Heather J. (ReadingAddict) reviewed Ten Thousand Sorrows: The Extraordinary Journey of a Korean War Orphan on + 102 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This was rather depressing. The author basically gives a litany of the things that have gone wrong in her life. I kept expecting things to get better, for her to make some breakthrough, but it really doesn't happen. Yes, her life improves, yes, she is doing better now, but the book is completely and utterly depressing. Reading the last few chapters felt like listening in on her sessions with a shrink; they were all about expressing everything you feel, regardless of the consequences. I usually recommend books to my Dad when I finish them ⦠this one went right back onto PBS.
Melinda G. (melindaglover04) reviewed Ten Thousand Sorrows: The Extraordinary Journey of a Korean War Orphan on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The book's not perfect but that's not why I read. I read hoping an author has something insightful to say for themselves. Elizabeth Kim does.
Kim's experience growing up in a Fundamentalist home is quite similar to mine but since she was born in Korea - the feeling of alienation, as someone who didn't resonate with that "way", was even stronger for her. At times her story seemed a bit melodramatic and overstated....but coming from the same background I understand that there's real truth in her experiences and emotional responses.
I think you'll know based on what I've written whether this would be an interesting read for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Kim's experience growing up in a Fundamentalist home is quite similar to mine but since she was born in Korea - the feeling of alienation, as someone who didn't resonate with that "way", was even stronger for her. At times her story seemed a bit melodramatic and overstated....but coming from the same background I understand that there's real truth in her experiences and emotional responses.
I think you'll know based on what I've written whether this would be an interesting read for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Bianca A. (biancaa) reviewed Ten Thousand Sorrows: The Extraordinary Journey of a Korean War Orphan on + 3 more book reviews
Wow this heart-wrenching story is so very well written. Once I started reading it I couldn't put the book down. This one is staying in my library.
Holly L. (irunamuk) reviewed Ten Thousand Sorrows: The Extraordinary Journey of a Korean War Orphan on
Shows the dangers of fanatical religions and the damage that can be done.
Denise A. reviewed Ten Thousand Sorrows: The Extraordinary Journey of a Korean War Orphan on + 9 more book reviews
Considering that "honor killings" have never been a historical part of Korean history, i found some of the book difficult to believe as nonfiction book. In the past, Koreans have not exactly been thrilled with half-Korean children being born in Korea, but would they kill a family member over having and raising a half-Korean child? I really don't think so. More than likely, they would have pressured the mother into placing the child for adoption instead. So, take the rest of the book with a grain of salt.
