Monday, April 2, 2012

ESCAPE FROM CAMP 14: ONE MAN'S REMARKABLE ODYSSEY FROM NORTH KOREA TO FREEDOM IN THE WEST (BLAINE HARDEN)



Story Description: 

The shocking story of one of the few people born in a North Korean political prison to have escaped and survived. 

North Korea is isolated and hungry, bankrupt and belligerent. It is also armed with nuclear weapons. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people are being held in its political prison camps, which have existed twice as long as Stalin's Soviet gulags and twelve times as long as the Nazi concentration camps. Very few born and raised in these camps have escaped. But Shin Dong-hyuk did. 

In Escape from Camp 14, acclaimed journalist Blaine Harden tells the story of Shin Dong-hyuk and through the lens of Shin's life unlocks the secrets of the world's most repressive totalitarian state. Shin knew nothing of civilized existence-he saw his mother as a competitor for food, guards raised him to be a snitch, and he witnessed the execution of his own family. Through Harden's harrowing narrative of Shin's life and remarkable escape, he offers an unequaled inside account of one of the world's darkest nations and a riveting tale of endurance, courage, and survival. 

Review: 

North Korea’s political prison camps have existed twice as long as Stalin’s Soviet gulags and twelve times as long as the Nazi concentration camps.  No one born and raised in these camps is known to have escaped.  No one, that is, except Shin Dong-hyuk. 

In Escape from Camp 14, Blaine Harden unlocks the secrets of the world’s most repressive totalitarian state through the story of Shin’s shocking imprisonment and his astounding getaway.  Shin knew nothing of civilized existence – he saw his mother as a competitor for food, guards raised him to be a snitch, and he witnessed the execution of his mother and brother.  

The late “Dear Leader” Kim Jong II was recognized throughout the world, but his country remains sealed as his third son and chosen heir, Kim Jong Eun, consolidates power.  Few foreigners are allowed in, and few North Koreans are able to leave.  North Korea is hungry, bankrupt, and armed with nuclear weapons.  It is also a human rights catastrophe.  Between 150,000 and 200,000 people work as slaves in its political prison camps.  These camps are clearly visible in satellite photographs, yet North Korea’s government denies they exist.  

Blaine Harden’s harrowing narrative exposes this hidden dystopia, focusing on an extraordinary young man who came of age inside the highest security prison in the highest security state.  Escape from Camp 14 offers an unequaled inside account of one of the world’s darkest nations.  It is a tale of endurance and courage, survival and hope.  This is one piece of non-fiction that I won’t soon forget.


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