Wow. I don't even know where to start or how to express how I feel after reading this novel. We all know North Korea is a secluded and scary country that no one really gets into or out of. Well, this novel describes Chin, who made it out, of one of the prison camps, no less. It is hard to read what Chin went through in these camps, how was raised, how he lived and even how he thought. This novel is a quick read, very short and to the point with no lengthy political discourse. I think it is an important novel for people to read to understand how lucky we really are and how much of a threat North Korea really is.

I was given this book as a Christmas present, and just got around to reading it. Came across this book totally by accident one day in Chapters. I was completely absorbed in this story by chapter one, and it took me about 6 hours to finish it. What an incredible story of human resilience in the face of such evil, that unbelievably exists today. I must say there were times I had to put this book down. I find it incredible that I had difficulty just reading this story, how Shin ever lived this horror is beyond comprehension. My heart goes out to Shin and the hundreds of thousands of people still prisoners in these camps. It is horrible to think that I and other good people like myself are part of the "human race" whose treatment of other human beings is nothing less than abhorrent. I really had no idea that this is still going on today. I learned so much from this book, but mostly about great courage and a will to live. I will never understand how anyone who suffered as Shin did, could ever recover. I will not forget this story for a very long time, if ever.

I first borrowed this book from my local library and then found out that the author Blaine Harden was going to be interviewed at the Toronto Reference Library. I bought my own copy which he very kindly signed for me. I have now read the book twice and it is a harrowing story of survival against the odds. A must read. It is nice to know that Shin is doing well and now living and working in South Korea.

I'm not much on reviews, but I can definitely say that this is a great book. I've been wanting to read it for awhile and when I finally got around to doing so, I was very pleased. I wish the best for Shin and his future. This book outlines some of the worst aspects of humanity. It can boggle the mind that things like this can happen behind closed doors.

The story of Shin Dong-Hyuk takes you right into one of North Korea's most horrifying prison camps that make the Holocaust seem like a spring vacation. Human life is disposable. Human feeling unheard of. Trust even between a mother and her son does not exist. Love is impossible. What was most scary for me, was truly coming to terms with this place where I could understand how and why Shin made the decisions he did. And I question my own moral integrity were I to be in the same place... To read more of my review check-out my blog: charliebooks.blogspot.ca

I purchased this because it was on sale....loved it. Such a sad true life story. To imagine that these kind of events are still happening in today's world....mind blowing. I read this in 2 days, then discussed it openly with my 8 1/2 year old son, because I think it's important to understand how good we really have it. Read, read read!!! Everyone should read this !

Very interesting to have insight into how life is in Camp 14 and North Korea. Worth reading.

I could not put this book down from the moment I started to read the very first page it certainly is an eye opener what is going on in labour camps in North Korea. The hardships and abuse the women, men and children encountered each and everyday of their lives in order to survive. Shin is a remarkable man having the courage to escape and start a new life for himself. This book will truly drags your soul down to the unbelieveable evil and cruelty that man can force upon another human being.

Indeed, an incredible history of survival. It is a shame that such an horror still exists in a world that call itself "civilized".

From reading the description and reviews, I felt this book would shed a light on the brutal conditions of North Korea and to its people. After reading the first couple of chapters, I sensed that Shin was sort of holding back on revealing too much information for fear and lack of trust. I can understand this and Blaine does a good job in writing in words what can truly be unimaginable to see in real life. To go into detail about his upbringing in the camp to his escape shows just how much one man can go through in his early life. I recommend anyone to read this as it shows not only how one person escaped "hell", but how he struggles to exist in the real world as well.