63 pages • 2 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
320
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
North Korea • 1990s
2015
Adult
16+ years
In The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story, Hyeonseo Lee recounts her journey from North Korea to China and eventually South Korea, starting as a curious teenager who only intended to visit China. Her journey becomes a harrowing survival tale as she navigates life as an illegal immigrant, flees danger, and ultimately secures asylum in South Korea, reuniting her family and advocating for North Korean defectors. The book includes topics such as human trafficking, brutal assaults, and near-deportation experiences.
Inspirational
Challenging
Mysterious
Emotional
Adventurous
132,209 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee captivates readers with a gripping account of her defection from North Korea. Praised for its heartfelt narrative and deep insights into North Korean life, the memoir also faces criticism for occasional pacing issues and lack of broader geopolitical analysis. Overall, it remains a powerful testament to resilience and courage.
Readers who are captivated by stories of resilience, political intrigue, and personal transformation will enjoy The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee. Fans of Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden and In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park will find this memoir of defection from North Korea equally compelling and thought-provoking.
132,209 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lee’s Mother
A resourceful woman who defies societal expectations in North Korea, ultimately undertaking a challenging escape through China and Laos to reach South Korea.
Lee’s Father
A North Korean military officer who transitions to a trade role, leading to significant conflicts and personal challenges that affect his family dynamics.
Min-ho
Lee’s younger half-brother who becomes inadvertently involved in his family's escape from North Korea, demonstrating loyalty and adaptability.
Uncle Jung-gil
Lee’s supportive uncle in Shenyang, who provides shelter and guidance during her time in China, although their relationship becomes strained.
Aunt Sang-hee
The wife of Uncle Jung-gil, who is part of Lee's extended family network in China.
Geun-soo
A Korean-Chinese heir with whom Lee is initially expected to marry, but she ultimately decides to pursue a different path.
Ok-hee
A fellow North Korean refugee and friend of Lee, who shares a mutual reliance and support system while planning their asylum journey.
Dick Stolp
An Australian who displays altruism by assisting Lee’s family in Laos, exemplifying kindness and support for their transition.
Kim
A South Korean real estate heir who plays a significant role in Lee's move to South Korea, and offers her consistent support despite societal barriers.
Brian
Lee's American husband, who inspires her to become a public speaker and advocate for North Korean human rights.
Mr. Ahn
An illicit trading partner of Lee's mother in China, who assists Lee during her initial escape and her subsequent efforts to help her family defect.
320
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
North Korea • 1990s
2015
Adult
16+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.