Summary - A River In Darkness: Based On The Book By Masaji Ishikawa

SUMMARY

A RIVER IN DARKNESS

BASED ON THE BOOK BY MASAJI ISHIKAWA

SUMMARY WRITTEN BY: FLASH LIBRARY

CONTENT

Life in Japan and the Decision to Move

Arrival in North Korea and Initial Disillusionment

Adaptation and Education in a Totalitarian Society

Hardship and Loss

Finding Love and Starting a Family

Desperation and a Suicide Attempt

The Great Famine and the Decision to Escape

The Escape from North Korea

Seeking Asylum and Returning to Japan

Analysis

ABOUT THE ORIGINAL BOOK

A River in Darkness by Masaji Ishikawa tells the story of a man born in Japan to a Korean father and Japanese mother, who at thirteen, is lured with his family to North Korea by promises of a better life. Instead, they find themselves in a nightmare of poverty, starvation, and political oppression. The book follows Masaji's struggle to survive in this brutal environment, facing discrimination and constant surveillance. Driven by a desire to save his family, he eventually makes a desperate decision to escape North Korea, embarking on a perilous journey back to Japan. The memoir explores themes of identity, resilience, and the human cost of totalitarian regimes.

© 2025 Flash Library (Audiobook): 9798347868506

Release date

Audiobook: 1 March 2025