Review of The Vanished

Fawmi FJumana · Post by **Fawmi FJumana** » 18 Mar 2023, 22:54

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

5 out of 5 stars

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It's the year 1912, two years after the occupation of Korea by Japan. The year is called the year of the rat. Kim Embon is born in the mid-summer, at high noon, giving many bad omens to his mother. Kim Embon is the son of Lady Sugyon and the grandson of Prince Ansoon. However, despite all the bad superstitious signs at birth, Kim Embon turns out to be a very handsome and well-behaved child as he grows up. Embon has had a positive and sheltered childhood under his mother's watchful eyes. Embon excelled in his education, which led to his early attendance at the Hokkaido Imperial College in Japan. In there, Embon meets his friends, who turn him from a sheltered aristocratic boy into a youth with a drive to free their country.

The Vanished by Pejay Bradley is a historical fiction based on the years when Korea was under Japanese occupation. The author included historical events and facts in the storyline with a smooth flow. The characters are all well-developed with unique characteristics. And most of these characters played a significant part in Embon's life, with or without their knowledge.

What I liked most about The Vanished is the author's descriptive writing style. The author described each place, person, situation, and societal norm of old Korea. The difference between the aristocrats and the normal people was stark. While regular people could go for a divorce, Lady Sugyon is stuck in a marriage doomed from the start just because she's a prince's daughter. And also, how the women of the time were treated less than men is shown through each character. And the run-down nature of the buildings, like the provincial government building in Shanghai, is described realistically.

What I disliked about the story was the lack of a strong and compassionate female character. I think the girl Embon liked could have had a more significant place rather than disappearing suddenly. Or Insoon could have also turned out to be strong support for Embon. But that's just my preference, not a fault of the story. But it didn't deter me from enjoying The Vanished. And other than that, I couldn't find anything I disliked or wished to see changed in the book.

I didn't notice any errors or mistakes in my reading of the book. So I can say the book is exceptionally well-edited. I give The Vanished by Pejay Bradley a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, considering there's no reason to deduct a star.

I recommend the book to fans of historical fiction. Especially those interested in Asian history during the period would enjoy this one.

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The Vanished
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Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu · Post by **Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu** » 04 Apr 2023, 09:44

I love historical fiction but never read anything about Asian history. This book might be a good start! Great review! I think a strong female character would add an extra element to this novel.

Fawmi FJumana · Post by **Fawmi FJumana** » 04 Apr 2023, 10:59

Sara Bartolomeu wrote: ↑04 Apr 2023, 09:44 I love historical fiction but never read anything about Asian history. This book might be a good start! Great review! I think a strong female character would add an extra element to this novel.

I think the same too. in that case I hope you like the book. And I hope you enjoy the book too.

Catalina Isabel · Post by **Catalina Isabel** » 05 Apr 2023, 03:11

This sounds like an interesting book, and I love that it's set in Korea. I haven't read any books like this before. Thanks so much for a great review!

Fawmi FJumana · Post by **Fawmi FJumana** » 05 Apr 2023, 12:05

Catalina Aspinall wrote: ↑05 Apr 2023, 03:11 This sounds like an interesting book, and I love that it's set in Korea. I haven't read any books like this before. Thanks so much for a great review!

It definitely was an interesting book. Hank you for stopping by.

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 10 Apr 2023, 21:22

It would be awful to have bad omens make people think badly of you before you were even given a chance. It is encouraging that Kim turned out so well anyway.

Fawmi FJumana · Post by **Fawmi FJumana** » 11 Apr 2023, 02:27

Amy Luman wrote: ↑10 Apr 2023, 21:22 It would be awful to have bad omens make people think badly of you before you were even given a chance. It is encouraging that Kim turned out so well anyway.

Of course. And it's good Kim had an encouraging mother on his side. And thank you for stopping by.

Post by **Smrithi Arun** » 15 Apr 2023, 12:02

Historical fiction isn't my usual genre, but The Vanished sounds like an interesting read. Great review!

Fawmi FJumana · Post by **Fawmi FJumana** » 16 Apr 2023, 06:08

Smrithi Arun wrote: ↑15 Apr 2023, 12:02 Historical fiction isn't my usual genre, but The Vanished sounds like an interesting read. Great review!

Thank you for stopping by

Baba Thoust · Post by **Baba Thoust** » 26 Apr 2023, 03:17

Isn't it sometimes funny how someone destined for doom can eventually turn out to be a blessing for a greater cause. I love Embons story and I would love to know more about Him. Great review.

Fawmi FJumana · Post by **Fawmi FJumana** » 26 Apr 2023, 21:38

Baba Thoust wrote: ↑26 Apr 2023, 03:17 Isn't it sometimes funny how someone destined for doom can eventually turn out to be a blessing for a greater cause. I love Embons story and I would love to know more about Him. Great review.

Most of the times it is. I hope you get to know Embon more. Thank you for stopping by.

Post by **Sarah Zain** » 04 May 2023, 22:18

The fact is that I don't know much about this historical era, but integrating it into a story may make it more interesting for me. Besides, I agree with you that there must be influential female personalities, but may be it wasn't because of the era itself and the position of women in society at this time . Your review is beautiful and detailed, and I enjoyed reading it

Fawmi FJumana · Post by **Fawmi FJumana** » 06 May 2023, 22:18

Sarah Zain wrote: ↑04 May 2023, 22:18 The fact is that I don't know much about this historical era, but integrating it into a story may make it more interesting for me. Besides, I agree with you that there must be influential female personalities, but may be it wasn't because of the era itself and the position of women in society at this time . Your review is beautiful and detailed, and I enjoyed reading it

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. And yes I agree with you as well.