Review by GatugiM -- The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
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GatugiM
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- Latest Review: The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
Review by GatugiM -- The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley.]
Embon is born and raised by his mother in ancient Korea, at a time when Japan has taken over Korea. His father never seems to care about him or his mother but occasionally shows up to ask for money. In these ancient times, Embon’s mother is seen unlucky as her husband keeps drinking and staying outside of their home. Coming from a well up family, she has the means to support her child and even provide for her drunken husband. Maybe if given a chance to choose her husband for she would have chosen differently. However, she liked the features the man possessed. He was tall, slim, and had a handsome-looking face. Embon's mum had hoped for Embon to grow and take after his father compared to her short and plump features. As Embon grows, the resistance towards Japan keeps growing. Korea is no longer safe as Koreans are now under Japan's rule. This situation has pushed young adults to help their country regain freedom.
The Vanished, by P.J Bradley explores the different struggles of Koreans. The harsh living conditions force some Koreans to leave their families. They stay in the forest or neighboring China as they plot their resistance movements. Some men choose to keep working in Japan so that they can support their families. Neither of these decisions seems easy to make. It is also a struggle for mothers to see their children grow and decide to fight. Knowing that their leaving would be the last time they see them.
I liked that the writer not only focused on the plot but also gave us a deeper look at how the society in Korea was at the time. For example, arranged marriages were common, but they were not happy marriages. The young girls and boys would feel like getting married to the chosen bride or groom was their obligation and responsibility but not their will and choice. Some men feel more responsibility towards their families, so they stay and work in harsh conditions. Others feel more responsibility towards their country and rebel. I felt that neither of the two choices could have been easy.
There was nothing to dislike about this book. It is well written and follows the plot till the end. It was also hard to put it down as Embon’s growth from a small child to a young man is captivating. I kept wanting to know what would become of Embon. The book was also exceptionally edited as I did not find any errors.
The book has a beautiful flow and interesting realistic characters. I found it worthy of a four out of four stars rating. I recommend this book to readers above 13 years of age. Although the language is friendly, some scenes would be considered graphic. Readers of fiction, adventure, and history would find this novel a great treat.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Embon is born and raised by his mother in ancient Korea, at a time when Japan has taken over Korea. His father never seems to care about him or his mother but occasionally shows up to ask for money. In these ancient times, Embon’s mother is seen unlucky as her husband keeps drinking and staying outside of their home. Coming from a well up family, she has the means to support her child and even provide for her drunken husband. Maybe if given a chance to choose her husband for she would have chosen differently. However, she liked the features the man possessed. He was tall, slim, and had a handsome-looking face. Embon's mum had hoped for Embon to grow and take after his father compared to her short and plump features. As Embon grows, the resistance towards Japan keeps growing. Korea is no longer safe as Koreans are now under Japan's rule. This situation has pushed young adults to help their country regain freedom.
The Vanished, by P.J Bradley explores the different struggles of Koreans. The harsh living conditions force some Koreans to leave their families. They stay in the forest or neighboring China as they plot their resistance movements. Some men choose to keep working in Japan so that they can support their families. Neither of these decisions seems easy to make. It is also a struggle for mothers to see their children grow and decide to fight. Knowing that their leaving would be the last time they see them.
I liked that the writer not only focused on the plot but also gave us a deeper look at how the society in Korea was at the time. For example, arranged marriages were common, but they were not happy marriages. The young girls and boys would feel like getting married to the chosen bride or groom was their obligation and responsibility but not their will and choice. Some men feel more responsibility towards their families, so they stay and work in harsh conditions. Others feel more responsibility towards their country and rebel. I felt that neither of the two choices could have been easy.
There was nothing to dislike about this book. It is well written and follows the plot till the end. It was also hard to put it down as Embon’s growth from a small child to a young man is captivating. I kept wanting to know what would become of Embon. The book was also exceptionally edited as I did not find any errors.
The book has a beautiful flow and interesting realistic characters. I found it worthy of a four out of four stars rating. I recommend this book to readers above 13 years of age. Although the language is friendly, some scenes would be considered graphic. Readers of fiction, adventure, and history would find this novel a great treat.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
