Review by Alice Ngugi -- The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
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Alice Ngugi
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Review by Alice Ngugi -- The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley.]
The Vanished by Pejay Bradley is a historical fiction novel that is set in the early 20th Century. It's main theme revolves around Korea's struggle for independence from Japan. The notable characters include King Gojong, Prince Aansoon, who is a cousin of King Gojong, and Lady Sougyon, the daughter of Prince Aansoon. Lady Sougyon was married off to an opharned but beautiful boy of her father's choice. Prince Aansoon believed that she would be better off with no in-laws. The husband is quite unfaithful and spent most of his time away. They both have a son, Embon. He is the apple of Lady Sougyon's eye. As the novel unravels, we are introduced to other characters that bring the struggle for independence, with all it's glory and massive sacrifices, to life.
What resonated most with me is the struggle for independence. The fact that this theme is based on factual events that occurred made the book come to life. Not only did I empathize with each fallen Korean shot at the marches, I joined together with them in solidarity to ask for freedom. Japan's brutality and utmost disregard for Korean lives had me on edge as I read through. The statement "Four servants were mobilized for the search: Stone, Steel, Dog’s-Poo, and Horse’s-Poo. These names reflected the givers’ outright disdain of their brains as hard as rock or metal, or their human value as low as animals’ discharge" goes a long way to show the extent of the hatred. I sympathized with the poor souls who put themselves in the frontline to defend their right to be free. I learnt alot about the Korean culture and mannerisms. I was astounded to learn how many more uses rice had, there's even rice wine!
What I did not like about the book was the time taken to tell Embon's story. At some point I felt like it really details on that part. I also had a hard time recognizing who the main character was in regard to the outstanding theme of the struggle for independence. Lady Sougyon does take alot of precedence, but I felt she would have done more than obsess on her son. She doesn't take an active role in the uprising. I had expected more from her. I had also expected the absence the absence of Embon's father to play an active role in building his character as a warrior.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Even with the few things I did not like, I do appreciate its richness of describing the Korean culture. I was able to see in-depth how hard the fight for independence is. Again, it captured my emotions as I turned each page.
I recommend this book to anyone who would love to learn more on the Korean's history and struggle for independence. It is suitable for young adults as it does not contain sexual content. Those who don't like violent scenes will want to stay away from this book. I do not recommend the book for children younger than 15. The details and theme may not be appealing to them.
I did not find any errors in this book. It is one of those special books that are professionally edited. The attention to detail was impeccable.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Vanished by Pejay Bradley is a historical fiction novel that is set in the early 20th Century. It's main theme revolves around Korea's struggle for independence from Japan. The notable characters include King Gojong, Prince Aansoon, who is a cousin of King Gojong, and Lady Sougyon, the daughter of Prince Aansoon. Lady Sougyon was married off to an opharned but beautiful boy of her father's choice. Prince Aansoon believed that she would be better off with no in-laws. The husband is quite unfaithful and spent most of his time away. They both have a son, Embon. He is the apple of Lady Sougyon's eye. As the novel unravels, we are introduced to other characters that bring the struggle for independence, with all it's glory and massive sacrifices, to life.
What resonated most with me is the struggle for independence. The fact that this theme is based on factual events that occurred made the book come to life. Not only did I empathize with each fallen Korean shot at the marches, I joined together with them in solidarity to ask for freedom. Japan's brutality and utmost disregard for Korean lives had me on edge as I read through. The statement "Four servants were mobilized for the search: Stone, Steel, Dog’s-Poo, and Horse’s-Poo. These names reflected the givers’ outright disdain of their brains as hard as rock or metal, or their human value as low as animals’ discharge" goes a long way to show the extent of the hatred. I sympathized with the poor souls who put themselves in the frontline to defend their right to be free. I learnt alot about the Korean culture and mannerisms. I was astounded to learn how many more uses rice had, there's even rice wine!
What I did not like about the book was the time taken to tell Embon's story. At some point I felt like it really details on that part. I also had a hard time recognizing who the main character was in regard to the outstanding theme of the struggle for independence. Lady Sougyon does take alot of precedence, but I felt she would have done more than obsess on her son. She doesn't take an active role in the uprising. I had expected more from her. I had also expected the absence the absence of Embon's father to play an active role in building his character as a warrior.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Even with the few things I did not like, I do appreciate its richness of describing the Korean culture. I was able to see in-depth how hard the fight for independence is. Again, it captured my emotions as I turned each page.
I recommend this book to anyone who would love to learn more on the Korean's history and struggle for independence. It is suitable for young adults as it does not contain sexual content. Those who don't like violent scenes will want to stay away from this book. I do not recommend the book for children younger than 15. The details and theme may not be appealing to them.
I did not find any errors in this book. It is one of those special books that are professionally edited. The attention to detail was impeccable.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Of Zots and Xoodles by Zarqnon the Embarrassed
