Sook Nyul Choi Libri

It is 1945, and courageous ten-year-old Sookan and her family must endure the cruelties of the Japanese military occupying Korea.  Police captain Narita does his best to destroy everything of value to the family, but he cannot break their spirit.  Sookan's father is with the resistance movement in Manchuria and her older brothers have been sent away to labor camps.  Her mother is forced to supervise a sock factory and Sookan herself must wear a uniform and attend a Japanese school.Then the war ends.  Out come the colorful Korean silks and bags of white rice.  But Communist Russian troops have taken control of North Korea and once again the family is suppressed.  Sookan and her family know their only hope for freedom lies in a dangerous escape to American-controlled South Korea.Here is the incredible story of one family's love for each other and their determination to risk everything to find freedom.

Set against a backdrop of cultural customs and societal challenges, the narrative explores the deep emotions of characters grappling with personal and political struggles. Through Sookan's journey, the story highlights her resilience and personal growth amidst dislocation, revealing a poignant tale of triumph and self-discovery. The evocative scenes effectively capture the time and place, making the characters' experiences resonate deeply with readers.