Review by Companion Adedeji -- The Vanished
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Morenikeji Adedeji
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Review by Companion Adedeji -- The Vanished
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley.]
The Vanished by Peejay Bradley is a historical fiction with a heavy focus on South Korea’s oppression in the hands of the Japanese before the 1900s and its consequent quest for independence. The Japanese had grown to become a threat and used their power to invade the Koreans by this time. The book explores the heroic deeds of Koreans to save their country and the significance of rice to them. The ill-treatment of women is also largely portrayed in the book such that readers are made to understand that filial duties supersede matrimonial duties. The culture of the arranged marriage also makes Hob confess to his son that: “Your mother and I are victims of our social culture.”
The book is divided into four parts to match the birth and life of Kim Embon as he grows from a spoilt brat to a determined young man. Kim Embon is a smart child pampered by his mother but estranged by his father. He gains an early admission into a prestigious Japanese university. He is unable to finish his studies as a result of getting captured together with his friends by the Japanese. It is from here that he battles with tuberculosis almost to the point of dying. After this, he becomes a man without bearing during and after his recovery. It is his journey to China and reunion with his friends that gives his life a purpose.
What I liked the most about the book is the author’s ability to maintain the tone of the book. There were several sub-plots in the book and yet, the author still managed to unify them all together. Sometimes, it seemed like a character is irrelevant but it is not so. Every action and character counts in The Vanished. I also liked the author’s elaborate description of events and places. One of such is the wedding party of Embon’s parents.
What I liked the least about the book is its abrupt and somewhat unplanned ending. I was a bit disappointed that the book ended the way it did. It seemed to me that there were more loose ends to tie in the concluding part of the book.
I am going to rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars because it was an enlightening and enjoyable read for me. I have added to my knowledge as well as had my interest piqued for more exploration. Another reason for this rating is the absence of any error.
I recommend this book to any lover of history or anyone willing to add to their pool of knowledge in matters of politics and Korean culture.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Vanished by Peejay Bradley is a historical fiction with a heavy focus on South Korea’s oppression in the hands of the Japanese before the 1900s and its consequent quest for independence. The Japanese had grown to become a threat and used their power to invade the Koreans by this time. The book explores the heroic deeds of Koreans to save their country and the significance of rice to them. The ill-treatment of women is also largely portrayed in the book such that readers are made to understand that filial duties supersede matrimonial duties. The culture of the arranged marriage also makes Hob confess to his son that: “Your mother and I are victims of our social culture.”
The book is divided into four parts to match the birth and life of Kim Embon as he grows from a spoilt brat to a determined young man. Kim Embon is a smart child pampered by his mother but estranged by his father. He gains an early admission into a prestigious Japanese university. He is unable to finish his studies as a result of getting captured together with his friends by the Japanese. It is from here that he battles with tuberculosis almost to the point of dying. After this, he becomes a man without bearing during and after his recovery. It is his journey to China and reunion with his friends that gives his life a purpose.
What I liked the most about the book is the author’s ability to maintain the tone of the book. There were several sub-plots in the book and yet, the author still managed to unify them all together. Sometimes, it seemed like a character is irrelevant but it is not so. Every action and character counts in The Vanished. I also liked the author’s elaborate description of events and places. One of such is the wedding party of Embon’s parents.
What I liked the least about the book is its abrupt and somewhat unplanned ending. I was a bit disappointed that the book ended the way it did. It seemed to me that there were more loose ends to tie in the concluding part of the book.
I am going to rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars because it was an enlightening and enjoyable read for me. I have added to my knowledge as well as had my interest piqued for more exploration. Another reason for this rating is the absence of any error.
I recommend this book to any lover of history or anyone willing to add to their pool of knowledge in matters of politics and Korean culture.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) by Barry Litherland
