"탈북 청소년들 고통과 희망에 관심 많아요"
중앙일보 2005.01.26 18:40
"고향이 평양이라서 그런지 저는 탈북자 문제에 관심이 많아요. 특히 북한 출신 청소년에 대한 애정이 각별합니다."
미국 국무부가 지원하는 '풀브라이트 작가'의 일원으로 최근 방한한 재미 작가 최숙렬(67)씨는 개인적으로 짬을 내 탈북 청소년 문제를 다각도로 조사해보겠다고 말했다.
미국 청소년 필독서 '안녕 할 수 없는 세월' 쓴
재미 소설가 최숙렬씨 '풀브라이트 작가'로 방한
year of impossible goodbyes(떠나 보낼 수 없는 세월)
어떤 그림을 미리 그려놓은 것은 아니지만 우선 많이 만나볼 생각이고, 가능하면 그들의 고통과 희망을 함께 나누고 싶다고 했다.'풀브라이트 작가'는 한국과 미국의 상호 이해 증진을 위해 다리 역할을 하는 일종의 민간 문화교육 외교관이다.
최씨는 아홉살이던 1947년에 월남했다. 이화여고를 거쳐 이화여대 영문과 1학년을 마친 58년 미국 유학 길에 오른 이후 줄곧 미국에서 살고 있다. 20여년 간 미국 중.고교에서 역사와 글쓰기 과목을 가르치던 그는 50세가 넘어 자전적 소설 '안녕 할 수 없는 세월'(Year of Impossible Goodbye.91년)을 펴냈다. 소녀의 눈에 비친 일본군 위안부 문제와 징용의 실태, 그리고 한반도 분단의 아픔을 그린 이 책은 그를 미국에서 저명한 '20세기 한국사 증언자'의 한 사람으로 꼽히게 했다.
그의 책에 관한 전문가 분석서만 19종이 나와 있는 상태. 미국 중.고등학교와 대학의 교재로 채택됐고, '청소년 필독서 150선'에 매년 뽑히고 있으며, '13~16세 필독서 25권'에 포함되기도 했다. 미국 도서관협회와 교육자협회가 수여하는 베스트북 상도 받았다.
자신의 소설이 많이 읽히고 인정받는 이유에 대해 최씨는 "소설이 인기를 끌려면 우선 재미가 있어야 한다. 필독서로까지 선정되려면 교육적 가치는 물론 정신적으로 한 차원 승화시키는 힘도 있어야 한다"고 말했다.
최씨는 맨해튼빌대 역사학과에 유학할 때부터 한국을 제대로 알리는 책을 써야겠다고 생각했다. 독립운동가였던 아버지에게서 간간이 배웠던 한국 역사에 대한 생각을 풀어놔야겠다고 마음먹은 것도 그 무렵이다.
"미국 사회의 분위기인데요, 제2차 세계대전 때 원자폭탄을 맞고 고생한 일본인을 동정하는 것까지 제가 뭐라고 할 수는 없지만, 일본 때문에 한국인이 겪은 고통은 잘 모르고 있어 마음이 아팠습니다. 정신대 이야기를 미국에서 영어로 풀어놓은 것은 아마 제 책이 처음일 거예요." (2005)
그는 지금까지 소설 3권과 그림책 3권 등 모두 6권의 책을 펴냈다. 한국의 역사와 문화를 소재로 인간성의 고귀함과 가치를 깊이있게 표현한 책들이라는 평가를 받았다. 재미 한인들에게도 좋은 영향을 주었다. 한국 역사만 제대로 얘기할 수 있어도 미국에서 작가로 성공할 수 있음을 보여준 것이다.
80년 남편이 갑자기 타계한 후 그는 엠파이어 스테이트 빌딩에 있는 남편의 무역회사를 직접 경영하면서 15세, 11세이던 두 딸을 홀로 키웠다. 둘 다 하버드대와 대학원까지 마쳤다.
최씨의 대표작 '안녕 할 수 없는 세월'은 프랑스어.이탈리아어.스페인어.일본어 등으로 번역됐고, 92년 한국어로도 출간됐다. 그는 3월 말까지 한국에 머물 예정이다.
글.사진=배영대 기자
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Sook Nyul Choi
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Year of Impossible Goodbyes Paperback – January 1, 1993
by Sook Nyul Choi (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 103 ratings
It is 1945, and courageous ten-year-old Sookan and her family must endure the cruelties of the Japanese military occupying Korea. Police captain Narita does his best to destroy everything of value to the family, but he cannot break their spirit. Sookan's father is with the resistance movement in Manchuria and her older brothers have been sent away to labor camps. Her mother is forced to supervise a sock factory and Sookan herself must wear a uniform and attend a Japanese school.
Then the war ends. Out come the colorful Korean silks and bags of white rice. But Communist Russian troops have taken control of North Korea and once again the family is suppressed. Sookan and her family know their only hope for freedom lies in a dangerous escape to Americancontrolled South Korea.
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Sook Nyul Choi
+ Follow
Year of Impossible Goodbyes Paperback – January 1, 1993
by Sook Nyul Choi (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 103 ratings
It is 1945, and courageous ten-year-old Sookan and her family must endure the cruelties of the Japanese military occupying Korea. Police captain Narita does his best to destroy everything of value to the family, but he cannot break their spirit. Sookan's father is with the resistance movement in Manchuria and her older brothers have been sent away to labor camps. Her mother is forced to supervise a sock factory and Sookan herself must wear a uniform and attend a Japanese school.
Then the war ends. Out come the colorful Korean silks and bags of white rice. But Communist Russian troops have taken control of North Korea and once again the family is suppressed. Sookan and her family know their only hope for freedom lies in a dangerous escape to Americancontrolled South Korea.
Here is the incredible story of one family's love for each other and their determination to risk everything to find freedom.
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Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
It is 1945, and courageous ten-year-old Sookan and her family must endure the cruelties of the Japanese military occupying Korea. Police captain Narita does his best to destroy everything of value to the family, but he cannot break their spirit. Sookan's father is with the resistance movement in Manchuria and her older brothers have been sent away to labor camps. Her mother is forced to supervise a sock factory and Sookan herself must wear a uniform and attend a Japanese school.
Then the war ends. Out come the colorful Korean silks and bags of white rice. But Communist Russian troops have taken control of North Korea and once again the family is suppressed. Sookan and her family know their only hope for freedom lies in a dangerous escape to Americancontrolled South Korea.
Here is the incredible story of one family's love for each other and their determination to risk everything to find freedom.
From the Inside Flap
It is 1945, and courageous ten-year-old Sookan and her family must endure the cruelties of the Japanese military occupying Korea. Police captain Narita does his best to destroy everything of value to the family, but he cannot break their spirit. Sookan's father is with the resistance movement in Manchuria and her older brothers have been sent away to labor camps. Her mother is forced to supervise a sock factory and Sookan herself must wear a uniform and attend a Japanese school.
Then the war ends. Out come the colorful Korean silks and bags of white rice. But Communist Russian troops have taken control of North Korea and once again the family is suppressed. Sookan and her family know their only hope for freedom lies in a dangerous escape to Americancontrolled South Korea.
Here is the incredible story of one family's love for each other and their determination to risk everything to find freedom.
From the Back Cover
It is 1945, and courageous ten-year-old Sookan and her family must endure the cruelties of the Japanese military occupying Korea. Police captain Narita does his best to destroy everything of value to the family, but he cannot break their spirit. Sookan's father is with the resistance movement in Manchuria and her older brothers have been sent away to labor camps. Her mother is forced to supervise a sock factory and Sookan herself must wear a uniform and attend a Japanese school.
Then the war ends. Out come the colorful Korean silks and bags of white rice. But Communist Russian troops have taken control of North Korea and once again the family is suppressed. Sookan and her family know their only hope for freedom lies in a dangerous escape to Americancontrolled South Korea.
Here is the incredible story of one family's love for each other and their determination to risk everything to find freedom.
About the Author
Sook Nyul Choi was born in Pyongyang, North Korea. As a young refugee during the Korean War, Choi learned to face injustice and cruelty with courage and determination. Choi’s novels, which are based upon her own experiences, have enriched the lives of young people all over the world.Choi emigrated to the Unites States to pursue her college education. She graduated from Manhattanville College in 1962. Except for a brief period during which she worked in the business world, she taught in public and parochial schools in New York and Massachusetts for 20 years while raising her two daughters. Sook Nyul Choi is the author of Year of Impossible Goodbyes, a novel about 10-year-old Sookan and her life in Korea during the aftermath of World War II. It has been translated into Korean, French, Italian, and Japanese. It is an ALA Notable Book and has received many other honors as well.Choi also wrote Echoes of the White Giraffe, a sequel to Year of Impossible Goodbyes. Sookan, again the main character, is now 15 and a refugee growing up amidst the sorrows of the Korean War. Her story brings to life the time, place, and intense emotions of a people surrounded by turmoil and tragedy.
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Product details
Publisher : Yearling; Reissue edition (January 1, 1993)
Language : English
Paperback : 169 pages
ISBN-10 : 0440407591
ISBN-13 : 978-0440407591
Reading age : 8 - 12 years
Lexile measure : 840L
Grade level : 3 - 7
Item Weight : 4.3 ounces
Dimensions : 5.1 x 0.44 x 7.6 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #387,194 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#122 in Children's Violence Books (Books)
#384 in Children's Military Fiction (Books)
#464 in Children's Asia Books
Customer Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars 103 ratings
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impossible goodbyes year of impossible nyul choi sook nyul highly recommend world war north korea bantam doubleday doubleday dell middle schoolers historical fiction sookan and her family escape to the south recommend this book white giraffe young readers korean girl really enjoyed taken away goodbyes by sook
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Lou
5.0 out of 5 stars An honest autobiographical account of what this young girl lived through in North Korea.
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2016
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This story is so heart wrenching. The trials of this young, curious, determined girl are beyond what any human should bear, let alone a child. It is just one heartache after another, and as a reader, I felt like I was losing my breath. The young protagonist is able to befriend different individuals who help her on her way to Seoul and freedom. To those older or who have been through times like this, these fleeting friendships point to the inconsistencies of war. This book reads as a true adventure, nonstop action, bravery, and moxie. However, especially in a time where many students have a parent or both parents away fighting and already endure the news and reality of being left behind, this book may be too intense for younger readers, as it is not necessarily a happy ending. It is autobiographical and as real as a telling of war can get. The brutality may be a bit much for younger readers to absorb and/or deal with. Would depend on the makeup of the class whether this would be included or not.
4 people found this helpful
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Astrid
4.0 out of 5 stars The ending is happy and also not happy
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2016
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The book gives a clear picture of how the days in North Korea were when the Japanese and Russians were the boss. You understand how and why the people in North Korea think and follow the leaders. It is not a very exciting book, although it nudges you to read on to see if the children see their mother and father and brothers again. The ending is happy and also not happy, you keep on thinking about the people who stayed behind and who have died.
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Holajac
5.0 out of 5 stars Good for Classroom
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2017
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I used this in my middle school classroom to teach Korean War. My students really enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it.
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Grace
5.0 out of 5 stars Good story for Middle Schoolers
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2019
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Bought book for 7th graders summer reading list. Great story. Well written.
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Maryam Wahab
4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Historical Account
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2019
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This is a work of fiction, from the point of view of a young Korean girl, who is shunned and degraded by the Japanese and poisoned and brainwashed by the Russians.
This book is excellent for young readers, but the writing style might be too childish for older readers
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Carol Petrillo
5.0 out of 5 stars Sad, and sadder
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2019
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Excellent book with so many interesting facts
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Fascinated viewer
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story. Very well written
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2014
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This was an engaging story with plenty of action. I didn't know much about this time in history prior to reading this book. Now I'm working on my second book about this time. Sook Nyul Choi bright this era to life for me. I highly recommend this. Can't wait to read it with our kids.
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CD
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2018
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son enjoyed
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John
1.0 out of 5 stars 最悪の歴史，最悪の宣伝
Reviewed in Japan on December 31, 2009
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The first half of the book dealing with Korea under Japanese occupation is worth reading, but the second half of the book inaccurately depicts the U.S. as a free society protecting Koreans and the Russians as a totalitarian society attempting to colonize Korea. This view is simply false. The U.S. had no intention of protecting Koreans supporting a brutal totalitarian society in the South. Criticism of the North is justified but historically the Korean people were victimized on both sides of the border. If the author had been more honest about U.S. intentions and the South Korean military dictatorship the book would have been much better. Unfortunately, the author was not so honest so this book is not good for young readers who will get a very false version of history.
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tamapi-
5.0 out of 5 stars 1945年日本の敗戦直前から朝鮮戦争までの激動の時期に少女時代を過ごした作者の記憶
Reviewed in Japan on April 16, 2014
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明晰な知性と深い教養が感じられる文章です。すぐれた書だと思います。
1945年春。すでに日本軍の敗色の濃い朝鮮北部ピョンヤンの名家の娘。日本軍は朝鮮半島で土地、家、作物を有無を言わせず徴収し、軍用品の製造を強制し、住民をトラックで使役に徴用して連れ去り・・というように日本軍の横暴によって束縛され、飢えと困窮の生活を強いられているが「もうじき戦争は終わって自由な日々がくる。まもなく日本は立ち去る」と誰もが信じて苦難の日々を耐えている。
作者と弟は日本人小学校に通うことを強いられるが「天皇は神である。日本は神の国」とひたすら洗脳せんと唸り続ける校長や教師にうんざりし、耐えがたく思う日々。母は教える「神の国」などではなく、天皇はニンゲンであると。
両親は抗日運動の同志で、侵略戦争に反対する朋友と地下活動に投じて、韓国語の抗日新聞を発行するために満州に新聞社を作ったクリスチャン。
そして、まもなく日本の敗戦。民衆は歓喜で興奮するが、8月15日直後は、日本の敗残兵が武装をといていないため警戒してひそんでいる。そして徐々に、かって日本軍に占拠されていたもとの住居に落ち着き始めたところ・・・終戦前からすでに朝鮮に侵入していたソ連兵が、たちまち集落にやってきて、こんどは共産主義を洗脳。
あっと言う間に、ロシア赤軍と朝鮮共産党が一緒になって「資本主義は敵。共産主義以外は認めない」ような、あらゆる手段で強硬に洗脳。共産主義の同志を募り結束を固めるため、母なるロシアのポスター、唱歌・・赤教本で共産主義を洗脳する。一家は過酷な労働で自由もない。
終戦で喜んだのもつかのま。ピョンヤンの学校では共産主義の同志として洗脳教育され、母なるロシアを信奉する内容の授業だけ。
反逆者は銃殺で処刑され、見せしめに広場にはりつけの刑となる。密告の恐怖で、言動も昼夜の監視下におかれた一家は、はやくソウルに逃げることを計画する。ソウルには父親も3人の兄たちも無事に逃れている。
一家は、いつものように熱狂的な共産主義の集会を装った叔母と従弟の青年Kisaの犠牲のおかげで、未明に着の身着のままで38度線の逃亡を図る。
38度線の闇の逃亡が、ものすごくリアル。
死と隣り合わせの脱出。脱北を手引きするプロを頼んで決死で38度線を目指すが手配したプロはダブルエージェントで、脱北希望者からも共産軍からも、両方からあざとくせしめていた。あやうく北に密告され送還されるところで姉弟はのがれ、ロシア兵の厳重な警備のなか国境の鉄条網をくぐりぬけ、警備犬の間隙をぬって脱北になんとか成功。
母親と道中はぐれてしまうが、母親は、北朝鮮につかまって裏切り者として、シベリアに連行されるところを、運よくロシア兵の家政婦として国境にとどまり機を見て逃亡。濃霧の中で、北朝鮮が南にスパイを送るために作った秘密のトンネルに偶然にたどりつき、南へとのがれる。
家族は全員がソウルで再会し自由をえたのもつかの間、1950年6月朝鮮戦争が勃発。
南下するソ連軍と北朝鮮共産軍に中国共産軍が加わり38度線をソウルへと進撃。混乱のなか、脱北難民は大挙してソウルへと、そして我が家へとたどりついた。
のちに脱北を支援してくれた叔母と従弟のKisaは、幇助の罪で共産兵に銃殺されたことを一家は知る。
少女の視線で朝鮮半島の戦中、戦後の動乱の歴史を描いている。
英文は格調たかく、非常に流暢で文学性を帯びた文体。
日本、ロシア、中国、そして共産党・・帝国主義から解放されてつかの間、共産主義に束縛され、南へと、自由へと、逃れたい一心で、早く祖国を取り戻したいと念じる少女の叫びが聞こえる文章。
作者にとって祖国とは国土ではなく、韓国民族の文化である、国の歴史である・・・ということが文章の随所から読み取れる。
韓国が太古より受け継いできた伝統と民族性、韓国固有の学問。そういった民族の英知を大事に表現している作家だと思います。随所に韓国特有の民俗が感じられる。そこが、歴史的視点以外の、この書の魅力でもあり、作家の個性だと思います。
他の方のコメントにありますが。作家が、アメリカの民主主義礼賛について、さほどこだわっている表現には思いません。主義や政策とは無縁の作家ではないか？と思います。前半で多くのページをさいているように、韓国の文化に対する誇りを表現できる自由を欲している、他国の支配に蹂躙されずに韓国の文化を胸をはって表現したい。帝国主義にも共産主義にも洗脳されずに。それがアメリカに代弁される民主主義だととらえている・・そう感じました。わたしは、一読をお薦めします。
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From the United States
j.Mercado
4.0 out of 5 stars Year of Impossible Goodbyes
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2002
The story takes place in North Korea in the city named Pyung-Yang in the town of Kirimni. The Japanese occupied Korea during World War II. The story deals with issues like liberty and freedom. Kisa and Aunt Tiger are killed by the Japanese army thinking they were traitors. The family tries to escape the to South but are caught many times and are punished every time.
As soon as the Japanese left, the Russians conquered and the family once again are under oppression. Sookan, the ten year old girl along with her brother Inchun, runaway to the South and are reunited with their father. The book Year of Impossible Goodbyes talks about many Universal Human Concerns like, Liberty and Freedom which the author shows and explaines. I highly recommend this book for it's multicultural richness.
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attymom
5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Engaging and Beautifully Written
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2007
You MUST read this book and the two other books by Choi-Echoes of White Giraffe & Gathering of Pearls. All three books are written from Sookan's perspective, as she grows up in the midst of the Japanese occupation, the war and in America, as a foreign college student. Aside from the cultural issues, as well as historic issues, the plot flows very well. The stories are very personal & honest. I really enjoyed these books and I know that when my kids, ages 5 and 9, get a little older, they will also. These are enjoyable and educational stories.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars THIS BOOK IT SSSSSSSSOOOOOO GOOD!
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2004
This book is like the bomb!!! seriously!~ I mean at school when the teacher was reading it I was like falling asleep and then the teacher assigned us that we have to read ch.4 and I was like THANK GOD! only 1 chapter, so I came home that night and snuggled into my bed and then I was like oh chapter 4... piece of cake and then I was like reading and reading, and the I accedently read to like what ch. 8 and then we had to eat dinner so I put the book down, and then after dinner usually I go and watch TV but then today was different! I went back into my room and started reading the book again. Seriously! I CAN'T put the book down then all of a sudden I finished the book and then it was like what 8:30 so this book really grabed my attention and I'm thankful that Ms. B gave me the book to read. Now it's like I know the history of Korea and I know what really accually happen in the Korean and World war. This is an amazing book and I hope people my age (...) will read this book too!
18 people found this helpful
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dTHEb
4.0 out of 5 stars Easy Read, But Kindle conversion not so great
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2011
I enjoyed the book, and it was an easy read. Mostly I read nonfiction, and a lot of history so this story was interesting as it put perspective to the plight of Korea during and following the Japanese occupation. The only negative was that whatever process they used to put the book in electronic form didn't work very well. There are many words that are wrong, but you can figure out what it should be. Just a little distracting.
3 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars I really really really love this book!
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 1999
I read this wonderful book a long long time ago, but am still deeply movied by it. I really want to read this book again, but I could never for the life of me remember wh owrite it! Now I will definetly go look for tihs book in the library.
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Ayanna A. Emille
5.0 out of 5 stars love this book
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2008
i read this book when i was 12yrs old and i promised myself that i would go to korea and to the dmz zone to see what she described in the book. i am now 23 yrs old and i have spent 18months in korea and am learnig to speak korean as well. when i visted the dmz i was moved to tears, with memories from this book. This book is recommended for young readers but as an adult, u would like this too. I am buying this book now b/c it is worth it 100%.
4 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars great story, yet sad and touching.
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2003
This book has a great plot and is so descriptive that you feel like you are right there with her. This story is quite sad though, I must admitt. If you don't like sad stories, don't read it. Otherwise, GO FOR IT!
2 people found this helpful
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M. Sanicolas
5.0 out of 5 stars Lasting Impression
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2009
I read this book when I was in 5th grade... that was 16 years ago! This book has made such a lasting impression on me. This is the first Asian Historical Fiction I've ever read (which is my favorite genre). I still remember the imagery the author wrote and a lot of the pain that the main character went through. This is easily one of the best books I've read in my life.
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5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've ever read
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2002
This book is a wonderful book about a Korean girl living under Japenese rule. The things that she sees astound me, but show the strength that even children have. A fictionalized account of what the author went through, this book is moving and will stay in your memory for a long time. By the way, if you have read and liked this book, read "So Far From the Bamboo Grove" by Yoko Watkins.
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DomJay
5.0 out of 5 stars Year of Impossible Goodbyes
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2014
Year of Impossible Goodbyes, oh just so devastating. The action and heart loving feelings in this supernatural outstanding preformatted performances story is well shared.
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S. Honeycutt
3.0 out of 5 stars I learned a great deal and am glad I read it
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2016
I read this book in preparation for using it with my middle schoolers. I found it to be an interesting story and very informative about a little known time in Korea's history. As an adult, I learned a great deal and am glad I read it. However, I will not be using it with my middle schoolers. We have read several very heavy books recently and I found this book to be too intense for us at this time.
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Pauline
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for both young adults and adults
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2012
Although this is a children's book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. It makes me want to learn more about Korea's history. Year of Impossible Goodbyes covers the period from when Korea was occupied by Japan and concludes just after the DMZ is set up after WW2. It is realistic but yet not graphic when it comes to war violence and crimes against humanity. Here is an excerpt to show how violence against women is mentioned, "Those girls would rather die than be 'spirit girls' for the Emperor's soldiers. When I think of how mnay truckloads of girls they've taken to the front already... I heard half of them killed themselves by jumping off the speeding trucks rather than be locked in those latrines and used by those soldiers." If you enjoy this book and want to follow Sookan as she grows up, the author has written two sequels... Echoes of the White Giraffe and Gathering of Pearls. Year of Impossible Goodbyes is the best of the three in my opinion, but I did thoroughly enjoy Gathering of Pearls as well.
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Nita Goyal
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2014
A Year of Impossible Goodbyes By: Sook Nyul Choi
New York:Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group,1991
161 pgs. $5.99
ISBN: 0-440-40759-1
Sookan, Sookan, where do I begin. In the book Year of Impossible Goodbyes By: Sook Nyul Choi there are twists and turns and plot changes just to keep you intrigued. She is a small korean girl who was sadly born in the time 1945 where the koreans fought for independence and right. Let me ask you one thing, what do you look for in a book? This book probably isn’t your first choice but, as you read it you will find yourself sucked in, instantly transported to a new place. You will love and cherish this book. I know I did.
This is about a war going on and the captain takes away anything useful from Sookans family because of course her mother is the only person allowed to communicate with him. Sookan and her little brother Inchun are always trying to help her family out but ultimately aren’t able to do much. Her grandfather who lives with her is secretly teaching them both about their culture and history. The message of the book is to show you the cruelty of this harsh time. People would come back from the army practically dead are not even come back because they were tortured too much. Sookan was scared but brave, very brave. I could tell she would do anything for her family even if it kills here. She wanted it to end, for the madness to end, she didn’t want it, any of it.
I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone, it is truly heartfelt and just fascinating. I could feel myself getting angry, sad, mad, and happy. This author has very realistic dialogue and I could truly see the pictures moving in my head as I read and it was a great way to write. I could read this book many times and still read it again, I highly recommend this book to you because it is clearly very fascinating.
Tia Goyal
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Theodore Tedijanto
5.0 out of 5 stars Year of Impossible Goodbyes Book Review
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2014
Year of Impossible Goodbyes
Sook Nyul Choi
Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers
1991
0-440-40759-1
Year of Impossible Goodbyes Book Review
Year of Impossible Goodbyes is a historical fiction book about the life of Sookan, a brave, young girl who lives with her family in Japan-occupied North Korea. While Sookan’s father and brothers are away, Sookan has to attend a Japanese school and her mom has to supervise a sock factory to make socks for the Japanese troops. After Sookan’s grandfather dies and the sock girls are taken away, the family grieves. Suddenly, the war ends, but communist Russians take over. The only way they can escape the Russians is to escape to South Korea. Can Sookan and her family make it to South Korea?
This book is about a girl who never gives up (“I am too old and too tired to be afraid anymore.”). Children becoming teenagers should read this book. I was surprised by how detailed the author wrote and how the author described the characters. It was easy to make a “movie” in my head because of the details. The author is North Korean, and she knows the country’s culture and history. The author has written a great sequel called Echoes of the White Giraffe.
Because of the numerous details and strong moments, I recommend this book to teenage readers to think about what the character has been through.
Andrew Tedijanto
7th Grade
Lawson Middle School
Cupertino, CA
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Usha Nadavi
4.0 out of 5 stars The Year of Impossible GoodByes
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2014
Title: The Year of Impossible Goodbyes Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books Author: Sook Nyul Choi Copyright Date: 1991
Number of Pages:169 ISBN Number: 0-440-40759-1
Reviewer Info:
Shriya Nadavi
Cupertino, CA
The Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi, is a book describing on how a Sister and Brother try to escape Korea while the Russians and Japanese take over them. They don’t to be living in a life where there are always people controlling them. The Sister, Brother, and Mother start a journey when the mother gets taken away by the Russians. The Sister and Brother have to survive all by themselves. Will they make it? I think that this book is a really good book for middle schoolers and late elementary school kids. This book would be good for both genders. This book is a Historical fiction book and describes on how you can make it and never give up. The Author, Sook Nyul Choi, teaches a lesson saying to have perseverance all the time. This author is from Korea and wrote this book about the history of Korea. In my opinion, this book was amazing and I really enjoyed reading it. There were many good sudden twists that were pretty surprising. There are many sad parts and many happy parts. This book is not part of a series or does not have any sequel. Mainly, this book is a historical fiction book with many facts of Korea’s past. I highly recommend you to read it.
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Boston Librarian
5.0 out of 5 stars I completely enjoyed this book
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2009
Note: I am posting this review for my classmate Jon Bush, who wrote it.
It is 1945 and although the Japanese control everything in Korea, Sookan sits with her grandfather under a beautiful pine tree in their yard and they meditate and Sookan feels a little Buddha passed on from him and this is her favorite time of day. I liked this so much and just wanted to hear more about the little Buddha, and the love.
Then the girls come to work at the sock factory, desperately trying to make the quota each day while being paid little or nothing.
Meanwhile the Japanese soldiers come by unannounced and feel free just to walk in and take whatever they like and if they see something beautiful they simply destroy it for the sake of causing pain, and trample over lovely flowers. But Sookan's mother has hidden a tiny packet of seeds, a symbol of hope.
Koreans working for the Japanese even cut down the beloved pine tree, and this is too much for Sookan's Grandfather to bear, and soon he dies. But a part I really loved was when Sookan takes care of his feet, what torture he endured! But also what rage she must have felt!
Then Sookan is sent to Japanese school where the children are treated harshly, not even allowed to use the bathroom!
Then the Russians come and Sookan and her family have to pretend to be loyal Communist Party members while at the same time planning to escape to the south and freedom, where other family members have already gone. I liked this, but again, I wanted more. Loved it. What fear they must have felt. I also wanted again to hear more about the anger.
Then Sookan and her brother make the heroic escape to the south overcoming tremendous adversity, treachery, and confusion. It is bittersweet because they have survived while other loved ones have not.
I completely enjoyed this book. It has hope for anyone anywhere suffering from oppression.
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Sue Creadon
5.0 out of 5 stars A Part of History that I didn't know much about.
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2019
This is based on the author's experience in Korea after WWI. It is about the horrors of oppression and the amazing ability that people have to overcome the atrocities, heal, and move forward.
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Boree Kim
5.0 out of 5 stars Great history lesson
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2002
Have you ever thought about freedom? What you ever thought about when your next meal would come? Have you ever thought about living under oppression? Living in today's world, there are many that live under fear and oppression. This is exactly what a ten-year old Korean girl Sookan is going through. She lived during the 1940's under Japanese military rule. What we take for granted today were rare commodities at the time.
I would highly recommend this book for the study of oppression and freedom in the time of war. This story although fiction really did happen in our history and is interesting to read. This story happened during World War II. However, because of what happened in the Western world, all the bad effects in Asia are almost ignored. We tend to study only our history, but there was more damage done to the rest of the world other than the Western and European countries.
One of the main universal concerns in this story is freedom. Although living in the U.S, everyone wants freedom. But what is truly freedom. Not wanting to clean our bedroom, is that freedom? Is wishing to speak your mind out loud a freedom? One of the most powerful quotes that rivet the heart is on page 164 when Sookan and her brother are trying to escape " It wasn't worth hiding anymore. It was now or never. We could see the fence..." Life and death was not a question when freedom was at hand. Many people go to great distance for freedom. This book is the best place to find it.
This book can tie into history and Language arts as the book touches all bases of humanity and survival. It is appropriate for sixth grade and up.
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Wendy Villarreal
4.0 out of 5 stars Year of Impossible Goodbyes
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2002
Year of Impossible Goodbyes is a great book for children between the ages of 9-12. It teaches children about other cultures and gives them some history. The story takes place in Kirimni, a town in Pyongyang, North Korea. Sookan is the main character in the story. She is ten years old. In the time of World War II, Sookan's family was under the rule of the Japanese. The family tries to flee to the South but are captured and punished. After the war is over, the Russians take control of Sookan's family. Sookan and her brother Inchun run away to the South and are reunited with their father. There are many universal concerns in this book. But one very important universal concern in this book is freedom. Sookan and her family try to do the impossible to be free and to be able to live peaceful lives. The book gives us insights to these struggles in order to gain that freedom that they strive for. I highly recommend this book to children and adults.
3 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Year of Impossible Goodbyes
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2001
I had to read this in my novel class. It didnt' look that interesting, but i had to read it. It actually was a great book and it was really hooking.
It's about a girl who lives with her grandfather and mother and the time when the Japenese are invading Korea. It is in the midst of a war. When the war dies down the Russians come in. They try to escape. It is such a sad book, with so many people dying. However, i loved this book so much, so i suggest you read it too.
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mousebones
4.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read for Any WWll Buff, or Anyone Wanting to Read a New Book! :)
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2015
It’s 1945 during World War ll. You are a young girl who is living in Korea during the Japanese occupation. You and your family are constantly abused by the Japanese. What do you do? Ten-year-old Sookan answers this question through her actions in the book, Year of Impossible Goodbyes. Written by Sook Nyul Choi, Year of Impossible Goodbyes tells the true story of Sookan who lives with her younger brother, aunt, mother and grandfather.
For me, this book had high and low points; some chapter endings made me want to continue reading while others convinced me to put the book down. There were, however, more high points then low points. I would recommend this book for anyone older than eleven as some ideas may be hard to grasp for people younger than eleven.
Unlike other history novels, this one was actually quite interesting. I felt a burning fire in my heart when the Japanese mistreated the Koreans and felt a warm sensation when some friendly visitors comforted the Koreans (No spoilers!). All in all, I would definitely mention this book to anyone interested in World War ll or anyone who just wants to read a new book. A must-read for every and anyone out there!
Note: Year of Impossible Goodbyes is not in a series. If it were, I probably would have read the second book already.
Book Information:
Year of Impossible Goodbyes
Written by Sook Nyul Choi
Published by Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers
Copyright 1991
169 Pages
$5.99 on www.amazon.com
ISBN Number: 0-440-40759-1
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A. Luciano
VINE VOICE
4.0 out of 5 stars World War II in Korea
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2007
Sookan is ten years old, living in Korea with her mother, grandfather, aunt, cousin, and little brother. World War II is going on and things are very hard in Korea. The Japanese forces are in control of their country and they treat the Korean people like slaves in their own home, making them give up all valuables to help the Japanese army, putting them to work making clothing for the Japanese and sending the children to schools where they make weapons and learn propaganda about the Japanese army. More than anything, Sookan wishes she were with her father, her older sister or her three older brothers, who are all far away. Her father is working with the resistance forces, her brothers have been taken away to labor camps and her sister is in a convent.
Then after what seems like an eternity of being at war and under Japanese control, the war is over and the Japanese have lost. Sookan and her family think that things will be much better now, but then they find that their country has been divided into two parts. Rather than being helped by the Americans as they'd hoped, they are instead under Russian control, and the Russians seem determined to brainwash everyone into loving Russia. They make everyone go to meetings to show their support and those in authority are constantly looking for traitors. It becomes clear to Sookan's mother that they need to get to South Korea where the Americans are, and where she expects Sookan's father and brothers may be waiting for them. But will Sookan and her little brother be able to make the journey to safety?
I liked the descriptions of what life in Korea was like during the war. It's hard to imagine what was going on in other countries when we mostly hear about what was happening in our country. I also liked the interaction between Sookan and her brother. They were really nice to each other and probably wouldn't have made it without each other's help.
It was sad to read about the lives of the Koreans during the war; it sounds like such a horrible way for anyone to spend a childhood.
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Novelinks Project - Year of Impossible Goodbyes.docx
www.nkschools.org › Servers › Server_419503 › File
Year of Impossible Goodbyes tells the story of a young Korean girl named ... not stated overtly, but the girls have been taken to the war front to be sex slaves for.
Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi - Goodreads
www.goodreads.com › book › show › 165149.Year_of...
Captain Narita arrives to take the sock girls away to the front lines where they will be comfort women who will give the soldiers special spirit to fight. Stomach- ...
Rating: 3.9 · 2,194 votes
Year of Impossible Goodbyes | Encyclopedia.com
www.encyclopedia.com › arts › educational-magazines
28 Feb 2021 — Year of Impossible Goodbyes was Choi's first novel, published in 1991. ... With the help of several young women who walk to Pyongyang from the ... Korea, with promises that bounties of food and social comfort will result from ...
Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi - LibrisNotes
librisnotes.blogspot.com › 2014/08 › year-of-impossibl...
26 Aug 2014 — Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi ... the Japanese military and women were taken from villages to be used a "comfort women", ...
Book Review: Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul ...
www.compulsivelyquirky.com › blog › 2015/12/31 › b...
31 Dec 2015 — Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi ~ five star book ... they will be comfort women who will give the soldiers special spirit to fight.
Lara Zink, "Historical Fiction in the Classroom: Linda Sue ...
www.wiu.edu › cas › history › wihr › pdfs › ZinkWIHR5
by LS Park’s — the so-called “comfort women” of Korea, and attempted to communicate a personalized, explicit ... and Sook Nyul Choi, author of Year of Impossible Goodbyes.
Year of Impossible Goodbyes Essay Questions | GradeSaver
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16 May 2020 — The women were used as sex slaves, being forced to offer sexual intercourse to the soldiers. To make the woman more compliant, they were ...
Lesson plans - Year of Impossible Goodbyes - Ms Hannah ...
sites.google.com › site › mshannahatrist › English-113
Lesson plans - Year of Impossible Goodbyes ... Find out information about the Japanese “spirit girls” or “comfort women” during WWII as well as the reparations ...
theme of year of impossible goodbyes
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The theme in the Year of Impossible Goodbyes is about having pride (in your own ... Hearing the Voices of "Comfort Women": Confronting Historical Trauma in ...
Behind The Comfort Women Controversy: How Lies Became ...
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Whereas the 'comfort women' system of forced military prostitution by the Government of Japan, ... For about three years, from 1942 until Japan lost the war, I was head of a labor ... but still, we find it nearly impossible to believe that the Japanese would go to such cruel, ... She said goodbye to her adoptive father there.
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떠나 보낼 수 없는 세월
최숙렬 (지은이),윤성옥 (옮긴이)다섯수레2006-04-26원제 : Year of Impossible Goodbyes (1991년)
8.0 100자평(0)리뷰(2)
기본정보
256쪽147*205mm333gISBN : 9788974782559
책소개
평양에서 태어나 아홉 살이던 1947년 월남한 후, 미국으로 건너가 정착해 아이들을 가르친 최숙렬의 자전소설이다. 미국 등 여러 국가에서 출간되어 한국인의 시각에서 한국을 알 수 있는 중요한 책으로 평가 받았으며, 미국도서관협회 최우수 청소년 도서로 선정되기도 했다.
1945년 봄 평양시 기림리, 숙안의 집 마당에 우뚝 선 소나무에도 새잎이 움트고 겨우내 얼어붙었던 얼음이 녹아 작은 못을 이룬다. 태평양전쟁 말기, 일본의 만행은 더욱 기승을 부린다. 폭우가 쏟아지던 밤에 양말 공장 언니들은 일본군의 트럭에 실려 어디론가 끌려가고, 징용에 끌려간 오빠는 돌아올 줄 모른다.
그러던 어느 날, 마침내 해방이 왔다. 마을 사람들은 환희에 휩쌓여 해방의 기쁨을 누리지만 이번엔 러시아인들이 마을에 들어온다. 점점 심해지는 공산주의 선전과 위협 속에서 가족들은 비밀리에 삼팔선을 넘기로 하고 새벽에 길을 떠난다.
목차
한국의 독자들에게
작품 본문
옮긴이의 말
지도
책속에서
엄마도 돈도 여행증도 없이 어떻게 집까지 돌아가지? 나는 생각에 잠겼다. 온갖 상념이 주마등처럼 머릿속을 스쳤다. 눈에 눈물이 가득 고였다. 우리는 이제 미아가 돼 버린 거야. 어떻게 해야 하지? 골치가 아팠다. 눈물이 하염없이 흘렀다. -본문 205쪽에서
저자 및 역자소개
최숙렬 (지은이)
1938년 평양에서 태어나 아홉 살이던 1947년에 월남했다. 이화여대 재학중 미국으로 건너가 맨해튼빌 칼리지를 졸업한 후 이십 년간 뉴욕과 매사추세츠 주의 공,사립 학교에서 역사와 글쓰기 과목을 가르쳤다.
지금까지 청소년 소설 <떠나보낼 수 없는 세월>, <흰 기린의 메아리>, <진주 모으기>와 그림책 <할머니와 소풍>, <윤미와 할머니의 여행>, <멋진 언니> 등을 펴냈다.
이 책들은 한국의 역사와 문화를 소재로 인간성의 고귀함과 가치를 깊이 있게 표현했다는 평을 받았으며, 특히 해마다 미국 청소년 필독서로 선정되고 있다. 미국 국무부가 지원하는 풀브라이트 작가의 일원으로 한국을 방문했으며 지금은 전업작가이자 강사로 활동하며 매사추세츠 주 보스턴에서 살고 있다. 접기
최근작 : <떠나 보낼 수 없는 세월>
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윤성옥 (옮긴이)
서울대학교 법과대학을 졸업하고 동아방송 프로듀서와 한겨레신문 광고국장을 지냈고 번역가, 광고 카피라이터로 활동했다. 현재 한국방송작가협회 회원으로 있다. 옮긴 책으로 <라틴아메리카 경제발전사>, <대통령의 자식들>, <소빙하기> 등이 있고 다수의 텔레비전 외화 프로그램을 번역했다.
최근작 : … 총 3종 (모두보기)
최숙렬(지은이)의 말
아마 내가 한국에 머물러 살았다면 우리의 슬픈 역사를 굳이 들추어내는 게 적절치 않다고 생각했을 것이다. 그러나 미국에서 살면서 그리고 여러 해 동안 아이들을 가르치면서 내 생각은 바뀌었다. 학생들에게나 일빈인들에게 이 책은 소중한 자료가 될 것이다.
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마이리뷰
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부모세대의 이야기 새창으로 보기 구매
30년대 중반생이신 부모님 세대의 이야기
작자가 서문에서 밝힌대로 요즘들어 문제가 된 요코이야기(so far from the bamboo grove)를 읽으시고 답답한마음에 자신이 겪은 진실을 적으셨다는 소설이다.
일제시대 재료도 주지 않고 양말을 만들어 바치라는이야기하며, 일본에서 어부로 살던 부부가 한국에와서는 공무원과 교사로 일하며 한국인을 멸시하고 차별하는 이야기가 자세하게 잘 나와있다. 총칼이 무서워 창씨개명도 하고, 신사참배도 하며 살았던 시대였지만 아무리해도 일본은 일본이고 한국은 한국이다.
해방후의 공산주의는 일제보다 더 무서웠던것 같다. 결국은 고향을 버리고 월남을 하니...그것도 어린 남매가 두려움을 무릎쓰고 38선 너머 월남하는 모습이 애처롭다.
일제시대에 관한 어린이를 위한 고발적 소설이라면 린다수박의 내이름이 쿄코였을때(When my name was Keoko) 도있다. 전후세대인 작가가 부모에게 들은이야기와 자료를 바탕으로 적은 글인데 비교적 묘사가 자세하고 정확하다.
똑같은 1940년대에 한국(그당시로서는 일본국 조선땅이 되려나)에서 살았어도 경험과 기억이 다를수 밖에 없는게 인간이다. 일제시대를 겪은분들중 막내세대가 70대인 지금 이런 역사와 기억에 관한 다양한 글을 접하며 시대를 유추해볼 수밖에는 없다. 아울러 이런 어려움을 겪고 풍요한 오늘을 만들어주신 세대에 감사드린다.
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changsk 2007-01-23 공감(1) 댓글(0)
Thanks to
공감
떠나보낼 수 없는 세월 새창으로 보기
이 이야기는 작가의 자전적 소설이다.
이제 열살 안팎의 어린 남매가 죽을 힘을 다해 삼팔선을 넘는 장면을 읽을때 내 손에 땀이 날만큼 긴장했다. 어떻게 그 어린 나이에 동생을 데리고 삼팔선을 넘을 수 있었을까? 어린 소녀의 큰 용기에 감동할 수 밖에 없는 작품이다.
이 책은 일제 말기부터 이야기가 시작된다.
평양에서 태어난 숙안의 집안은 원래 유복한 집안이었으나, 일제시대 일본놈들에게 미운털이 밖힌 집안이 되면서 가세가 기울었다. 숙안은 강직한 할아버지, 독립 운동을 하러 만주에 가셨다는 아버지, 그리고 징용에 끌려간 오빠들과, 수녀가 된 언니, 가장의 역할을 완벽하게 하는 어머니와 남동생, 몸이 불편한 사촌오빠와 이모와 함께 살고 있었다.
태평양전쟁 말기, 여기저기에서 패전의 기운이 감돌던 일본의 수탈과 만행은 극에 달한 상태였다. 양말 공장을 하던 어머니는 일본군들의 강요속에서 매일처럼 할당량을 채우기 위해 엄청난 노동에 시달려야 했다. 그러던 어느날 밤 어머니를 눈에 가시처럼 생각하던 나리타 순사가 갑자기 집으로 들이 닥쳤다. 그리고 양말 공장에서 일하던 젊은 언니들을 모두 트럭에 실었다. 그녀들은 일본군 위안부로 끌려가는 것이다. 온 몸을 던져 막았지만, 역부족이었다. 그녀들은 억수같이 비가 내리는 밤 그렇게 일본군들에게 끌려가버렸다.
평생 끝날 것 같지 않던 일본의 식민지가 끝나고 드디어 해방이 되었다.
모두들 이제는 편히 살거란 생각에 행복했지만, 기쁨도 잠시..
소련사람들이 마을에 나타나면서 마을 분위기가 변하기 시작했다. 그들은 공산주의 사상을 강요하고, 집단 노동을 시키면서 사람들을 교육시키기 시작한 것이다.
"자유"를 갈망하던 사람들은 하나 둘 남으로 도망치지 시작했고, 이를 눈치챈 소련군들은 요소 요소에 사람들을 심어놓고 마을 사람들을 감시하기 시작했다.
아버지와 오빠들의 소식을 몰라 애태우던 가족들은 그들이 이미 남한에 있다는 소식에 남으로의 탈출을 시도한다. 북한과 남한을 오가던 아버지와 함께 탈출하려던 계획이 무산되고, 엄마와, 숙안 그리고 남동생이 탈출을 시도한다.
그러나 그들을 삼팔선 근처까지 인도하기로 했던 안내자가 실은 소련군 앞잡이었다. 검문소에서 소련군들에게 억류된 엄마를 찾지 못하고, 노숙 생활을 하던 숙안과 동생은 마음씨 좋은 한 할아버지의 도움으로 삼팔선을 넘는데, 성공한다.
과연 그렇게 할 수 있을까? 10살도 채 안된 소녀가 그 보다 어린 동생을 데리고,
삼팔선을 넘을 수 있을까? 어디서 그런 용기가 나왔을까?
소녀는 힘들고 어려운 순간에도 동생의 손을 놓지 않고, 끝까지 함께 했다.
그리고 그토록 바라던 남한에 와서 부모 형제를 모두 만나게 된다.
마지막이 행복하게 끝나서 너무 다행스러웠다.
며칠 사이에 전쟁에 관한 책만 3권을 읽었다. 의도하지 않았는데, 어떻게 고르다보니 그렇게 되었다. 한권 한권 읽으면서 느끼는 것은 전쟁은 절대 일어나면 안된다는 것이다. 너무 단순한 진리인데, 지나친 욕심과 이기심이 전쟁이란 극단적인 방법으로 나타나는 경우를 우리는 많이 봤다.
전후세대인 우리들이 한번쯤 읽어 볼 만한 책이다
- 접기
피그말리온효과 2007-06-09 공감(0) 댓글(0)
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공감
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