The Reluctant Communist: My Desertion, Court-Martial, and Forty-Year Imprisonment in North Korea
byCharles Robert Jenkins
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99 customer reviews
From Australia
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Review
"One of the most important and devastating accounts of life inside a totalitarian society."-- "Commentary" (5/1/2008 12:00:00 AM)
From the Inside Flap
"This story by Robert Jenkins of his four decades in North Korea represents a rare opportunity to view life in one of the most reclusive societies in the world, offering unprecedented insights for both specialists and the general reader."--Robert Scalapino, University of California, Berkeley
"This is an incredible story of betrayal, love and the search for redemption. Robert Jenkins is a modern-day Robinson Crusoe, isolated from the outside world, and relying on his wits to survive in a nightmarish parody of a nation where nothing is as it seems. Living in constant fear and violence, Jenkins's efforts to grow food, dig a well, heat his home, generate electricity and to find companionship, trust and ultimately love, lend this rough and ready narrative an unexpected depth. Set within the bizarre and Orwellian surroundings of North Korea during the late 20th century, Jenkins's account is like no other I've ever read."--Jasper Becker, author of Rogue Regime: The Continuing Threat of North Korea
"Charles Jenkins' memoir is a genuinely unique account of the only American ever to live in North Korea for most of his life and return to write about it. Part biography, part eyewitness testimony, part apology, this book takes Mr. Jenkins from a childhood in the segregated South to a U.S. Army ruling the roost in South Korea in the 1950s, to a North Korea that saw him as a real-life Martian, but a valuable one for use in Cold War propaganda."--Bruce Cummings, Chairman of the History Department at the University of Chicago
From the Back Cover
"This story by Robert Jenkins of his four decades in North Korea represents a rare opportunity to view life in one of the most reclusive societies in the world, offering unprecedented insights for both specialists and the general reader."--Robert Scalapino, University of California, Berkeley
"This is an incredible story of betrayal, love and the search for redemption. Robert Jenkins is a modern-day Robinson Crusoe, isolated from the outside world, and relying on his wits to survive in a nightmarish parody of a nation where nothing is as it seems. Living in constant fear and violence, Jenkins's efforts to grow food, dig a well, heat his home, generate electricity and to find companionship, trust and ultimately love, lend this rough and ready narrative an unexpected depth. Set within the bizarre and Orwellian surroundings of North Korea during the late 20th century, Jenkins's account is like no other I've ever read."--Jasper Becker, author of Rogue Regime: The Continuing Threat of North Korea
"Charles Jenkins' memoir is a genuinely unique account of the only American ever to live in North Korea for most of his life and return to write about it. Part biography, part eyewitness testimony, part apology, this book takes Mr. Jenkins from a childhood in the segregated South to a U.S. Army ruling the roost in South Korea in the 1950s, to a North Korea that saw him as a real-life Martian, but a valuable one for use in Cold War propaganda."--Bruce Cummings, Chairman of the History Department at the University of Chicago
About the Author
Charles Robert Jenkins is a former United States Army soldier who lived in North Korea from 1965 to 2004. He now lives in Japan. Jim Frederick was Time magazine's Tokyo bureau chief from 2002 to 2006 and is now a Time senior editor stationed in London.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars OMG
Reviewed in Australia on 14 October 2024
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Thank God for the miraculous escape of the late Mr. Jenkins from n.k. and for someone penning his story in such a beautiful and funny and desperate fashion!
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Gen Melchet
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting memoir of foolish American soldier
Reviewed in Australia on 1 April 2024
Format: Paperback
Interesting autobiography of very foolish and ignorant American soldier who paid the price of desertion and abandoning his soldiers and his people by being forced to stay in North Korea and experience dictatorial and inhuman Kim Il Sung communist regime. It is not that badly written, there are many interesting observations by author himself and also by a journalist who wrote it. But many questions remain unanswered and despite some sympathy for the misery and pain Mr Jenkins has suffered, his actions were often very wrong and hard to explain. I think he was quite aware of that, and you can sense huge guilt building up in him in the whole book for what he has turn his life into.
But this book is also a great source of information of how malignant and disastrous any dictatorial regime, especially communist, can be. I grew up in one and I must confirm that things are very similar to what Mr Jenkins experienced and can actually get much, much worse. I think Mr Jenkins probably did many more horrible things then he described, and did many of them even without being pushed by leaders and cadres (like snitching and reporting on other US and foreign citizens with whom he came in contact - standard communist regime practice) which were nicely omitted probably by author himself and journalist somehow forgot to investigate further in this direction. That is the final truth of the communist dictatorial state like North Korea - they will take any free individual and destroy its freedom, its thinking and any remaining free will to the point that living loses any purpose and sense, so well described in the book. It is also a warning to all of us that any dictatorial regime like North Korea or Russia, Iran and many others must be seriously taken and dealt with firmly and mercilessly and that main task of every free citizen on this planet is to fight regimes like this to the tooth and nail. The worst mistake anyone can make, as Mr Jenkins eventually found out in a very bad way, is to take communist dictatorship (or any other for that matter) lightly and to expect to be treated at least to extent as a human being. It will not happen, as communist dictatorships are by definition inhuman and lethal even for its own citizens let alone foreigners (enemies and friends alike). Too bad that Mr Jenkins, who was so lucky to be born free and in democracy (despite being poor, for as he probably understood later, it is way better to be dirt poor in democracy then to be rich and powerful in communist utopia state), by sheer ignorance and foolishness accepted voluntarily to be stripped of all freedom and to live next 40 years as a slave in miserable and inhuman conditions (the worse part, though not described well in the book, is watching your children being systematically brainwashed and turned into slaves who will obey anything that state requests no question asked - worst experience for any parent).
This is a must read for anyone who believes that communism and socialism can bring prosperity and happiness to the society. They can't - they will only bring misery, slavery and poverty as they are built on destroying individual freedom.
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From other countries
Safetyflo
5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty damn good book!
Reviewed in Germany on 23 September 2019
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Mr Jenkins tells his story without gloryfying himself or what he has done. It gives us a good view of the life under the Kim dynasty a way better than "in order to live"
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Wilbert
5.0 out of 5 stars A truly interesting read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 April 2013
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I really enjoyed reading this book, it gives such a fascinating insight into what is the unique story of Charles Jenkins. A must read for people who are interested in North Korea.
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Avid Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Candid memoir
Reviewed in Canada on 7 August 2022
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Candid memoir of Jenkin’s 40 year confinement in North Korea and his fortunate escape. Insights into North Korean culture and society under the communist regime there. I’m glad I ordered it.
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Dash Manchette
5.0 out of 5 stars An Ordinary Man, an Extraordinary Life
Reviewed in the United States on 14 August 2009
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In the hierarchy of mistakes, there are the small ones, the big ones and the ones so monumental that it is difficult to make sense of them. Charles Robert Jenkins made the last type while stationed in South Korea on the Demilitarized Zone in the early 1960s. Looking at a potential court martial (amazingly, for acts he had not yet even committed!), he walked across the border into the hands of North Korea. He joined three other American servicemen who had crossed the line, of which only James Joseph Dresnok remains (and who is the subject of the excellent documentary Crossing the Line), the other two having died in North Korea.
Jenkins never intended to stay in North Korea. Other soldiers facing a court martial had crossed the line between West and East Germany, to be then transferred to Moscow and later transferred back to the United States. Yes, they were still court martialled, but the distance away from the scene of their dereliction took some of the sting out. But North Korea is different. It did not let Jenkins, or the other three deserters, go. Trying its best to use him for purposes such as starring in propaganda movies or teaching English at a spy college, Jenkins found himself a 40 year `guest' of the largest political prison on the planet.
Jenkins' descriptions of daily life in North Korea are exceptionally illuminating, casting a light into a place notorious for keeping the outside world in the dark. The most striking aspect is not the physical deprivations, fighting the bitter cold and hunger with meager resources. Instead, the truly chilling part of Jenkins' tale, the part that really takes us into Orwellian territory, is how much every intimate detail of his life was subject to state control. The authorities (or the "Organization" as Jenkins came to call them) monitored how much sex he had with his live-in cook with which they tried to pair him (not enough, as the two did not get along), would move him to a different house with only a few hours notice, would dictate what work he did, everything. THE RELUCTANT COMMUNIST, written in Jenkins' own style of speaking, is very absorbing.
The North Koreans eventually fixed him up with a wife, but it turned out years later to backfire on them. Jenkins' wife was one of the poor unfortunates kidnapped from Japan by North Korea to help with the North Korean spy program (another abductee was the subject of another excellent documentary, Abduction: the Megumi Yokota Story). When North Korea, amazingly, came clean (to some degree) about these abductions, diplomacy got Jenkins' wife, followed by Jenkins himself and their two daughters, out of NK and back to Japan. Jenkins is convinced that someone fumbled the ball and failed to realize that his wife was married to one of the American defectors, and that otherwise, her name would not have been included in the list of those NK admitted to taking.
Some might say that Jenkins was a coward for deserting in the first place. Maybe. But it took a lot of courage to go back and face the authorities, especially without knowing beforehand that his sentence would be a light thirty days in the brig, and also given that North Korea was feeding him worst-case scenarios of his life behind bars if he went to Japan. Jenkins did the right thing and for the right reason. Not only to keep his family together, but to prevent his daughters from being taken (not recruited - taken) for a spy program, knowing that, when that happened, he would likely never see them again. Jenkins took the chance at life-long imprisonment to give his daughters a better life, especially pressing as the oldest was starting to drink the ideological Kool-Aid.
THE RELUCTANT COMMUNIST is not about an especially heroic man. It is, though, about an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances who did the right thing in the end. It is readable, enjoyable, and, in its own perverse way, very entertaining.
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Daniel Hough
4.0 out of 5 stars Great, especially for newbie
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 October 2012
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This is a great account of the bizarre and twisted world of the DPRK. It demonstrates an evolution of the country over many years, as well as a unique insight into what it's like being a foreigner there - and how differently you get treated.
Some reviewers say there's nothing new here - maybe not, but if you're new to the subject of one of the world's most enigmatic nations, this is a great starting point.
The writing style is not dramatic, and the author does not add any flair to the story - it's not necessary. The content alone makes up for the lack of flair, and it's easy to imagine an ageing American man telling the story to you.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting perspective and description of life in North Korea. ...
Reviewed in Canada on 25 July 2018
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Interesting perspective and description of life in North Korea. Particularly relevant in the context of the current U.S. president's overtures to the dictator Kim.
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Rokodera
4.0 out of 5 stars A Harrowing Tale of Desertion and Redemption
Reviewed in the United States on 4 April 2008
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The Reluctant Communist is the harrowing tale of Charles Robert Jenkins' life in North Korea following his desertion from the US Army in 1965. The story is bookended with an exposition of his life before desertion and his ultimate escape in 2003 and new life in Japan.
On the book's cover, we see Jenkins staring out from the cover of the Reluctant Communist with a near-expressionless face that belies the gripping tale he tells inside. It's part biography, part confession, part travelogue, part political history, part prodigal son, and ALL thriller. The work brings to vivid life the struggle of the individual against a profoundly evil socialist state.
Jenkins teamed with Jim Frederick of Time to write the book. The co-author manages to keep himself in the background for most of the story, limiting himself to the Foreword and to organizing Jenkins' tale into a coherent whole. To his credit, Frederick's discipline helps to retain the plain talk of Jenkins and lend the story an authentic voice, while still moving the story forward at a nice clip.
Frederick, hailing from Time Magazine, stumbles once when he inserts gratuitous references to America's racist past in the passages leading up to the desertion. But, thankfully, this PC irrelevancy isn't enough to veer the story over the cliff, and is redeemed by everything that follows.
The book could have benefited from a few maps, photos, and/or sketches to personalize the story. Without doubt, there is atill an untold but related story of Japanese abductees. One hopes Frederick will tackle that next, since he glosses over this here. But, these are quibbles in an otherwise gripping yarn. Do not miss this book!
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B. Drake
5.0 out of 5 stars A+ Read!
Reviewed in the United States on 3 September 2025
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I remember reading a book called Rogue Regime about the Kim dynasty in 2004. I lent the book to a friend and we both talked about what we had read in the book about N. Korea kidnapping Japanese women and foreigners. We both had doubts this was real. A few weeks later we were sitting at a bar watching TV when the new broke about Jenkins turning himself in in Japan. We both looked at each other and said, "It was all true!" I read the Time magazine article that followed just a few weeks after Jenkins' U. S. apprehension and finally read this book in 2025. It is a very good book, easy to read, and tells the story simply and in order. Who knows if Jenkins is telling the full truth or not but, for us, the readers, we get an insight into what a privileged life was like in North Korea. The author did a terrific job with this book. I recommend this to anyone interested in the subject.
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Bonesy
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in Canada on 30 December 2020
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Great book. Great product just as described. Highly recommended!
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Squeaky mouse
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 December 2017
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A book that finally answers the why did he do it question
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TR
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 December 2013
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Very unique experience, Interesting read, couldn't put it down!! highly recommended if you are interested in north korea. good book.
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Peter E. Schielke
5.0 out of 5 stars peschielke@hotmail.com personal knowledge
Reviewed in the United States on 14 March 2010
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The "Reluctant Communist" was extremely interesting and enjoyable to read because of some of the personal knowledge this reader had with one of the defectors. Larry Allen Abshier was one of four US Army defectors who lived together with the author Charles Robert Jenkins in North Korea. Abshier left his US Army post in the spring of 1962, never to return to the United States. He died of an apparent heart attack in North Korea in 1983. Abshier and I were in the same company of the 1st Calvary Division although in different platoons. We were sent into the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea as infantry soldiers to perform duty on outposts, foot patrols and stakeouts. Our job was to report any North Korean activity or any incursion by the North Korean army into the South. My understanding was that Abshier had gotten into an argument with the mess sergeant and was reprimanded by the 1st sergeant and may have received some type of nonjudicial punishment for his insubordination.This apparently worked on his weak emotional mind and while at an outpost, left his rifle and headed into North Korea to what he may have perceived as being a better alternative to the rigors of the treatment he received from the US Army. A few days later, we soldiers were listening to the communist propaganda on the radio from Pyongyang the capital city of North Korea. Abshier reportedly told his captors that the US Army in South Korea was preparing to wage war with the North and were bringing equipment and weapons to the border in readiness to make an invasion into the North. The army was also running their military vehicles through the towns and villages and raping and plundering as they went. Wow! What a completely unbelievable piece of propaganda that was! The broadcast went on to state that Abshier was now in a better environment and would be receiving an education and training into the Communist North Korean culture. Reminds me of the brainwashing from the movie "The Manchurian Candidate". That was the last I heard from Larry Abshier until the publishing of this book. It was enlightening for me personally to now know the culmination of what took place and the continuity of the time from the defection to his death.
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Rick
5.0 out of 5 stars Receiving the product
Reviewed in Canada on 22 July 2018
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All good
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RB
2.0 out of 5 stars A curiosity but not much more
Reviewed in Canada on 2 January 2010
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Memoirs written by a reluctant American defector to North Korea who spent four decades in the enigmatic dictatorship - sounds like it should be a page-turner, but it isn't. Assuming the book is accurate - this isn't a cheap shot, but it is naturally difficult to verify many of the book's claims - it is still a flat and depressing read. To this reader, at least, it has little of the gripping, inspiring quality of many memoirs of survival under oppression. One simply gets the impression of a tragic figure who lived to regret a youthful error - lived to regret it for forty years, and glumly recounts his ordeal when it is finally over. This isn't Mr Jenkins' fault - he probably just needed a better editor or co-author, or perhaps would have been better to simply get on with his life as he understandably wishes to, rather than writing about this painful eternity.
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Mogens Justesen
3.0 out of 5 stars Strange planet
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 October 2013
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Well, this guy obviously has an extraordinary story to tell. Others have been there, too, oneself included, but only as a tourist for a couple of weeks. But it's a strange planet, and Robert Jenkins was there for decades. He deserted from the US Army in South Korea, fled to the North, got married to a Japanese abductee, and finally and happily ended up with his wife and kids in Japan. A fascinating story.
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Langfocus Paul
4.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating look at life in North Korea
Reviewed in the United States on 14 May 2013
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If you`re at all interested in North Korea, or in Japan or Asia in general, then you`ll enjoy reading this book. It`s hard to fathom just how backward and stuck in a 1950s timewarp North Korea actually is. It`s also hard to fathom just how little freedom people actually have there - essentially NONE. But reading Jenkins` story gave me a vivid image of life inside the country.
The lives of the American desserters and foreign abductees in North Korea (such as Jenkins` wife Hitomi Soga) is bizarre and pathetic. North Korea is just a lifeless country, and it`s clear in this book that they are trying to extract blood from a stone and live some semblance of a normal life while living in extreme austerity and without the freedom to go out as they please or meet friends. They were not free to talk to people without their government assigned minder with them, and in most cases were not permitted. The stories of them wanting to talk to another foreigner they see in public but having to settle for a furtive nod and hello, are sad and reinforce how lonely life was there.
One of my favorite parts was reading about Jenkins` daughters who grew up in North Korea and didn`t know how messed up it was, but are shocked and excited by the stimulation of the world when they finally leave in 2004. Taking care of his family and keeping the family from being split up became Jenkins` mission, in the absence of anything else to live for.
I knocked it down 1 star because it was quite short, and I wanted more stories. But I suspect there weren`t so many stories to tell even after his 39 years in North Korea, because they just weren`t allowed to do much. And I guess that`s the point.
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AshleyC
5.0 out of 5 stars The True Story of “Crossing the Line”
Reviewed in the United States on 8 March 2026
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I came to this book after watching what was mostly North Korea propaganda version of the story of these four Americans’ lives from Dresnok’s perspective- who is both a flawed historian due to his own bias and not in a position to tell the truth because of being basically a hostage of DPRK (North Korea). But this book is the reason they didn’t want to let go of any of those Americans - they had seen too much even if they were kept apart from the suffering. It was fascinating to hear about the corruption and desperation consistent with other defectors’ stories and so glad he was granted mercy in the end. I think of going to DPRK as a choice that only the most dire of circumstances would push most people to consider and once they do they regret it immediately and it inevitably becomes its own punishment. Those who are lucky enough to escape need our compassion and not our judgement.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 September 2016
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Fascinating and disturbing
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Mike
3.0 out of 5 stars 40 Years of Wasted Life in the Land of the Bizarre
Reviewed in the United States on 4 May 2012
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What a bleak world Jenkins paints of life in North Korea. Though he was spared much of the abuse and terror inflicted on many North Koreans who cross the tyrannt pygmies that run the nation, he nonetheless was a prisoner in a country that is one giant penitentiary.
Not as tough a read as Escape from Camp 14 nor Aquariums of Pyongyang in terms of brutality, Jenkins nonetheless paints a compelling portrait of the hopelessness of life in North Korea--and he and his other American deserter friends had it relatively good compared to the average North Korean, certainly being spared the full brunt of the depravation experienced by most North Koreans.
The story of Jenkins' crossing the DMZ is pretty fascinating, though I was never clear how he got across such a heavily fenced and fortified frontier. But cross he did which put him into a truly twisted world for the next 4 decades.
Other unanswered questions by the book are why the North Koreans spent so much in the way of resources on him, especially in his final years in North Korea, when according to Jenkins they really made very little use of him other than as an English teacher and as an actor in the occassional propaganda film. One example of this is he and his family apparently being given enough food to exist on while much of the rest of North Korea was starving under mass famine in the 90s.
It doesn't seem to me Jenkins could have been all that valuable to them, especially since he had no intel. or secrets to reveal. Perhaps he did more for them than he's willing to reveal, or realizing he may one day go back to the West the Koreans thought he might return singing the praises of life in North Korea if they spoiled him a bit. As with so much else with this bizarre regime, I doubt few outside the Kim dynasty inner circle really knows the reasons for their enigmatic behaviors.
One can at least be glad that some good came of this awful experience in that he met and fell in love with his Japanese wife while in Korea, a hapless young woman who had been kidnapped from Japan years prior as a young girl by North Korea agents. The book does a good job of bringing focus to these largely ignored atrocities of North Koreans snatching people from countries throughout the world to force them to become spies or to train North Korean agents in foreign languages. I'm not sure whether this is an on-going practice by the North Koreans, but I'd say the most valuable contribution of Jenkins's book is building awareness of these crimes by the North Korean tyrannts.
The book is a tad souless and I think heavily ghost written being as Mr. Jenkins is not a well-educated man. As a result it's a little lifeless. But then maybe that represents well the existence Jenkins endured in North Korea for 40 years. I never really felt a connection with Jenkins like I did with Shin in Escape from Camp 14 or those North Koreans portrayed in Nothing to Envy. You certainly sympathize with him for the occassional abuse he endured and the bleak, controlled existence he lived in North Korea.
I was prepared to judge Jenkins rather harshly when this story first popped up in the news about 8 years ago, but as you read his story you realize he was just a simple guy who as a young man made a terrible error in judgment, fearing the possibility of being sent to Vietnam and in the ensuing anxiety brought on by that perhaps broke down mentally and acted impulsively. It's clear he never intended to stay in North Korea for long hoping to be turned over to the Russians and sent back to the US where he'd face a less harsh court martial. I'm grateful the US Army ultimately let him off lightly when he eventually made it to Japan, realizing he had suffered enough. I think that reflects well on the country and the kind of people we are.
I am happy for Mr. Jenkins that he's raised a solid family and honors his marriage to a woman who seems to be a quality individual. I'm also happy for him that he has an idyllic life in Japan after 40 years of depravation in North Korea.
This is a good read for anyone interested in life in North Korea, though not as engrossing as other books I've read about North Koreans enduring the horror show known as life in North Korea. It's also a bit short on nail biter moments of tension like you get in other books by North Koreans who escaped their country's oppression. But you'll get a good feel for how surreal life is in this truly freakish nation.
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kindle
5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful story of persistence and hope
Reviewed in the United States on 31 March 2026
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It's hard to put this down. A story of pure grit and miracles. You truly feel grateful for freedom. Wonderfully and genuinely written.
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Eliezer
4.0 out of 5 stars North Korea through the eyes of a Westerner
Reviewed in the United States on 10 January 2013
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The story of Charles Robert Jenkins piques your interest right away: a 24-year-old Army sergeant gets drunk and walks across the North-South Korean demilitarized zone, is trapped in one of the world's most dictatorial nations, and is finally released to the Japanese 40 years later. "The Reluctant Communist" is a memoir written by Mr. Jenkins to reflect on his decades of imprisonment in the totalitarian society known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Mr. Jenkins recalls his idiocy that fateful day in 1965 when he deserted his unit in hopes of getting handed off to the Soviets, and then extradited to the United States to serve a short prison sentence. His plan immediately begins falling apart once he crosses the 38th parallel. When the North Koreans capture Mr. Jenkins, they immediately begin interrogating him for information. He knew that he was in trouble when he was thrown into a group with three other American deserters, one of which told him he "just jumped in the fire."
He describes the entire country as a "giant prison," which the U.S. State Department estimates as having a population of 25 million people. Mr. Jenkins was once told by one of the North Korean cadre that Kim Il-Sung himself said that one American was worth 100 Koreans, leading him to believe the officials wouldn't kill him or his compatriots. North Korean officials even decide to use him and the other Americans as stars in North Korean propaganda movies to portray the evil Westerners against the heroic North Koreans. He admits he has had a slightly better lifestyle compared to other less fortunate North Koreans, though it was by no means lavish. (The least fortunate are the estimated 200,000 North Koreans currently residing in hard labor camps, a terrible lifestyle reserved for traitors and their families.)
Mr. Jenkins repeatedly expresses deep regret in abandoning his unit in 1965, and accepts a 30-day sentence from the U.S. Army after his escape. This book explains how he managed to cope with the stressful conditions of North Korea, how he managed to start and raise a family there, and how he managed to escape to Japan with his two daughters and wife Hitomi, whom was abducted from her hometown and forcefully brought to North Korea in 1978. Mr. Jenkins is the only known Westerner to have lived most of his life in North Korea and then escape to write a memoir about it, making this book a must-read among people who want to know the inner-workings of one of the most repressive regimes on Earth. His story is one you won't forget.
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C. Courter
4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story of a soldier
Reviewed in the United States on 9 April 2010
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I stumbled across this book on accident. I've been curious, ever since seeing a CNN special on North Korea (when some group went there to perform), about what North Korea is like. We get two very conflicting views (at least I do). One is what North Korea wants us to see, that the country is doing well on its own, and believe in human rights, but also believe in punishing those who have done wrong. People seem happy, etc. However, then you read and hear about the other side, where your every move is monitored, the concentration/work camps, the lack of privacy. I've seen the pictures of the night views, where all around North Korea is lit up, and North Korea, save for a few specks, is dark.
And so I did a search on Kindle for North Korea, just wanting to see if there were any books on what life is like there, that weren't, say, written by the people in charge. I had no clue anyone actually defected to North Korea, much less US military soldiers.
So I downloaded the first chapter, and couldn't stop reading it. I purchased the entire book. And read it in 2 days (which is huge for me, considering I have serious vision problems that make reading difficult).
The story does read somewhat as though the author is still monitoring and measuring his words. However, it's amazing what he went through, and he apparently had it somewhat better than most people. I couldn't imagine not having any power, running water, heat, privacy. Or raising food, growing crops, only to have the military come take it away arbitrarily. Being forced to work in a job that was chosen for me, not one I chose. Knowing if I didn't, my life was on the line.
It's an amazing story. It covered some of the life, though not in quite as much detail as I'd hope. And his journey, in and of itself is amazing. When I realized why he defected, I realized I would have probably had a similar thought process. Not correct, not logical, but when faced with what you think is certain death, you can't help but wonder if things are really so bad on the other side. They appear to be, that's for sure.
I'm glad he survived, and was able to leave North Korea, and that he found his soulmate as well, and that it was because of her, we are able to read this amazing story.
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M. Smith
4.0 out of 5 stars Jenkins' story vs Dresnok's story
Reviewed in the United States on 1 January 2012
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Former U.S. Army Sergeant Charles Robert Jenkins' shocking story of dishonorable defection, perpetual hardship, and an unlikely romance unfold in this ghostwritten memoir told now decades after his "release" from North Korea. TIME magazine correspondent Jim Frederick assists in crafting this regret-filled attempt of rectifying Jenkins' 1965 defection and subsequent life across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into hostile territory. His life in North Korea was indeed extraordinary but is everything what it seems on the surface?
Jenkins' originally published his memoir in Japanese in 2005 and was then translated into Korean in 2006; this English language edition tells his unbelievable story from his unlikely desertion while leading a patrol, to his discovery of three other American defectors, to his adjustment to new life in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Because of his unique willingness to cross over, Jenkins and the other defectors occupied a unique position in North Korean society; not fully trusted yet strangely revered as "Cold War trophies". Some even rose to celebrity status after portraying despicable foreigners in popular propaganda films.
Although Jenkins mostly lived in rather spartan conditions, he's quick to point out that others in the North Korean countryside were not as fortunate during times of famine. His apparent ineffective brainwashing sessions were constant and government-assigned minders persistently dictated his day-to-day life. His residence changed often as did his assigned jobs; sometimes making fish nets other times teaching English. However regimented his life was, he still found himself in a situation to fall in love with a Japanese abductee. What happens when Jenkins leaves North Korea I'll leave for the reader to discover.
His narration is seductively easy to follow and makes appropriate detours when explanations are necessary to clarify context. The reader is cautiously drawn in to empathize with Jenkins and his plight. His story is told simply with few obvious embellishments. However, I'm still not fully convinced that the whole story is being fully disclosed. Jenkins' relationship with the other Americans is of particular interest, partly because some of the accounts conflict with what fellow defector Joe Dresnok recalls in the 2006 documentary Crossing the Line.
What concludes is a peculiar tale of almost Hollywood caliber. Reportedly, American film producer Brett Ratner has secured the rights to make a film adaption of Jenkins' story. One can only hope it's better than Tower Heist. That's not asking for much.
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W. Lannaman
3.0 out of 5 stars Worth the read
Reviewed in the United States on 20 April 2013
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Worth the read - if not only for the curiosity. Jenkins gives us a unique view of life in North Korea, and although I believe everything Jenkins describes about life in North Korea, he had certainly adapted to NK life. One issue I have - Jenkins doesn't provide a full explanation for his defection but only offers excuses. By his own description, the initial NKs he encountered were as shocked as anyone could be of his defection as these soldiers understood the hell of their homeland prison.
Readers owe Jim Frederick a great deal in assembling this story. Even so, Jenkins comes across as a simple country boy lacking higher intellect yet fully equipped with the cunning to survive. The story is blatantly punctuated with carefully placed contrition and regret, and while I'm sure the regret is genuine, the contrition seems partially forced. Jenkins was not living the peasant life; after earning his "value", he was paid well by the NKs, had access to privileged stores, and established beneficial relationships with the government officials in his life. In the very end (and as stated by Jenkins), it was his wife's decision to leave NK; Jenkins was fully ready to remain.
It would be interesting to see this story as a movie. Americans need to be reminded of the evils of socialism/communism and the brutality, hypocrisy, and lies of a ruling and privileged plutocracy determined to promulgate its existence at all cost. I imagine Jenkins as a cunning/sly/wily/devious Forrest Gump (per the original Groom novel), always adapting to survive. Jenkins owes America this story without profit under any circumstance. If anything, the profits should support disabled US Veterans.
I do feel some sympathy for Jenkins' having suffered, albeit by his own decision. No one should be beaten, starved, or tortured. Even more so, my greatest sympathies are for the members of the Jenkins family (at home) who suffered mental and emotional anguish because of his selfish and irresponsible actions. More sympathy flows for his wife (having been forcibly kidnapped), and his two beautiful girls born into a prison world, now adjusting to western life.
I bought the book to satisfy my curiosity, especially in light of the current NK saber rattling. It's a fast and easy read, following a logical timeline. There is a feeling of reduced or heavily edited information; 40 years compressed into less than 250 pages leaves a lot of unanswered questions.
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A Survivalist
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting story.
Reviewed in the United States on 8 December 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I have only read about a third of it and it does make you thing about ours and theirs lifestyle. A recommended book for people who bad mouth the USA.
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Patientspider
3.0 out of 5 stars A look through the keyhole of a prison
Reviewed in the United States on 2 September 2008
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Charles Robert Jenkins is a man who is modestly interesting in spite of himself, although his is not a very appealing personality. He grew up in an impoverished family in North Carolina. Poorly educated, he joined the Army as a teenager and ultimately defected to North Korea, for reasons which, even now, he seems unable to really articulate. Unable to leave, he made a life for himself, a life which is a kind of testimony to the rigors of existence in North Korea. I say "kind of," since Jenkins and the other American deserters did not suffer nearly as much as ordinary North Koreans, especially during the "Arduous March" starvation period of the early nineties. An unreflective man, prone to drink, buffeted by events, he emerged from North Korea only because he was married to a Japanese abductee. Today, he evidently lives happily in his wife's hometown in Japan. You won't learn much about North Korean society from this slender book; Jenkins is not much of an observer. Or perhaps he is holding back. It is impossible to tell. In any case, his account of the narrow life he led adds only a small bit of detail to what's known about this closed society. A more interesting account of this same experience is the film "Crossing the Line," about Jenkins's fellow deserter, James Joseph Dresnok, who is still in North Korea.
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cccp
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting but narrow-minded
Reviewed in the United States on 19 March 2014
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
After having seen the unbelievable documentary 'Crossing the line' I wanted more. So I ordered this book, which by the way turned out to be a second hand copy from a library in Ohio (I guess they're missing it now ;-). I found this book to be interesting, but also a bit disappointing. Don't expect any 'couleure locale' in this book, no introspection, no political hindsights, no clever remarks, no human analysis and so forth. Robert Jenkins of course is no writer nor a philosopher, he's just a plain dimwitted simpleton from the US with no ideas about - nor any real interest in- the world around him. That's what makes the book disappointing to me. The book does give a fairly good insight though as to what happened to the four American deserters after they crossed the demarcation line of the DMZ in Korea, and so it is interesting on a historical note. I didn't find any common ground with Jenkins whatsoever throughout the book and I couldn't identify with him at all on any level. If it weren't for his Japanese wife, Robert Jenkins would still be rotting away in a dull apartment somewhere in N-Korea, drowned in cheap booze and feeling sorry for himself. To be fair, I wouldn't care. I can only hope that that other famous deserter, James Dresnok, one day will write his memoirs. Dresnok just seems to be so much more intelligent and charismatic than this loser Robert Jenkins, who, if he wouldn't have spent 40 years in North-Korea, probably would have died a long time ago from alcoholism in some Salvation Army shelter somewhere in the US.
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Kona Kurt
4.0 out of 5 stars An Interesting Read
Reviewed in the United States on 1 March 2009
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I purchased this book because of my interest in North Korean affairs. I remember reading about the women who were kidnapped in Japan and it was later found out they were taken to North Korea to teach the Japanese language to North Korean soldiers. In a twist of fate, Charles Jenkins defects of all places to North Korea while serving in the US Army and stationed in South Korea during the 1960s. While living in North Korea, he becomes romantically involved and ends up marrying one of the kidnapped Japanese woman. Although Jenkins appears to be some what of a loser, you can't help feeling some sympathy for his misdirected actions. I found the book to be a page turner but some times short on substance. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this part of the world because so little is really known about the interday workings of North Korea. I'd still like to party with Kim Jung Il some weekend.
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vitamutatur
5.0 out of 5 stars An unexpectedly excellent read! You will not be disappointed.
Reviewed in the United States on 8 September 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book is unexpectedly excellent reading. Jenkins comes across as very earnest and frank about his experiences in North Korea.
His book is really a love story about how he fell in love with a Japanese abductee...a woman who completely transformed his life and gave it meaning in spite of the terrible circumstances that brought them together in a forced marriage. It's fascinating to see what qualities gave him an advantage in surviving such a completely different reality...where other Americans who willfully entered North Korea, failed to thrive.
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Bryan
5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty interesting....
Reviewed in the United States on 27 December 2024
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Interesting book and good read... As a army veteran who did a tour in Korea, we were told stories about a few deserters, and what the army thought happened to them.... And as for Dresnok, watched the YouTube interview about him.....
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XM
5.0 out of 5 stars Smooth read
Reviewed in the United States on 6 September 2024
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I've read a few memoirs on North Korea, and this one offers a unique perspective of a foreigner living in Pyongyang. It's a smooth read that most people would enjoy. Enough details to get you interested, but not too much to bog it down. Would recommend.
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SusieQ
1.0 out of 5 stars Fiction? Obviously distorted.
Reviewed in the United States on 26 August 2010
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
It's true what they say that people remember their actions as being more honorable then they actually were, particularly when it involves something they did of which they are ashamed. That is pretty clear in this book as Charles Jenkins tries to make himself a misunderstood hero from the start. I am sure his actions weren't half as honorable as he remembers them. He rationalizes everything....why he wasn't smart enough for school (but still a "super" hero, right?), why his alchoholism wasn't his fault, why his desertion wasn't his fault (they should have known he was drunk). It's very off-putting from the beginning. He projects alot. I don't really understand the point of the accusation that the US Army fabricated a letter from him to his mother as evidence of his desertion when there was plenty of evidence. They didn't need to fabricate any. Isn't it more likely that a sympathetic notification person did not want to tell someone that their son left several letters to soldiers he barely knew before deserting to North Korea but not one for his mother? The rationale at the end of the book that he doesn't think that he deserves the poor opinions of him because a lot of people desert the military is ridiculous as well. I don't know if his sentences of forty years in North Korea and 25 days in jail were sufficient because I don't know how many people suffered as a result of the information he gave the North Koreans. But it's clear that he doesn't truly regret his decision, only that he suffered for it. And his confusion on why he isn't granted forgiveness by everyone just because he demands it just reinforces how ignorant he has always been. This book is worth it for the insight into North Korean life. Buy the print version because the Kindle doesn't show the pictures, which is lame since several other Kindle books have shown that this is possible.
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KevinS
4.0 out of 5 stars A Long-Term View From Inside The World's Most Oppressive Regime
Reviewed in the United States on 12 February 2019
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Short and sweet, but in graphic and unflinching detail, The Reluctant Communist is a personal account from one of the four known American defectors from the US army into the Hermit Kingdom. Robert Jenkins is obviously not a writer, but his story is gripping enough without the polish of a professional storyteller. His life in the DPRK is one of trouble and survival, of pushing his luck and figuring out the system he's found himself into. If you have even a passing interest in the day-to-day history of North Korea, and would still like a happy ending (or a kind), this is a way of looking in without pushing your own luck.
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Ron L
3.0 out of 5 stars A book and an article
Reviewed in the United States on 25 September 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Unfortunately, the book is written such that you get the article first, and the 'ghost' should well know that no one cares about him and his tribulations; that's what the article is about. The reader is then tossed, without a hint, into the first-person account of Jenkins' life and travails; you have to figure it out. At least then, it become interesting.
Except for his obvious miscalculation leading to the crime of desertion, Jenkins turns out to have a true native intelligence and survivor's skills which serve him well while he was kept in North Korea; the accounts are detailed enough to get the points across and little more. The amount of petty crime driven and practiced by the bureaucracy warns of the dangers when we allow a government major control over out lives. Pretty engrossing stuff overall.
I understand how some might opine that he 'got off easy'. Personally, I'd say he paid fairly for that mistake and we all benefit by his knowledge.
The article gets one star as a waste of time, paper and ink, the book gets five, so the package got the average.
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Eric Houg
4.0 out of 5 stars Don't buy the Kindle edition!!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on 16 October 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is an absolutely great book. It is a wonderful story and is told in a great, folksy, easy to read manner.
But, the Kindle edition has sorely shaken my faith in both my Kindle and Amazon. When I finally got to the pictures section that many books such as this have, I realized I had been ripped off. Instead of the photos(yes, I have seen photos on several other kindle books) there were just the captions and a charming note to "Refer to the print version of this book".
Well, I would really love to refer to the print version of this book. Is Amazon going to refund my money on their low quality, high priced digital version of this book so that I can read it?
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Worth a read
Reviewed in the United States on 25 December 2010
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I've read many books on the topic of North Korea, most from NK defectors. I found Mr Jenkins accounts and descriptions of the North in line with North Korean defectors. I thought his story was interesting but lacking in detail, which the writer needed extract from Mr Jenkins.
There are many critics of Robert, I think they need to open their minds a little more! He paid for his mistake many times over, it wasn't exactly a holiday there for him. Beaten by his own so called friend over 30 times, and the perverted guy enjoyed it.
I wish all the best to Robert and his family for the future.
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Chris
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Insight Into Life in North Korea
Reviewed in the United States on 2 January 2013
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This book is short and an easy read. I was interested to learn what life was like for a defector to North Korea especially how it differed from the natives in Pyongyang. I was always mindful of the fact that while Jenkins portrays himself as an imprisoned victim, he was also a US soldier who defected to North Korea of his own free will and that his book is a political tool to rehabilitate his image around the world and in the US in particular.
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Desiree August
5.0 out of 5 stars Kindle Version Updated, Photos Included
Reviewed in the United States on 4 August 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
If you pay attention to the negative reviews of the Kindle version of this book, the majority of them were because the Kindle version didn't include any photos. The updated version now includes all photos. I was really disappointed to see that the photos weren't included in the Kindle version, so I contacted Amazon and I also contacted the publisher directly and asked them if they could add the photos to the Kindle version. I didn't really expect anything to happen, but less than a week later, the book has already been updated. This is a publishing company that really cares about customer satisfaction. The book and the publishing company both deserve 10 stars.
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Kevin McMullen
3.0 out of 5 stars It's a remarkable story no doubt about this.
Reviewed in the United States on 17 November 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Started reading and nearly abandoned the book. Kept going and I'm glad that I did.
At first he appears such a duffer, dill, even stupid but after throwing away his flares he was in it up to his neck.
What we expected happened next, almost, but they didn't shoot him so I kept reading.
The story is told in somewhat of a childish way which I found annoying until I was hooked.
Continued reading non-stop right to the end and raced in to tell my Japanese wife that I'd just been brought up to date on Yokata Megumi san and the woman Charley married Soga Hitomi san.
Result...Highly recommended.
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BB7
5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Interesting Book
Reviewed in the United States on 27 December 2019
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
The book kept my interest from the very beginning. It was nice to read a book that unravels some of the mysteries of North Korea. I don’t agree with what Charles Jenkins did but after spending almost 40 years in that country, maybe in a strange way this was his punishment for his crimes against the United States. This was a very interesting book and a very quick book to read.
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read
Reviewed in the United States on 5 April 2017
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
While I certainly cannot sympathize with Mr. Jenkins choice to desert to North Korea, after 40 years in that ridiculous country it seems to me that there was no point in punishing him further. People make mistakes every day, sometimes it is more important to look past the mistake and accept who the man has become. Mr. Jenkins, good book, I wish you and your family well.
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cochise
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and fascinating account.
Reviewed in the United States on 26 July 2010
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
A unique in-depth look at North Korea and its treatment of the four US soldiers who went across to the North. SGT Jenkins was different from the other three: he was an NCO (sergeant) and did not have any disciplinary problems hanging over his head. His descriptions of coping with food and material shortages over the years illustrate "good old Yankee ingenuity," nonwithstanding the fact that all four were from the South. With only one soldier (Dresnok) left in the North (Jenkins left, the other two - Parrish, Abshier - died), this account will never be duplicated.
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James
5.0 out of 5 stars It's an easy and enjoyable read
Reviewed in the United States on 7 July 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I had heard about his guy decades ago and as a former military officer, I had nothing but for contempt for him. While I still cringe at his reasons for defecting [avoiding Vietnam], he cuts a sympathetic figure in this account. I believe he is completely truthful in the story he tells. At the end I found myself saying a prayer for him & his family. It's an easy and enjoyable read.
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emiko
4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting glimpse at life in North Korea
Reviewed in the United States on 12 February 2013
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I enjoyed reading this book for its depiction of life of a select group of foreigners in North Korea. For as little as is known about this country, I found the information to be quite valuable. Jenkins is not a writer, so the quality and flow of writing was not incredibly high, but the content was interesting enough.
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Shawn P. Crouch
5.0 out of 5 stars A book to read
Reviewed in the United States on 28 December 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Interesting book to read
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Rick Miritz
4.0 out of 5 stars American in North Korea
Reviewed in the United States on 5 December 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
North Korea, being the "hermit kingdom" is a big black hole. Refugees can give us insight. I have read a few books about escaping refugees. But I really liked this book because this refugee is American who went AWOL. Fascinating story with a chance to see N Korea with American eyes.
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Southwest Joe
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story from the dark side
Reviewed in the United States on 25 December 2010
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Truly an interesting story of a man who did something unthinkable and spent almost 40 years in a place that's as surreal as a distant planet. I couldn't put this book down and read it from cover to cover. The story covers all aspects of the human emotion of sadness and desperation to hope and sacrifice. This is quite an interesting read, especially if you have any background knowledge of the two Koreas. I think much can be learned from Jenkins' misfortunate experience.
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Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars He was a traitor <period>
Reviewed in the United States on 9 May 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
It is only fair that I caveat this review by saying I am a twenty-year Army disabled veteran, who did 3 tours in South Korea and spent my fair share of time on the DMZ. I was hesitant to give my money for this book, but I wanted to know what would make someone walk across that line and turn their back on their country. He never does a good job of explaining why, although he does a fair job describing his life in North Korea. I also felt throughout the book he tries to elicit sympathy for the life he was forced to live when it was all due to his own choices. He says he owned what he did, but you really never get that feeling and he comes across poorly. He mentioned his 30-day stockade sentence, but he never mentioned his dishonorable discharge. He passed away 2 years ago.
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William
3.0 out of 5 stars An interesting read
Reviewed in the United States on 25 January 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
a necessary read for those obsessed with North Korea. but Sgt Jenkins offers little insight into the regime itself, and the narrative lacks intrigue. I guess I was expecting more from a man who spent 40 years in the Hermit Kingdom as a US deserter. for an interesting documentary on the US soldiers who deserted to the north (specifically James Dresnok, with cameos from Jenkins when he still lived in Pyongyang) watch Crossing The Line.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars I thought it started off a little bit slow but ...
Reviewed in the United States on 6 May 2016
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I thought it started off a little bit slow but the more I got into it I just couldn't put it down.
Fascinating true story of a confused young American soldier who came to regret the decision to defect to North Korea where he was held 40 years.
This was a real eye opener and makes me very thankful I was born and live in America!
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Mike Davis
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting...
Reviewed in the United States on 21 June 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book was very interesting and at times I couldn't put it down. I only skipped over a few tedious pages that were describing in excruciating detail some of the things he endured. Overall, this was a very good book and his life in North Korea was amazing to read.
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RKrulz
4.0 out of 5 stars Satisfied!
Reviewed in the United States on 20 January 2022
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Perfectly acceptable for a used book
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P.Ilou
4.0 out of 5 stars Book completes Dresnok's version of events
Reviewed in the United States on 17 December 2015
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I read it quickly.
A must read.
The version of this soldier (now in Japan with his wife) has to be compared with the one of Dresnok (still in the DPRK) depicted in the British DVD 'Crossing the Line', a must see.
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Life in North Korea was not easy but he survived had a family and eventually became ...
Reviewed in the United States on 27 June 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book tells the interesting story of a young man who made a foolish mistake. Life in North Korea was not easy but he survived had a family and eventually became free. A good read for those
who like real life stories.
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Stephen F. Brecht
5.0 out of 5 stars Touching Story
Reviewed in the United States on 25 March 2021
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This is a different kind of North Korea book. Jenkins and his group are treated much better than most North Koreans since they have value. Very touching love story.
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Bambi Woodward
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating insight into North Korea
Reviewed in the United States on 23 October 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Robert Jenkins, one of four American defectors to North Korea, provides a fascinating insight into his life in North Korea and his regrets about his decision.
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By Aaliyah
4.0 out of 5 stars I couldn't stop reading
Reviewed in the United States on 13 July 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
The tone of this was a bit difficult at first but I enjoyed the way he told his story. He was honest and seemed objective. I also watched the video of one of his companions--the only remaining companion. His story seemed very true.
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P. H.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative, compelling and inspirational .
Reviewed in the United States on 4 September 2017
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I appreciated the honest emotions and ability to look at things from different perspectives. His ability to forgive himself and his fellow captive Americans that were not so kind, and his ability to survive for so long in such a cruel cold world are inspiring. The love he and his wife found show that love can conquer all.
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Duc-Moto
5.0 out of 5 stars Unknown history
Reviewed in the United States on 30 April 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Great book. I started reading this after my tour in Korea which sparked m interst in learning more about the Korean war and its affects on the world. This is a very interesting piece of unknown history. Hard to believe that someones life can get turned upside down for forty plus years. He was essentially imprisoned in north Korea as a result of one decision.
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KremlinKevin
2.0 out of 5 stars Great read -- but where are the pictures?
Reviewed in the United States on 20 April 2010
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book is very interesting (though pretty simplistic). You get some great insight into daily life in North Korea. HOWEVER, this is my first read of a Kindle book (on the iPad) and I am ticked off that there are no photos. "To view this image, refer to the print version of this title." Am I expected to buy that, too? For fiction titles, I suppose the absence of pictures isn't a problem, but nonfiction books often include photos. Kindle will fail if it doesn't include pictures (and other media). [Maybe this is outside Amazon's control? Maybe certain publishers allow images via Kindle and others don't?]
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Daniel J stumpf
5.0 out of 5 stars Paying the price
Reviewed in the United States on 7 December 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Charles certainly paid the ultimate price for his desertion. I really liked this book and hope he has found a peaceful life on Sado Island, I would love to visit.
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Michael
5.0 out of 5 stars A rare tale
Reviewed in the United States on 1 October 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This is an amazing look at an american’s life inside the DPRK. A rare story that very few have experienced.
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Bryan MacKinnon
3.0 out of 5 stars No photos in the Kindle Edition!!!!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on 26 December 2011
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I wish I had read the other reviews of the Kindle edition as they revealed there are no photographs in it! (you have to buy the print edition for that.) You have to use your imagination when Jenkins refers to photos of his young Japanese wife or what he looked like as a young man in uniform. What is Amazon thinking??????????????????????????????????
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Vick
4.0 out of 5 stars great book
Reviewed in the United States on 10 January 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Great book great details, made me understand how life was for him living in North Korea. I really felt bad for him . Just a mistake that lead to forty years of imprisonment
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Kevin Tinto
5.0 out of 5 stars Great inside look at north korea
Reviewed in the United States on 23 January 2017
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Fantastic inside look at North Korea. The classic military, "don't be this guy" story, all the guys who deserted to North Korea has screws loose. However, for guys who didn't seem to have much backbone or character while serving in the army, they showed incredible strength and resilience surviving in North Korea.
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randomshopper1000
4.0 out of 5 stars It was a good read
Reviewed in the United States on 12 December 2018
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Having seen the documentary "Crossing The Line", I wanted to know more and I did know more about the story
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Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars Ok
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 July 2021
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Sadly I found this book boring
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Readalot
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Book
Reviewed in the United States on 26 November 2013
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I found it to be an informative follow-up to The Orphan Master's Son. I was curious to learn more about Korean life and it was a very good read. Enjoyed both.
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Kilgore Trout
2.0 out of 5 stars Covers the basics
Reviewed in the United States on 26 March 2008
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This is an interesting true story BUT it is quite light on details. The actual book is just 192 pages long so it glosses over a lot of details. (e.g., what do the numbers of mats have to do with the size of a room?) In addition, the writing style is largely Jenkins' stream of thought -- kind of difficult to keep an interest. Finally, it easily has the longest preface (34 pages) that I've ever seen in a non-textbook. This whole story could be reduced to a five page article in Time or Newsweek.
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Thomas Pearman
4.0 out of 5 stars Good
Reviewed in the United States on 2 September 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Generally a good book
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Innes Muir
3.0 out of 5 stars interesting if a little short
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 June 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Interesting content, but never really much detail on what it was like in NK. I found I had an empathy with Robert and his plight, we've all made a few stupid and regretful choices in our lives.
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gedelpuerto
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on 12 December 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Easy to read. Interesting story, I wish it had more details on how the current population deals with the government regime.
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James Hirt
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read. A story that didn't get enough play ...
Reviewed in the United States on 13 October 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Interesting read. A story that didn't get enough play in the media.
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indarien
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly well written, a must read
Reviewed in the United States on 22 February 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book details the life of a very interesting man who survived in horrible conditions. Given current events, the glimpse into what life is like under the Kim Regime is worth the read.
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Jonathan Hussey
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book about North Korea
Reviewed in the United States on 12 November 2020
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
The book arrived in 4 days. Like-new condition. I’m about 1/3 of the way through. Thanks.
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Pui Lee
3.0 out of 5 stars This book is Ok but don't buy the kindle version
Reviewed in the United States on 10 March 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Just make sure that you get the paperback , no the ill-prepared kindle version.
There should some 10 pages of pictures in the middle of this book
All these precious photos are just ABSENT in the Kindle version, "refer to the printed version" it said!
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Christine M. Tiday
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
Reviewed in the United States on 22 August 2017
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I am not usually a non-fiction person, but I really connected with this story and appreciated a look into a culture that we understand so little about. Well-written.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 5 September 2016
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
An interesting read
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Steven Gibson
3.0 out of 5 stars Mediocre
Reviewed in the United States on 22 February 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
No real insight into the north Korea system. Jenkins really screwed up and wasted most of his life. I wouldn't let him back into the USA if he wanted to visit
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AKM
5.0 out of 5 stars Great behind-the-scenes read about Mr
Reviewed in the United States on 13 June 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Great behind-the-scenes read about Mr. Jenkins rough experiences in NK following his desertion. Must read for those interested in North Korea and East Asia.
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Happygoddess
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on 13 August 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Well written book. Easy to read. It's the real story of an American who was held captive for 40 years. Many surprises. As an American, I couldn't even imagine the horrors this man and his family were subjected to
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RegularJoe
1.0 out of 5 stars No photos in Kindle version
Reviewed in the United States on 8 July 2010
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Just a heads up, there appear to be no photos in the Kindle version of this book. I was very disappointed to find this out. It simply refers to the print version instead.
FYI for those who are thinking about buying the Kindle version. I am not happy about this at all and I may return the book. I expect to get photos when I buy an ebook.
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Jared
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on 9 August 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
A very intriguing read. This book gives great insight into life in North Korea, and the internal struggles for a man who made a terrible mistake as a young 20 something US soldier.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars He had a very unique experience
Reviewed in the United States on 15 January 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Whether you like him or not the book is definitely worth reading.
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Jessica
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent read!
Reviewed in the United States on 23 June 2017
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Mr. Jenkins story is amazing and not the desertion story so many think! It is hard to put this book down! Great read!
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PAULA M MCPHERSON
5.0 out of 5 stars good read
Reviewed in the United States on 27 December 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
a lesson in the effects rash actions of youth
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Ken
1.0 out of 5 stars No Photographs!!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on 16 March 2011
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I am about halfway through the Kindle edition, and find the book very interesting. However, when I get to the area where I expected to find the photographs, I find instead a note to go to the print edition to see the photos.
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Daniel Popowych
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and Highly Engrossing
Reviewed in the United States on 13 October 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a truly gripping account of a soldier's desertion to the DPRK. Sargent Jenkins is a very likeable character, his story is a must read.
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Donald E. Crain
5.0 out of 5 stars North Korea from a 40 year resident
Reviewed in the United States on 27 December 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Very interesting and insightful. Provides an unusual glimpse into the darkness that is North Korea. I feel so blessed to live in the USA.
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Kaylyn Cassens
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good read
Reviewed in the United States on 30 December 2013
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Enjoyed the honesty of the author as he tells his story. Would be interested to see if his daughters wrote books.
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PAULO SENA
5.0 out of 5 stars Great lesson of life
Reviewed in the United States on 30 March 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Great history and easy to read. Everybody should read this book. I do recomend and would like to know this soldier.
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Wallis Chan
5.0 out of 5 stars honest and easy to read
Reviewed in the United States on 1 July 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Clear account of what happened to him in an honest voice, with an apology attached to the book. Good read
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Karen L. Teng
5.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking Memoir.
Reviewed in the United States on 30 September 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Good book. On time delivery.
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Emiline
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 11 September 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
very good - where else can I see what it's like to be held prisoner in Korea?
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Christopher Landry
5.0 out of 5 stars Great product, the service was right on time and I greatly appreciated how the product was as it was advertised
Reviewed in the United States on 7 February 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Great product, the service was right on time and I greatly appreciated how the product was as it was advertised
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J. L.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 15 June 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
A wonder book!
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Mort
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 28 July 2015
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Great Book, true to fact
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