Tanya Wadley's Reviews > The Reluctant Communist: My Desertion, Court-Martial, and Forty-Year Imprisonment in North Korea

I really liked this book. It gives a rare and modern insight into life in North Korea. Mr. Jenkins was depressed and unhappy in his military assignment for the U.S. in South Korea, near the DMZ (de-militarized zone). In his naivete and lack of judgment, he made a decision to go AWOL and figured he could slip into North Korea and get back to the US. Instead he was a prisoner for nearly 40 years, in a similar way to how all North Korean citizens are prisoners. He was one of the very lucky few who ever get to leave, which came about by some very provident circumstances. I am very happy for him and his family.

I am sad for people who live what most of us would consider a terrible life. It's astounding that one or a few very selfish people can cause a nation of 25 million to live in poverty, ignorance, and bondage. I am thankful for my personal assurance through my faith that it will be "made up" to these innocents after this life is over. Kim Jong will have to answer to God.