Like much of North Korea, Songmi Han lived in desperate poverty. As a child, she and her family endured extreme hardship, with many meals consisting of little more than grass. Domestic abuse, grueling physical labor, emotional abuse, and hunger were constant in her life. School was out of the question, and she and her mother stole food to survive. Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughter’s Search for Her Mother and Herself, written by Songmi Han and Casey Lartigue Jr., recounts Songmi’s childhood and escape from North Korea in a perilous and gripping narrative.

Songmi’s story of growing up in this military state is both shocking and endearing. Public executions, likely for population control, are described in distressing detail. However, according to Songmi, this wasn’t the worst of her experiences. The book’s emotional undertone, with themes of relationships, psychological well-being, and self-reflection, adds to its poignancy. The last page is particularly moving, and the simple book cover perfectly matches the story.

The raw descriptions are the book’s strength. Songmi vividly recalls her childhood through the eyes of both the child she was and the woman she has become. The tone is also notable; while the writing is fluent and professional, it still captures the authenticity of Songmi’s perspective. The extensive acknowledgements at the end showcase her deep gratitude to those who helped her, a touching tribute that I hope they will read one day.

This book has been life-changing for me. Songmi’s story ignited a curiosity in me, and the four or five other stories I’ve read since are equally heartbreaking. At one point, Songmi wondered if anyone would want to read her story. Most readers likely can’t fathom the depravity and oppression North Koreans endure, but every person who reads this book will learn something from her experiences. You may need to read it twice to fully grasp its power—it’s that impactful.

--From the Online Book Club, July 2022