Review by nangel04 -- The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
-
nangel04
- Posts: 56
- Joined: 09 Feb 2020, 01:02
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 29
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-nangel04.html
- Latest Review: We are Voulhire: The Ascension of Akistry by Matthew Tysz
Review by nangel04 -- The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley.]
The Vanished by Pejay Bradley is a book about standing strong in the face of impossible circumstances. With Korea being ruled over by the Japanese, Bradley introduces three different types of characters throughout the novel. There are the characters that actively fight against the Japanese rule, those that support the rebellion without active involvement in order to preserve their own lives and the lives of their families, and, finally, those that assist the Japanese in stifling the rebellion and suppressing the freedom of their fellow countrymen. However, the story centers around Embon, the grandson of a prince. Embon’s mother is our narrator for about half of the story, so we see Embon grow from boy to man through her eyes. As he grows, so does the hostility in Korea towards the Japanese. Ironically, Embon’s character represents the fazes of the rebellion. At first, because he is sheltered by his mother, he is ignorant to the challenges many of his people face. However, once he is enlightened, readers will see him grow from a spoiled kid into a determined man.
My favorite aspect of this novel is the way the story shifts from first person to third. Normally, this bothers me, but Bradley manages to do this in a way that does not throw off the rhythm. It is easy to follow. Actually, it works well. Readers will get that sense of the narrator being a friend telling them a story. At the same time, they will also get all the details from a broadened perspective. It really works for this particular book. I was pleasantly surprised. Also, interestingly enough, I was able to admire the characters despite the fact that most of them felt a little underdeveloped. Especially Embon’s college friends. They seem rather insignificant in Bradley’s presentation of them, but they are actually quite important in the larger scheme of the story. I think the reason it works is because the story is more about the Korean nation as a whole rather than individuals.
The only real complaint I have is that the story seemed to move a little quickly. Years pass without any real acknowledgement of the time passing. One chapter ends and the next picks up at a different time, leaving the reader to guess exactly how many years have gone by. The way this is done makes it a little hard to feel a connection to Embon, who is supposed to be the main character. I believe Bradley could have softened these transitions somehow to allow readers to feel like they were growing with Embon.
Although the pace was a little swift, it does not detract from the power behind the story. So, I still feel led to give this book a four out of four stars rating. To deduct a star just for feeling a little whiplash would not be justified when the overall story is so encouraging and well written. While I cannot say it was perfectly edited, there are certainly not enough noticeable errors to cause concern.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fictionalized historical drama to breeze through. The Vanished is an enjoyable, enlightening read. While the topic is rather heavy, the story itself is encouraging to anyone who has ever had to fight for what they want. If a reader knows what it is like to desire freedom in any situation, he or she will find the characters of this story easily relatable.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Vanished by Pejay Bradley is a book about standing strong in the face of impossible circumstances. With Korea being ruled over by the Japanese, Bradley introduces three different types of characters throughout the novel. There are the characters that actively fight against the Japanese rule, those that support the rebellion without active involvement in order to preserve their own lives and the lives of their families, and, finally, those that assist the Japanese in stifling the rebellion and suppressing the freedom of their fellow countrymen. However, the story centers around Embon, the grandson of a prince. Embon’s mother is our narrator for about half of the story, so we see Embon grow from boy to man through her eyes. As he grows, so does the hostility in Korea towards the Japanese. Ironically, Embon’s character represents the fazes of the rebellion. At first, because he is sheltered by his mother, he is ignorant to the challenges many of his people face. However, once he is enlightened, readers will see him grow from a spoiled kid into a determined man.
My favorite aspect of this novel is the way the story shifts from first person to third. Normally, this bothers me, but Bradley manages to do this in a way that does not throw off the rhythm. It is easy to follow. Actually, it works well. Readers will get that sense of the narrator being a friend telling them a story. At the same time, they will also get all the details from a broadened perspective. It really works for this particular book. I was pleasantly surprised. Also, interestingly enough, I was able to admire the characters despite the fact that most of them felt a little underdeveloped. Especially Embon’s college friends. They seem rather insignificant in Bradley’s presentation of them, but they are actually quite important in the larger scheme of the story. I think the reason it works is because the story is more about the Korean nation as a whole rather than individuals.
The only real complaint I have is that the story seemed to move a little quickly. Years pass without any real acknowledgement of the time passing. One chapter ends and the next picks up at a different time, leaving the reader to guess exactly how many years have gone by. The way this is done makes it a little hard to feel a connection to Embon, who is supposed to be the main character. I believe Bradley could have softened these transitions somehow to allow readers to feel like they were growing with Embon.
Although the pace was a little swift, it does not detract from the power behind the story. So, I still feel led to give this book a four out of four stars rating. To deduct a star just for feeling a little whiplash would not be justified when the overall story is so encouraging and well written. While I cannot say it was perfectly edited, there are certainly not enough noticeable errors to cause concern.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fictionalized historical drama to breeze through. The Vanished is an enjoyable, enlightening read. While the topic is rather heavy, the story itself is encouraging to anyone who has ever had to fight for what they want. If a reader knows what it is like to desire freedom in any situation, he or she will find the characters of this story easily relatable.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In the beginning was the Word...John 1:1
Reason and love keep little company together nowadays. ~Shakespeare; A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Reason and love keep little company together nowadays. ~Shakespeare; A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Latest Review: We are Voulhire: The Ascension of Akistry by Matthew Tysz
