Amazon.com: A Thousand Miles to Freedom: My Escape from North Korea (9781494507718): Sebastien Falletti, Eunsun Kim, Emily Woo Zeller: Books
A Thousand Miles to Freedom: My Escape from North Korea Audio CD – Audiobook, CD, Unabridged
by Sebastien Falletti (Author), Eunsun Kim (Author), & 1 more
4.5 out of 5 stars 205 customer reviews
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The Girl with Seven Names
Hyeonseo Lee
4.8 out of 5 stars 1,241
#1 Best Seller in South Korean History
Paperback
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"A sobering account of survival of the fittest in North Korea by a young woman on the run for nearly a decade." ---Kirkus
About the Author
Sebastien Falletti has been the Korea correspondent for the French newspaper Le Figaro since 2009. He covers political and business news across Asia. Born in Paris, Sebastien is now based in Seoul and Shanghai.
Eunsun Kim grew up in North Korea. At age 11, she fled the country and began the harrowing 9-year journey that led her to freedom. She lives in South Korea with her husband.
Emily Woo Zeller's multilingual, multicultural framework led to a natural fit as an audiobook narrator. While she specializes in Asian American narratives, Emily's work spans a broad spectrum, including young adult fiction. She won an AudioFile Earphones Award for her narration of Gulp by Mary Roach.
New pick from Oprah's Book Club
"Behold the Dreamers" by Imbolo Mbue is an unforgettable debut novel about a family's struggle to make a new life in America.See more
Product details
Audio CD
Publisher: Tantor Audio; Unabridged CD edition (July 21, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1494507714
ISBN-13: 978-1494507718
Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.1 x 5.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (205 customer reviews)
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Customer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
205
4.5 out of 5 stars
5 star 62%
4 star 26%
3 star 9%
2 star 2%
1 star 1%
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Rated by customers interested in
What's this?
History
3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9 out of 5 stars
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Top customer reviews
Editorial Reviews
Review
"A sobering account of survival of the fittest in North Korea by a young woman on the run for nearly a decade." ---Kirkus
About the Author
Sebastien Falletti has been the Korea correspondent for the French newspaper Le Figaro since 2009. He covers political and business news across Asia. Born in Paris, Sebastien is now based in Seoul and Shanghai.
Eunsun Kim grew up in North Korea. At age 11, she fled the country and began the harrowing 9-year journey that led her to freedom. She lives in South Korea with her husband.
Emily Woo Zeller's multilingual, multicultural framework led to a natural fit as an audiobook narrator. While she specializes in Asian American narratives, Emily's work spans a broad spectrum, including young adult fiction. She won an AudioFile Earphones Award for her narration of Gulp by Mary Roach.
New pick from Oprah's Book Club
"Behold the Dreamers" by Imbolo Mbue is an unforgettable debut novel about a family's struggle to make a new life in America.See more
Product details
Audio CD
Publisher: Tantor Audio; Unabridged CD edition (July 21, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1494507714
ISBN-13: 978-1494507718
Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.1 x 5.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (205 customer reviews)
------
Customer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
205
4.5 out of 5 stars
5 star 62%
4 star 26%
3 star 9%
2 star 2%
1 star 1%
Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer reviewSee all verified purchase reviews
Rated by customers interested in
What's this?
History
3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9 out of 5 stars
Is this feature helpful? Yes No
Top customer reviews
An inspiring, learning experience
ByJ. Callon May 16, 2016
Format: Hardcover|Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful book that shows what life is like in North Korea and the extremes that people are willing to go through to escape from that country. The author and her family went through horrendous things in order to get to freedom in South Korea. It filled me with gratitude for many things in my life that I take for granted such as food, clothes, a warm house, peace and safety, and modern conveniences. It made me appreciate the country and community that I live in.
It amazed me that such living conditions exist in North Korea in the 21st Century. I kept reminding myself that these things were happening now and not sometime in the 1800’s. Also, it was an eye opener to how the people are brainwashed and controlled by the government to the point that they don’t know what is really happening in the outside world or even to think for themselves. They only hear and see what the government wants.
All in all it is a book that keeps you reading just to find out if the author survives. It is tragic, inspiring, suspenseful and enlightening. I would recommend it to all adults as well as high school and middle school students.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
ByJ. Callon May 16, 2016
Format: Hardcover|Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful book that shows what life is like in North Korea and the extremes that people are willing to go through to escape from that country. The author and her family went through horrendous things in order to get to freedom in South Korea. It filled me with gratitude for many things in my life that I take for granted such as food, clothes, a warm house, peace and safety, and modern conveniences. It made me appreciate the country and community that I live in.
It amazed me that such living conditions exist in North Korea in the 21st Century. I kept reminding myself that these things were happening now and not sometime in the 1800’s. Also, it was an eye opener to how the people are brainwashed and controlled by the government to the point that they don’t know what is really happening in the outside world or even to think for themselves. They only hear and see what the government wants.
All in all it is a book that keeps you reading just to find out if the author survives. It is tragic, inspiring, suspenseful and enlightening. I would recommend it to all adults as well as high school and middle school students.
----
5.0 out of 5 stars
A moving tale of courage
Byjohnbon September 27, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Not sure whether the author has used her real name, but it is not detracting from this story of courage and a girl's unshirkable desire to live a normal life. Not only is it confirming the Kim regime's disrespect for human life, it is also shedding the light on the Chinese government's lack of moral compass to protect refugees. If you have a heart for the plight of the common people of North Korea, this is another book that would cut through your heart when you experience with the author the human misery, hardship and pain which became part of every day life in that country, and when they are on the run ... But, it is also a book of hope, as mirrored in the author's unquenchable thirst for life, and through the efforts of those "invisible" ones on the escape routes, risking their own lives to give another a chance on life too.
Comment|2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNoReport abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsI enjoyed this very engaging autobiography of a brave girl
Byselena fabriciuson May 18, 2016
Format: Hardcover|Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this very engaging autobiography of a brave girl, her sister and her mother. What an amazing trip they had and there were so many setbacks, it would have been tempting to give up, but even as they were starving and freezing, they were determined enough to not quit and escape their country's prison walls.
It was interesting and a bit scary to hear what North Korea was and is like, how the people are brainwashed to be afraid of all other countries and the struggles that regular families have to endure. Watching your family starve and still not thinking that there was something wrong with the government or its leader amazes me. It made me glad to live where I live and to appreciate the many things I take for granted each and every day. I would recommend this book to others.
Comment|One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNoReport abuse
3.0 out of 5 starsThis is definitely a heartfelt story. I don't think ...
Byannon January 25, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This is definitely a heartfelt story. I don't think that this book is as well written as some of the others I have read. But kudos to the author for writing this book.
Comment|3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNoReport abuse
4.0 out of 5 stars... first experience with North Korean defectors and I really enjoyed it. I have watched the news and read ...
ByAmazon Customeron April 20, 2016
Format: Hardcover|Verified Purchase
This book was my first experience with North Korean defectors and I really enjoyed it. I have watched the news and read accounts of what they think is going on, but this first hand experience reflected on by the author is touching and informative. I really had no idea how terrible the situation is over there. It is quite an eye-opener as to the true reality that a lot of refugees face as they try to obtain a better life. Eunsun Kim's story of optimism in the face of dire circumstances was empowering. The fact that she states hope in almost all of her circumstances in truly unbelievable. I was also touched by her true desire for an education. Her difficult life is filled with fear, humiliation, separation, isolation, starvation, famine, despair, and hopelessness, however, I found the story to be uplifting rather than depressing because the author is careful not to dwell on the negative. I really expected this book to hang on the explicit details of her negative situations, but was uplifted by the way she, her sister and mother hung on until opportunity provided a way for them to escape their current situation; they were very persistent. I enjoy happy endings and was relieved that this one had one. She deserved and worked for it. This book is a good,quick read that I believe will touch most readers.
Comment|Was this review helpful to you?YesNoReport abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent book.
ByKindle Customeron March 8, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Another incredible story of escape from the disgraceful Kim's and their ilk slowly strangling the people of North Korea. I too hope one day to see the embarassment that is the government on NK fall. This book is testament to the strength of the ordinary people of North Korea. One day you will rise!
Comment|One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNoReport abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsAmazing story
ByPatricia Cotteron June 29, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This is the second book I have read about an escapee from North Korea. The book describes a life that is almost unbelievable to us Americans about a child growing into a woman while living in fear poverty and hunger. Her descriptions and memories make the story very real and something most of us cannot imagine doing. Courage and determination in making good life for herself is truly inspiring. I enjoyed reading the book and recommend it to everyone
Comment|2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNoReport abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsMaking it to China and across Mongolia to freedom
ByS. Warfieldon March 26, 2016
Format: Hardcover|Verified Purchase
When it comes to books about North Korea I never tire of reading them, especially the ones of those who escape this most oppressive and totalitarian country. Eunsun Kim tells the story of her escape along with her mother and older sister from North Korea after her father and her grandparents have died from starvation and she is on the brink of the same fate. She lay on a pallet on the floor of their home while her mother left in search of food for days, but came home empty handed. There was no food anywhere, so the three who were left had to flee if they wanted to live.
They crossed the Tumen River which is between northern North Korea and China. Border guards are on both sides and can sometimes be bribed to look the other way, but many just have to take their chances. Since China will not comply with South Korea and allow North Koreans to seek asylum the three woman had no idea where to go or what to do once they were in China. Woman often become wives of country farmers and that is what Eunsun's mother did, but they were forced to flee that situation when the farmer became abusive.
Eunsun tells her story in an easy-to-read way, but it is nonetheless a harrowing one. She is bright and never gave up until they all found freedom that took nine years.
Byjohnbon September 27, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Not sure whether the author has used her real name, but it is not detracting from this story of courage and a girl's unshirkable desire to live a normal life. Not only is it confirming the Kim regime's disrespect for human life, it is also shedding the light on the Chinese government's lack of moral compass to protect refugees. If you have a heart for the plight of the common people of North Korea, this is another book that would cut through your heart when you experience with the author the human misery, hardship and pain which became part of every day life in that country, and when they are on the run ... But, it is also a book of hope, as mirrored in the author's unquenchable thirst for life, and through the efforts of those "invisible" ones on the escape routes, risking their own lives to give another a chance on life too.
Comment|2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNoReport abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsI enjoyed this very engaging autobiography of a brave girl
Byselena fabriciuson May 18, 2016
Format: Hardcover|Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this very engaging autobiography of a brave girl, her sister and her mother. What an amazing trip they had and there were so many setbacks, it would have been tempting to give up, but even as they were starving and freezing, they were determined enough to not quit and escape their country's prison walls.
It was interesting and a bit scary to hear what North Korea was and is like, how the people are brainwashed to be afraid of all other countries and the struggles that regular families have to endure. Watching your family starve and still not thinking that there was something wrong with the government or its leader amazes me. It made me glad to live where I live and to appreciate the many things I take for granted each and every day. I would recommend this book to others.
Comment|One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNoReport abuse
3.0 out of 5 starsThis is definitely a heartfelt story. I don't think ...
Byannon January 25, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This is definitely a heartfelt story. I don't think that this book is as well written as some of the others I have read. But kudos to the author for writing this book.
Comment|3 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNoReport abuse
4.0 out of 5 stars... first experience with North Korean defectors and I really enjoyed it. I have watched the news and read ...
ByAmazon Customeron April 20, 2016
Format: Hardcover|Verified Purchase
This book was my first experience with North Korean defectors and I really enjoyed it. I have watched the news and read accounts of what they think is going on, but this first hand experience reflected on by the author is touching and informative. I really had no idea how terrible the situation is over there. It is quite an eye-opener as to the true reality that a lot of refugees face as they try to obtain a better life. Eunsun Kim's story of optimism in the face of dire circumstances was empowering. The fact that she states hope in almost all of her circumstances in truly unbelievable. I was also touched by her true desire for an education. Her difficult life is filled with fear, humiliation, separation, isolation, starvation, famine, despair, and hopelessness, however, I found the story to be uplifting rather than depressing because the author is careful not to dwell on the negative. I really expected this book to hang on the explicit details of her negative situations, but was uplifted by the way she, her sister and mother hung on until opportunity provided a way for them to escape their current situation; they were very persistent. I enjoy happy endings and was relieved that this one had one. She deserved and worked for it. This book is a good,quick read that I believe will touch most readers.
Comment|Was this review helpful to you?YesNoReport abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent book.
ByKindle Customeron March 8, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Another incredible story of escape from the disgraceful Kim's and their ilk slowly strangling the people of North Korea. I too hope one day to see the embarassment that is the government on NK fall. This book is testament to the strength of the ordinary people of North Korea. One day you will rise!
Comment|One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNoReport abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsAmazing story
ByPatricia Cotteron June 29, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This is the second book I have read about an escapee from North Korea. The book describes a life that is almost unbelievable to us Americans about a child growing into a woman while living in fear poverty and hunger. Her descriptions and memories make the story very real and something most of us cannot imagine doing. Courage and determination in making good life for herself is truly inspiring. I enjoyed reading the book and recommend it to everyone
Comment|2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNoReport abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsMaking it to China and across Mongolia to freedom
ByS. Warfieldon March 26, 2016
Format: Hardcover|Verified Purchase
When it comes to books about North Korea I never tire of reading them, especially the ones of those who escape this most oppressive and totalitarian country. Eunsun Kim tells the story of her escape along with her mother and older sister from North Korea after her father and her grandparents have died from starvation and she is on the brink of the same fate. She lay on a pallet on the floor of their home while her mother left in search of food for days, but came home empty handed. There was no food anywhere, so the three who were left had to flee if they wanted to live.
They crossed the Tumen River which is between northern North Korea and China. Border guards are on both sides and can sometimes be bribed to look the other way, but many just have to take their chances. Since China will not comply with South Korea and allow North Koreans to seek asylum the three woman had no idea where to go or what to do once they were in China. Woman often become wives of country farmers and that is what Eunsun's mother did, but they were forced to flee that situation when the farmer became abusive.
Eunsun tells her story in an easy-to-read way, but it is nonetheless a harrowing one. She is bright and never gave up until they all found freedom that took nine years.
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