her 12 gulag sentence - which made me think, because of the two I'm definitely more like Euna in personality.
Although it was a quick and interesting read, there was little to learn about the culture or what happened behind the scenes - because Euna was not part of any of that - there was a lot of faith that God was going to pull the strings, and I found myself rolling my eyes from time to time.
I'm glad I got the full story now, but it wasn't quite what I was looking for.
Though there were similarities to their stories, their experiences were quite different. It definitely seemed as though Euna had harsher treatment, though only to a degree. It was interesting that she spent the majority of her captivity locked in her head whereas Laura was constantly trying to find a way to communicate and get out. I wonder if it was just Euna if she would be living out her 12 gulag sentence - which made me think, because of the two I'm definitely more like Euna in personality.
Although it was a quick and interesting read, there was little to learn about the culture or what happened behind the scenes - because Euna was not part of any of that - there was a lot of faith that God was going to pull the strings, and I found myself rolling my eyes from time to time.
I'm glad I got the full story now, but it wasn't quite what I was looking for.
March 7, 2011
A personal account of the two American reporters who were captured and detained in North Korea in 2009. Three weeks after President Clinton flew to North Korea and brought Euna Lee and Laura Ling back home to L.A., my family and I moved to South Korea. I had vaguely remembered hearing about their capture & detainment on the news, so when I saw this book at the library, I was intrigued. I ended up really enjoying it. Euna's faith was inspiring, as well as her renewed dedication to be a better wife & mother after missing her family so much over those difficult months of isolation and interrogation. She is a very likeable person and I appreciate her sharing such personal spiritual experiences. Thank you, Euna, for sharing your faith and testimony of prayer with us.
August 23, 2010
I received this book in the mail Friday and have already read it. The author did a wonderful job of telling her story. My heart broke for her and her family. She did a great job of making the story easy to follow whether you knew much about North Korea or not. Although the author doesn't go into alot of the background she shares enough to paint a clear picture.
Overall a great story of faith, hope, family, and courage.
Overall a great story of faith, hope, family, and courage.
March 11, 2017
I loved Euna's powerful faith. I can't imagine the hard times she went through. This book was a heartbreaking story of a woman just trying to do what it takes to put a foot forward in her career. I loved the emotion she puts in when talking about her family. Her faith certainly carried her through this awful ordeal.
November 29, 2010
A must read after "Somewhere Inside" by the Ling sisters. Really give you an inside look into North Korea.
June 2, 2017
Stirring and powerful. Euna's faith in God and commitment to her family are inspiring. This is a heart wrenching, but ultimately uplifting read.
March 2, 2024
This one is hard.
It was well written. It was interesting. And while there was a heavy dose of Jesus, it truly wasn’t overpowering because I went in knowing it was faith based.
That said.
Just last month. Pastor Chun was jailed for sexually assaulting minors. The teenage refugees he was supposed to have been helping. It’s sickening, and having read that heavily colored anything about him.
While she did touch on it, I don’t think she gets the gravity of what she did. She states that what she did “may have made someone’s life more difficult”. It’s far, far more than that. The reckless behavior potentially got people killed. Life can’t really be made more difficult when you’re dead. When your raw footage falls into the hands of a dangerous country and you decide to focus more on the documentary vs using common sense, you’ve endangered the people that you were trying to help.
I also know that in the moment, it’s easy to ride on the thrill. It’s simple to say that I would have done things differently, but would I have? How do I know how I would have acted in the heat of the moment? Do I know that I wouldn’t have had a lapse in judgment that would leave me in the hands of North Korea?
All that said, it was a good read and I do recommend the book if a side dish of Jesus isn’t too overpowering for you. Especially if, like me, you have a fascination with the DPRK.
4.5 rounded down.
It was well written. It was interesting. And while there was a heavy dose of Jesus, it truly wasn’t overpowering because I went in knowing it was faith based.
That said.
Just last month. Pastor Chun was jailed for sexually assaulting minors. The teenage refugees he was supposed to have been helping. It’s sickening, and having read that heavily colored anything about him.
While she did touch on it, I don’t think she gets the gravity of what she did. She states that what she did “may have made someone’s life more difficult”. It’s far, far more than that. The reckless behavior potentially got people killed. Life can’t really be made more difficult when you’re dead. When your raw footage falls into the hands of a dangerous country and you decide to focus more on the documentary vs using common sense, you’ve endangered the people that you were trying to help.
I also know that in the moment, it’s easy to ride on the thrill. It’s simple to say that I would have done things differently, but would I have? How do I know how I would have acted in the heat of the moment? Do I know that I wouldn’t have had a lapse in judgment that would leave me in the hands of North Korea?
All that said, it was a good read and I do recommend the book if a side dish of Jesus isn’t too overpowering for you. Especially if, like me, you have a fascination with the DPRK.
4.5 rounded down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2017
American journalist Euna Lee writes about her experience "accidentally" crossing into North Korea from China in 2009, her capture and release. What I found interesting about her account is that it reflects a "regular" person experiencing a trauma that she could not be prepared for. When military personal are captured, one expects that they have received some training in how to respond and we tend to expect them to be a hero. But Euna Lee and her colleague Laura Ling were thrust into a dicey situation with not a lot of cross cultural experience and risked their safety depending on the expertise of others. Lee's account is honest and transparent, even when her anxiety and fear are less than heroic. But then whose would be different? Officer Lee headed up her interrogation and eventually broke her into giving information about their contacts. Yet he did become a support of sorts as he provided glimpses of humanity when he enabled her to speak on the phone to her husband and gave her advice about handling her trial. In the midst of trauma grace was still present. Separated from her colleague, Lee's Christian faith sustained her in the fear of facing 14 years in a labor camp. The beginning of the book was a slow start, but eventually held my attention. The last chapter includes how her personal perspective on life changed resulting from her experience.
February 11, 2018
I am not impressed by Janet Song as a narrator, but I enjoyed this view from inside the 2009 imprisonment of American journalists Euna Lee (author) and Laura Ling by North Korea
were detained by the North Korean army. I previous read Ling's Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home and looked forward to a different P.O.V. Ling worked in front of the camera and had famous sister Lisa Ling while Euna is a camera-shy technician behind the scenes. The two different people -almost a class difference- went through the same horrendous experience and saw the North Korean interregators break them down and turn them against each other. The Current TV pair in both their books suggest they were lured across to put a toe on North Korean soil before being chased into China by DPK soldiers dragged them back. Apparently, this is still controversial. Eventually, former U.S. President Bill Clinton arrived in the country on a publicly unannounced visit leading to their release and Euna recounts the travails, rare phone calls, and one-sided letters prior to this. Her faith caused her doubts and brought her strength during this time, which supports the title.
were detained by the North Korean army. I previous read Ling's Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home and looked forward to a different P.O.V. Ling worked in front of the camera and had famous sister Lisa Ling while Euna is a camera-shy technician behind the scenes. The two different people -almost a class difference- went through the same horrendous experience and saw the North Korean interregators break them down and turn them against each other. The Current TV pair in both their books suggest they were lured across to put a toe on North Korean soil before being chased into China by DPK soldiers dragged them back. Apparently, this is still controversial. Eventually, former U.S. President Bill Clinton arrived in the country on a publicly unannounced visit leading to their release and Euna recounts the travails, rare phone calls, and one-sided letters prior to this. Her faith caused her doubts and brought her strength during this time, which supports the title.
April 14, 2020
I was led to this book on Amazon many years ago after finishing Nothing To Envy by Barbara Demick (great, great book and very well written, informative and insightful, highly recommend!!!).
This book is a very easy read, can easily finish from cover to cover in a day. However for those that are looking for a book to stimulate the mind, I do not think there is much value in reading this, will not recommend it to anyone.
Tried to be very neutral about the book, but the way it is written just strikes me as odd. I'm aware that the author's first language is not English and that this is more of an internal monologue, struggle & recollection of what happened during the author's capture. However the over explaining and (very) odd paragraphs of God and prayers that comes out of nowhere just seemed very out of place. (Disclaimer: NOT meaning I don't respect religion, I'm just saying it felt very unsettling the way it was written, did not feel authentic and true.)
I find it hard to empathize and feel the author through her words. I figured maybe I could gain more insight into North Korea, defectors, being held captive and more, but I did not get that from the book either.
I wanted to enjoy the book, I really do, and I decided to give it a chance and finished it but I was thoroughly disappointed.
This book is a very easy read, can easily finish from cover to cover in a day. However for those that are looking for a book to stimulate the mind, I do not think there is much value in reading this, will not recommend it to anyone.
Tried to be very neutral about the book, but the way it is written just strikes me as odd. I'm aware that the author's first language is not English and that this is more of an internal monologue, struggle & recollection of what happened during the author's capture. However the over explaining and (very) odd paragraphs of God and prayers that comes out of nowhere just seemed very out of place. (Disclaimer: NOT meaning I don't respect religion, I'm just saying it felt very unsettling the way it was written, did not feel authentic and true.)
I find it hard to empathize and feel the author through her words. I figured maybe I could gain more insight into North Korea, defectors, being held captive and more, but I did not get that from the book either.
I wanted to enjoy the book, I really do, and I decided to give it a chance and finished it but I was thoroughly disappointed.
October 14, 2016
This story is super fascinating and the look into North Korean interrogation and incarceration (but, you know, the non-violent kind) was really interesting. Lee and her colleage were doing a documentary story on DPRK defectors who escaped into China, and in the course of their documenting they actually wandered into North Korean territory, and are then SUPER shocked at being caught and dragged off to interrogation, a trial, and a strict prison sentence, the level of shock Lee exhibits throughout the book made me think she hadn't actually done any research on how the DPRK treats people who disobey their laws (tiny infraction = life in prison camp). This book is not written very well, nor edited very well, and I was hoping for more information on how, exactly, Lee and her fellow journalist were finally allowed to leave DPRK, there was very little information in this book about it, but the short story is Bill Clinton came to pick them up in a shiny jet. Now, he was no longer President at the time, but still, it takes some doing to get that level of a political ally...and there was zero indication on how those conversations happened or that agreement and travel arrangement took place. I understand that Lee wouldn't have been in on those negotiations as a prisoner, but it seemed so jarring to say "oh, and then we were led into this hotel conference room and Bill Clinton was there, in the DPRK, and we knew we would be able to go home." Um...what?! THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO THIS STORY! I think I need to read the companion book by Laura and Lisa Ling (Laura was the captor, Lisa was--I believe--the driving force on raising enough awareness and political clout to get the former President of the United States to go to North Korea and bring her sister home). So, that book is next.
April 12, 2019
Interesting but I felt like the book needed a better editor because there was so much repetition in thoughts and conversations. I too wondered why someone originally from South Korea would go into North Korea all for a documentary. At times, I was annoyed with Euna’s disregard for breaking her word and the laws of the countries visited. I felt sad for her daughter, husband and other family members who also suffered because of her poor choices.
August 31, 2022
I lost count the times my body physically shivered when I read certain parts of this book, so I cannot imagine what must have felt being imprisoned in North Korea for endless months.
I had already read Lisa’s (Euna’s work partner) side of the story but although I knew how everything turned out it still felt like the first time.
A heart wrenching testimonial filled with little beams of hopefulness and kindness that moved me and makes me believe in human kind.
April 9, 2018
An excellent story showing how God's love and mercy can sustain us in turbulent times.
A wonderful biography of one woman's story as she struggled through months in captivity while working a journalist in a foreign country. God truly can be with us and works through many people to help those we hold dear.
A wonderful biography of one woman's story as she struggled through months in captivity while working a journalist in a foreign country. God truly can be with us and works through many people to help those we hold dear.
July 7, 2019
A must read! Personal testimony of a Korean-American’s experience in North Korea! Those who would foolishly advocate for communism, socialism, and any other failed attempt to create a utopian society compares their current nation to that which does not exist. However, those of us who compare our nation to those that do exist will appreciate what we have and seek to free those who are enslaved!
October 14, 2021
Euna Lee was captured by N. Korea along with Laura Ling, her journalist partner. Euna seems like a very sweet, loving lady. Given her background born and raised in S. Korea, was able to come to the US to live her dream. I found her story moving but a little repetitive. Yet, I couldn't wait to read the details that lead to her release.
March 22, 2024
she is not a good narrator - maybe still too close to the situation. it almost feels robotic. but that's understandable.
i remember reading about this when it happened and wondering how it happened. i wondered before she said it, if it was a set up. or just an accident - crossing the border, on an icy river, by accident. regardless, it's horrible what they endured.
i remember reading about this when it happened and wondering how it happened. i wondered before she said it, if it was a set up. or just an accident - crossing the border, on an icy river, by accident. regardless, it's horrible what they endured.
October 8, 2022
Exciting
This story was exciting, captivating, and sometimes made me cry. How these women survived in the "unknown" circumstances was quite human. Loved how God was a ribbon throughout the whole story.
This story was exciting, captivating, and sometimes made me cry. How these women survived in the "unknown" circumstances was quite human. Loved how God was a ribbon throughout the whole story.
May 29, 2017
Primera lectura: mayo 2017
Puntuación: 2/5
Puntuación: 2/5
July 12, 2017
I wasn't feeling this book!
June 24, 2018
Captivating
This is a great follow up read after Laura Ling’s book of same event! It's amazing how they tell the same story but from different viewpoints!!
This is a great follow up read after Laura Ling’s book of same event! It's amazing how they tell the same story but from different viewpoints!!
August 20, 2018
The story was harrowing and gut wrenching. Helped increase my understanding of imprisonment and psychological torture and also a bit more about North Korea.
January 13, 2019
Good read!
I remember this happening but never knew details. So glad I read this and glad the families were reunited before prison
I remember this happening but never knew details. So glad I read this and glad the families were reunited before prison
March 25, 2020
Interesting account of a journalist kidnapped and detained by the North Korean government.
June 20, 2021
Interesting perspective
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