Review by D Churchill -- The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
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D Churchill
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- Latest Review: The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
Review by D Churchill -- The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley.]
The Vanished by Pejay Bradley is a story told during the era of old Korea when Japan had its grip on the country in politics, culture, and lifestyle. The reader learns about the pride of Koreans for their country and their determination to get their culture back through the account of several Korean characters that give a glimpse into their lives. The reader learns of the importance of status in their culture and how it shaped the lives of its citizens. For instance, the arranged marriage aspect of their culture was carefully constructed to keep people in their places from birth to death. Rising up to another status was possible, but not easy.
The Vanished begins in the voice of one of the main character’s mother. She talks about life as a dignified member of royalty. We learn of her neglectful husband who squanders her money, and of her only child, Embon, who grows up to forsake his royal ties for a life of sacrifice and honor for his country. The web of characters throughout the novel is woven in a way that the reader learns bits and pieces about Korea’s history and their efforts toward their freedom and identity.
I didn’t know much about Korean history or their fight to take back their country from the Japanese prior to reading this book. I most appreciated the way the author tells the story because it’s presented in a way that comes across as authentic and sincere. I like the way Bradley takes the reader through different stages of Embon’s life without making it the story of Embon. You also learn about a hospitable and humble Koren banker who works for a Japanese employer, something that the Korean rebels of the era would steer clear of for the sake of their loyalty. Bradley conveys the spirit of pride of the Koreans through her well-written details. It’s quite an enjoyable read that teaches you a bit of history at the same time.
The novel flows in a way that you want to know what will happen, even if you already know what will happen (through your own knowledge of history). As with any fight for independence, there will be lots of violence and loss of lives. Unfortunately, you get to know characters and some of them fall victim to this fate. Even the scenes in the book where violence occurs, someone like me with a weak stomach for violence wasn’t ever uncomfortable. Bradley details in a way that you understand what’s happening but don’t feel grossed out about it.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I enjoyed reading the book and it was tastefully done. I didn’t catch many grammatical or syntactical errors, so there is evidence of a professional editor involved. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy history, as well as anyone who likes a good, interesting novel. I think both men and women alike could enjoy this book, though it may be a little too mature for readers younger than teens because the violence scenes were descriptive, though not gory.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Vanished by Pejay Bradley is a story told during the era of old Korea when Japan had its grip on the country in politics, culture, and lifestyle. The reader learns about the pride of Koreans for their country and their determination to get their culture back through the account of several Korean characters that give a glimpse into their lives. The reader learns of the importance of status in their culture and how it shaped the lives of its citizens. For instance, the arranged marriage aspect of their culture was carefully constructed to keep people in their places from birth to death. Rising up to another status was possible, but not easy.
The Vanished begins in the voice of one of the main character’s mother. She talks about life as a dignified member of royalty. We learn of her neglectful husband who squanders her money, and of her only child, Embon, who grows up to forsake his royal ties for a life of sacrifice and honor for his country. The web of characters throughout the novel is woven in a way that the reader learns bits and pieces about Korea’s history and their efforts toward their freedom and identity.
I didn’t know much about Korean history or their fight to take back their country from the Japanese prior to reading this book. I most appreciated the way the author tells the story because it’s presented in a way that comes across as authentic and sincere. I like the way Bradley takes the reader through different stages of Embon’s life without making it the story of Embon. You also learn about a hospitable and humble Koren banker who works for a Japanese employer, something that the Korean rebels of the era would steer clear of for the sake of their loyalty. Bradley conveys the spirit of pride of the Koreans through her well-written details. It’s quite an enjoyable read that teaches you a bit of history at the same time.
The novel flows in a way that you want to know what will happen, even if you already know what will happen (through your own knowledge of history). As with any fight for independence, there will be lots of violence and loss of lives. Unfortunately, you get to know characters and some of them fall victim to this fate. Even the scenes in the book where violence occurs, someone like me with a weak stomach for violence wasn’t ever uncomfortable. Bradley details in a way that you understand what’s happening but don’t feel grossed out about it.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I enjoyed reading the book and it was tastefully done. I didn’t catch many grammatical or syntactical errors, so there is evidence of a professional editor involved. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy history, as well as anyone who likes a good, interesting novel. I think both men and women alike could enjoy this book, though it may be a little too mature for readers younger than teens because the violence scenes were descriptive, though not gory.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
