Review by Godspraise Precious -- The Vanished

Goodness C N · Post by **Goodness C N** » 15 Jan 2021, 14:39

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Classified as historical fiction, The Vanished is a book that revolves around the life of Embon and his involvement in the fight against Japanese neocolonialism in his country. Embon is a Korean of noble origin. Due to this, he received both material things and genuine love from his mother. Amidst the luxury of wealth and servants at his beck and call, he turned out to be an intelligent man. As a result of his intellect, he earned an opportunity to study in a renowned university owned by the Japanese, much faster than his peers. As a college student, he met fellow Koreans named Hain, Insoo, and Yangwoo, who later became his friends. His newfound buddies had a burning passion for ending the imperialism of Japan in Korea, and naturally, he turned out to have the same ideology. As a reader, the critical question becomes, would they be able to achieve their aim?

As a person, who through Korean movies, has come to love and become acquainted with Korean culture, one thing I loved was the Korean terms I came across. Some examples are “yobo,” “yangban,” “iri-onura,” and “mansei.” I enjoyed reading these terms because I clearly understood what they meant, and I didn't have any issues with comprehension. Similarly, the traditions practiced by the characters were all familiar to me, and as a result, I didn't have a problem relating to their way of life. Another positive thing about this book is the simple writing style implored by the writer. This made for a delightful flow and an impressive read. Also, the fact that I could relate to most characters and adding to the absence of errors in the book added to my overall appreciation of The Vanished. As an avid reader, nothing interests me more than a well-edited book.

Even though this would not affect my rating of this novel, it is necessary to disclose that I disliked the fact that some characters were poorly developed. To be honest, I wondered why they were introduced, because at first, it seemed they would make a substantial impact on how the story would go. However, in the long run, only a little thing was explored about those characters. I asked myself, why introduce them when there is no intent of proper development?

However, given the numerous elements that appealed to me about The Vanished, and since it was professionally edited, I will rate it 4 out of 4 stars without any reservations. I chose this rating since my positive comments about this book supersede the negatives.

Finally, The Vanished by Pejay Bradley will appeal to those who love historical fiction, adventures, and persons who love topics regarding the Korean culture, and as such, I recommend it to them.

******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 17 Jan 2021, 09:13

I don't really know a lot about Korean history, and this book seems to be a good way to learn as it is entertaining as well. That's my favorite way to learn! Thanks for your well-written and interesting review!

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 17 Jan 2021, 09:34

I love books that educate so congratulations to the author for this accomplishment. I also enjoyed reading your review. Great job!

Kevivas03 · Post by **Kevivas03** » 17 Jan 2021, 11:52

A different storyline to my usual reads but the book sounds interesting from what I have read in your review. Keep up the good work.

Phelicia Gloria · Post by **Phelicia Gloria** » 17 Jan 2021, 14:55

Am a good fun of historical novel I believe this will fit me,at least I'll learn about the history of Japan. Great review pal.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 17 Jan 2021, 16:25

I might end up reading this novel even if historical fiction is not my thing because it can teach about a turbulent period of Korean history. Thank you for your great review!

Post by **Kirsi Cultrera** » 18 Jan 2021, 02:56

I usually enjoy historical fiction, but somehow this book didn't seem particularly interesting to me. I sampled a few pages and felt that the pace of the story was rather slow and I doubted it could've kept me interested until the very end. Korean history is nevertheless interesting! Thanks for your insightful review.

Victoria Copsey · Post by **Victoria Copsey** » 18 Jan 2021, 09:03

I have also read this book and learnt a lot from it, as it inspired me to do some research of my own. Your review definitely does it justice. Great review!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 18 Jan 2021, 11:12

Your previous knowledge of Korean history enriched this story for you. Your review shows how historical fiction can help us relate to what we already know and learn more about the culture. I agree with your comments about the undeveloped characters. Will there be a sequel? Great review!

Faithy_Goody_Star · Post by **Faithy_Goody_Star** » 18 Jan 2021, 14:52

I appreciate Korean culture, too. I'm certain I'll enjoy this book. Nice review.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 18 Jan 2021, 19:35

I don't think this is the book for me, but I appreciate that it was so well edited. Thanks for your thoughts.

Manali_DC · Post by **Manali_DC** » 19 Jan 2021, 01:12

I love Korean movies and series too- although I have never read a book set in Korea! It would be very interesting to read this one and the story seems intriguing. Thanks for a great review!

MsH2k · Post by **MsH2k** » 19 Jan 2021, 01:46

I am reading this book now, and I enjoy learning the Korean terms too. I’ve started a vocabulary list along with my list of characters.

Thank you for your take on this book!

Sou Hi · Post by **Sou Hi** » 19 Jan 2021, 01:47

Thanks for your interesting review. I've read this book and also share the same thought about the unnecessary characters, such as King Gojong's daughter, April's daughter, Mitzuko, or Insoon. I expected them to have some impact on the plot, but it turns out that they are just side characters.

Goodness C N · Post by **Goodness C N** » 19 Jan 2021, 05:53

Prisallen wrote: ↑17 Jan 2021, 09:13 I don't really know a lot about Korean history, and this book seems to be a good way to learn as it is entertaining as well. That's my favorite way to learn! Thanks for your well-written and interesting review!

Yes. Thanks for reading.