Historical Fiction Book Club - Past Titles: "In Order to Live" by Yeonmi Park

1. Survival and Resilience:

   • How does Yeonmi Park demonstrate resilience and the will to survive throughout her journey? What specific instances highlight her strength in the face of adversity?

2. Life in North Korea:

   • Explore Yeonmi's descriptions of life in North Korea. What aspects of the regime's control and propaganda stood out to you? How did these conditions shape her worldview?

3. Escape and Journey:

   • Discuss the challenges and dangers faced by Yeonmi and her family during their escape from North Korea. How did they navigate the complex and perilous journey?

4. Human Trafficking and Exploitation:

   • Analyze Yeonmi's experiences with human trafficking and exploitation. How do these experiences shed light on the broader issue of human rights violations?

5. Culture Shock and Adaptation:

   • As Yeonmi transitions from North Korea to China and later to South Korea, how does she experience culture shock, and how does she adapt to her new surroundings?

6. Impact of Trauma:

   • Examine the psychological and emotional impact of the traumatic events described in the memoir. How does Yeonmi cope with the trauma, and what role does resilience play in her healing process?

7. Individual vs. Collective:

   • Consider the tension between individual freedom and the collective authority portrayed in the book. How do Yeonmi's personal choices and desires clash with the expectations of society?

8. International Response:

   • Reflect on the international response to the plight of North Korean refugees. How does the memoir highlight the challenges they face and the role of the global community in addressing these issues?

9. Freedom and Identity:

   • Explore the concept of freedom as portrayed in the memoir. How does Yeonmi redefine her sense of identity and autonomy after escaping from North Korea?

10. Human Rights Advocacy:

    • Discuss Yeonmi Park's advocacy for human rights, especially for the people of North Korea. How does her personal story contribute to raising awareness about the broader issues?

11. Power Dynamics:

    • Analyze the power dynamics at play within the different settings Yeonmi finds herself in. How do power imbalances shape her interactions with others?

12. Reflection on Privilege:

    • Consider the concept of privilege as it appears in the memoir. How do various characters, including Yeonmi herself, navigate privilege or the lack thereof?

The history of North Korea is complex and marked by political events, conflicts, and geopolitical dynamics. Here is a brief timeline of key events in North Korea's history:

• 1945:

  • Korea is liberated from Japanese occupation at the end of World War II. The Korean Peninsula is divided along the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union occupying the north and the United States occupying the south.

• 1948:

  • The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) is officially established under Kim Il-sung, with Pyongyang as its capital.

• 1950-1953: Korean War:

  • North Korea invades South Korea, leading to the Korean War. The conflict ends in an armistice in 1953, with the Korean Peninsula remaining divided along the demilitarized zone (DMZ).

• 1953-1960s: Post-War Reconstruction:

  • North Korea focuses on post-war reconstruction with support from the Soviet Union and China. Kim Il-sung solidifies his leadership.

• 1970s: Juche Ideology:

  • Kim Il-sung introduces Juche, the state ideology emphasizing self-reliance. North Korea becomes increasingly isolated from the international community.

• 1994: Death of Kim Il-sung:

  • Kim Il-sung, the founding leader, dies, and his son, Kim Jong-il, succeeds him.

• 1990s: Famine and Economic Struggles:

  • North Korea faces a severe famine, leading to widespread food shortages. The country experiences economic difficulties during this period.

• 2006: Nuclear Test:

  • North Korea conducts its first nuclear test, raising international concerns. Subsequent tests in 2009 and 2013 contribute to tensions in the region.

• 2011: Death of Kim Jong-il:

  • Kim Jong-il dies, and his son, Kim Jong-un, assumes leadership.

• 2017-2018: Diplomatic Developments:

  • North Korea engages in diplomatic talks, including summits with South Korea and the United States. These talks focus on denuclearization and the normalization of relations.

• 2019-2020: Tensions and Military Demonstrations:

  • North Korea conducts missile tests, raising tensions in the region. Diplomatic efforts continue, but progress is limited.

• 2021: Economic Challenges and Pandemic:

  • North Korea faces economic challenges, exacerbated by factors such as international sanctions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please note that this timeline provides a high-level overview of key events in North Korea's history. The political and international situation on the Korean Peninsula is dynamic.

• Birth and Early Life:

  • Yeonmi Park was born on October 4, 1993, in Hyesan, North Korea. She grew up in a society where information was tightly controlled, and her family lived under the authoritarian regime led by Kim Jong-il.

• Escape from North Korea:

  • In 2007, when Yeonmi was just 13 years old, she and her family embarked on a perilous journey to escape North Korea. They crossed the Yalu River into China, facing the challenges of human trafficking, exploitation, and the constant threat of being discovered and sent back.

• Traumatic Experiences:

  • During their escape, Yeonmi and her mother experienced human trafficking and exploitation. They faced tremendous challenges, including living in hiding and grappling with harsh conditions.

• Journey to South Korea:

  • After making their way through China, Yeonmi and her mother eventually reached South Korea, where they sought asylum. Their journey was marked by the difficulties faced by North Korean refugees seeking freedom.

• Human Rights Activism:

  • Following her escape, Yeonmi Park became an outspoken advocate for human rights, particularly focusing on the plight of North Koreans. She has shared her personal experiences in various forums to raise awareness about the human rights abuses in North Korea.

• Public Speaking and Advocacy:

  • Yeonmi has become a prominent public speaker, delivering speeches and talks at international events and institutions. Her advocacy work has aimed at shedding light on the human rights situation in North Korea and promoting global awareness.

• Memoir - "In Order to Live":

  • In 2015, Yeonmi Park published her memoir, "In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom." The book details her harrowing experiences in North Korea, the escape, and the challenges she faced afterward. The memoir has been widely acclaimed for its honesty and the insight it provides into the realities of life in North Korea.

• Recognition and Awards:

  • Yeonmi Park has received recognition for her courage and advocacy. She has been awarded various honors and has been invited to speak at prestigious events and institutions.