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The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Hyeonseo Lee

The Girl with Seven Names

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

North Korea • 1990s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.5

132,209 ratings

91%

Loved it

7%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Girl with Seven Names?

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.

4.5

132,209 ratings

91%

Loved it

7%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Hyeonseo Lee

A courageous young woman from North Korea who navigates a perilous journey through China and eventually to South Korea, demonstrating resilience and ingenuity in her pursuit of freedom.

A resourceful woman who defies societal expectations in North Korea, ultimately undertaking a challenging escape through China and Laos to reach South Korea.

A North Korean military officer who transitions to a trade role, leading to significant conflicts and personal challenges that affect his family dynamics.

Lee’s younger half-brother who becomes inadvertently involved in his family's escape from North Korea, demonstrating loyalty and adaptability.

Lee’s supportive uncle in Shenyang, who provides shelter and guidance during her time in China, although their relationship becomes strained.

The wife of Uncle Jung-gil, who is part of Lee's extended family network in China.

A Korean-Chinese heir with whom Lee is initially expected to marry, but she ultimately decides to pursue a different path.

A fellow North Korean refugee and friend of Lee, who shares a mutual reliance and support system while planning their asylum journey.

An Australian who displays altruism by assisting Lee’s family in Laos, exemplifying kindness and support for their transition.

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.

Lee's American husband, who inspires her to become a public speaker and advocate for North Korean human rights.

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.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

North Korea • 1990s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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