A Thousand Miles to Freedom

"In "A Thousand Miles to Freedom," an exceptionally bright young girl grabs your hand and leads you down into the darkness of North Korea. When she lets go of your hand, she is in her twenties and joyously free--and you have felt the texture of life in the world's last totalitarian state."--Blaine Harden, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Escape from Camp 14 """A Thousand Miles to Freedom" is the beautiful and haunting story of a girl who survived against all odds, in the face of one of the cruelest and most oppressive regimes in modern history. With an intimate and compelling voice, Eunsun shares the details of her childhood in North Korea and the long journey that led her to freedom and hope for a better future. A must-read, as compelling as it is important."--Senator George Mitchell "Eunsun's extraordinary story brings to light the extreme challenges that the North Korean people have faced for decades, and the dangerous and unpredictable journey that many have risked to escape one of the most repressive countries in the world. Her amazing triumph over adversity also represents a new generation that is breaking free of the controls of this regime to fulfill their potential, raising a source of hope for change in a country where many have seen none."--Hannah Song, President and CEO of Liberty in North Korea "I read "A Thousand Miles to Freedom" in one sitting. It reads like a fast-paced adventure novel, or perhaps "A Thousand Splendid Suns "in places. But Kim Eun-sun and her family are real people, and their trials and tragedies--and ultimate triumph--will move you all the more for it. Her story is a testament to the best and worst mankind has to offer. You find yourself rooting for her, and though Kim Eun-sun's life must be much less turbulent now, I find myself rooting for her still. Don't read this book just to satisfy your interest in North Korea. Read it to be inspired by an extraordinary person's spirit, and read it to remind yourself what human beings are capable of."--Daniel Tudor, author of "Korea: The Impossible Country" and Korea correspondent for "The Economist"

Eunsun Kim grew up in North Korea. At age 11, she fled the country and began the harrowing nine-year journey that led her to freedom. Today she lives in South Korea with her husband. Sebastien Falletti has been the Korea correspondent for the French newspaper Le Figaro since 2009. He covers political and business news across Asia. Born in Paris, Sebastien is now based in Seoul and Shanghai.