Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee & Susan McClelland
(2016) 336 pages

“Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea” by Sungju Lee and Susan McClelland is a gripping and harrowing memoir that provides a rare glimpse into the life of a young boy growing up in one of the world’s most repressive regimes. Sungju Lee’s story is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the will to survive against overwhelming odds.

The book begins with Sungju’s idyllic childhood in Pyongyang, where he enjoys a relatively privileged life, unaware of the harsh realities faced by many of his compatriots. This initial portrayal of North Korea is startlingly different from the usual depictions, highlighting a façade of normalcy that quickly unravels. The turning point comes when Sungju’s father falls out of favor with the regime, forcing the family to flee to a rural town. This sudden shift exposes Sungju to the brutal truth of North Korea’s widespread poverty and oppression.

As the family’s situation deteriorates, Sungju’s parents disappear, leaving him to fend for himself as a kkotjebi, or street boy. The memoir vividly describes his struggle to survive, detailing his descent into a life marked by hunger, theft, and constant danger. Lee’s writing is unflinchingly honest, capturing the fear, desperation, and occasional moments of hope that define his journey.

One of the most compelling aspects of “Every Falling Star” is its portrayal of friendship and loyalty. Sungju forms a makeshift family with other street boys, and their bond becomes a source of strength and solidarity in the face of relentless adversity. These relationships are depicted with a heartfelt authenticity, underscoring the importance of human connection even in the darkest times.

The narrative is not just a personal story of survival but also an indictment of the North Korean regime. Through Sungju’s eyes, readers witness the devastating impact of government policies on ordinary citizens, from widespread food shortages to the indoctrination and surveillance that permeate every aspect of life. Lee’s experiences offer a poignant reminder of the human cost of political oppression and the lengths to which individuals must go to escape it.

Co-author Susan McClelland’s contribution ensures that Sungju’s voice remains authentic while making the memoir accessible to a wide audience, including young adult readers. The prose is straightforward yet evocative, effectively conveying the emotional weight of Sungju’s experiences without resorting to sensationalism.

“Every Falling Star” is not just a tale of suffering but also one of resilience, hope, and the enduring desire for freedom. Sungju’s eventual escape to South Korea and his subsequent efforts to educate the world about the realities of life in North Korea demonstrate a remarkable transformation from victim to advocate. His story is an inspiring example of courage and determination.

In summary, “Every Falling Star” is a compelling and eye-opening memoir that sheds light on the hidden realities of life in North Korea through the eyes of a child who lived it. Sungju Lee’s account is both heartbreaking and inspiring, offering a valuable perspective on the power of human resilience. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the human impact of political oppression and the strength required to overcome it.