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Cover of My Life and Faith
Biography & Memoir· North Korea

My Life and Faith

by Kang Chol-hwan
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2001Korean
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

My Life and Faith by Kang Chol-hwan is a landmark work of biography & memoir, first published in 2001. My Life and Faith is a memoir by Kang Chol-hwan, detailing his harrowing experiences in a North Korean labor camp and his eventual escape to South Korea. The book is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the will to survive against all odds. It sheds light on the brutal realities of life in North Korea's prison camps and serves as a crucial document for understanding the country's human rights issues. Themes of survival, human rights, oppression run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorKang Chol-hwan
Published2001
Country of Origin🇰🇵 North Korea
LanguageKorean
Category✍️ Biography & Memoir
ISBN9781585423350
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

✍️ Biography & Memoir

True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

Explore all Biography & Memoir books →
Country of Origin

🇰🇵 North Korea

This book is part of North Korea's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from North Korea →

Editorial Assessment

Kang Chol-hwan published My Life and Faith in 2001, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of biography & memoir from North Korea. The book's treatment of survival, human rights, oppression, escape accounts for much of its enduring reputation. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. Readers coming to My Life and Faith for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of survival, human rights, oppression, escape is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. My Life and Faith reflects Kang Chol-hwan's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with North Korea's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
20010
✍️
About the Author
Kang Chol-hwan
North Korea
View Author →

Kang Chol-hwan is a North Korea author whose work in biography & memoir has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is My Life and Faith about?

My Life and Faith is a memoir by Kang Chol-hwan, detailing his harrowing experiences in a North Korean labor camp and his eventual escape to South Korea. The book is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the will to survive against all odds. It sheds light on the brutal realities of life in North Korea's prison camps and serves as a crucial document for understanding the country's human rights issues.

Who wrote My Life and Faith?

My Life and Faith was written by Kang Chol-hwan, from North Korea. First published in 2001.

What awards has My Life and Faith won?

My Life and Faith has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is My Life and Faith worth reading?

My Life and Faith is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in survival, human rights, oppression.

Where can I buy My Life and Faith?

You can buy My Life and Faith on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is My Life and Faith?

My Life and Faith is classified as Biography & Memoir. True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

What country is My Life and Faith from?

My Life and Faith originates from North Korea's literary tradition. Explore more books from North Korea on our country page.

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