45 pages • 1 hour read
A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea
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Book Brief
A River in Darkness
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2000159
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
North Korea • 1960s
2000
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea is a memoir by Masaji Ishikawa, with translation by Risa Kobayashi and Martin Brown. It narrates Ishikawa's harrowing experiences as a Korean-Japanese individual living under North Korea's oppressive regime and his perilous journey to freedom.
Dark
Unnerving
Melancholic
Mysterious
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
103,391 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea delivers a harrowing account of Ishikawa's life in North Korea and his daring escape. The narrative is gripping and eye-opening, providing insight into the regime's brutality. Some readers find the prose straightforward but lacking depth in emotional reflection. Overall, it's a powerful memoir that sheds light on a hidden world.
Who Should Read A River in Darkness?
Readers who value human rights, political memoirs, and survival stories will appreciate A River in Darkness. Fans of Escape from Camp 14 or Nothing to Envy will find this compelling North Korean defection story deeply engrossing and enlightening.
103,391 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Do Sam-dal
Do Sam-dal
Masaji's Korean father, who endured a difficult life marked by violence, substance use, and isolation. His complex character development unfolds against the backdrop of historical and personal turmoil.
Miyoko Ishikawa
Miyoko Ishikawa
Masaji’s Japanese mother, known for her resilience and protective instincts toward her children. Her experiences reflect her struggle with domestic abuse and her role as a caregiver.
159
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
North Korea • 1960s
2000
Adult
18+ years
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