Review of The Vanished
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Pearl Hijabi
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Review of The Vanished
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley.]
Kim Embon("Em" means forest and "bon" means property) is the son of lady Sugyon, the daughter of Prince Aansoon. Even though Embon is born during political turmoil in Korea, he enjoys a privileged and happy childhood. Embon has excelled in his studies at every stage and decides to continue his higher studies in Japan. He meets a group of fellow Koreans while he's in Japan. These young men open Embon's eye to the world they were living in, the inequalities in society and the political turmoils in their country. They inspire a longing for freedom within Embon, whatever the cost may be.
The Vanished, Peja Bradley's compelling historical fiction takes the reader back to when the Koreans were " a people without a nation". During this period Korea was occupied by Japan and, the Korean people were oppressed and were trying to break free. This historical fiction spans nearly two decades following the life of Kim Embon.
The historical fiction unfolds through the eyes of several characters. The author let her characters take the reins. Hence, giving a personal and emotionally influenced view to the reader. This personal perspective of different characters and how each of the characters has different opinions and viewpoints, along with their backstories, adds more depth to the story. And makes the characters more understandable.
The novel is abundantly rich with Korean culture and history. Covering everything from the birth of a child to how education and marriage worked in the said time. Throughout the book, the Japanese are heavily vilified, but that is reasonable given the nature of the novel. The violent acts of Japanese authorities and the struggle for freedom by Koreans gives a better view of the strained relationship between the two countries. The fictional storyline of the character's lives blends very well with the historical facts making the story more interesting.
The story is a slow-paced one. Peja takes her time rooting the reader in the history and the setting of the events well. The action starts around the 3rd part of the book. However, the ending of the story left me perplexed by the abruptness. I would like it to be a bit more clear. But the book is professionally edited as I didn't notice any errors in my reading. Hence I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars.
I would recommend the book to lovers of historical fiction. And for those who are interested in Asian history and culture. The book has violence but is not gruesome enough to put off readers.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Kim Embon("Em" means forest and "bon" means property) is the son of lady Sugyon, the daughter of Prince Aansoon. Even though Embon is born during political turmoil in Korea, he enjoys a privileged and happy childhood. Embon has excelled in his studies at every stage and decides to continue his higher studies in Japan. He meets a group of fellow Koreans while he's in Japan. These young men open Embon's eye to the world they were living in, the inequalities in society and the political turmoils in their country. They inspire a longing for freedom within Embon, whatever the cost may be.
The Vanished, Peja Bradley's compelling historical fiction takes the reader back to when the Koreans were " a people without a nation". During this period Korea was occupied by Japan and, the Korean people were oppressed and were trying to break free. This historical fiction spans nearly two decades following the life of Kim Embon.
The historical fiction unfolds through the eyes of several characters. The author let her characters take the reins. Hence, giving a personal and emotionally influenced view to the reader. This personal perspective of different characters and how each of the characters has different opinions and viewpoints, along with their backstories, adds more depth to the story. And makes the characters more understandable.
The novel is abundantly rich with Korean culture and history. Covering everything from the birth of a child to how education and marriage worked in the said time. Throughout the book, the Japanese are heavily vilified, but that is reasonable given the nature of the novel. The violent acts of Japanese authorities and the struggle for freedom by Koreans gives a better view of the strained relationship between the two countries. The fictional storyline of the character's lives blends very well with the historical facts making the story more interesting.
The story is a slow-paced one. Peja takes her time rooting the reader in the history and the setting of the events well. The action starts around the 3rd part of the book. However, the ending of the story left me perplexed by the abruptness. I would like it to be a bit more clear. But the book is professionally edited as I didn't notice any errors in my reading. Hence I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars.
I would recommend the book to lovers of historical fiction. And for those who are interested in Asian history and culture. The book has violence but is not gruesome enough to put off readers.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Fox by M. N. J. Butler
