Review by Vanessa Leong -- The Vanished by Pejay Bradley

[Vanessa Leong]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Vanished by Pejay Bradley is a historical fiction novel set in Korea during the Japanese occupation. It depicts the social and political strife faced by a people once united by their rich heritage; now, they are oppressed and face the threat of losing their unity, culture, and identity. The story revolves around Kim Embon, the son of the king’s niece. Blessed with a prestigious status and rare intelligence, Embon breezes through most of his early life. He lands himself a spot in a prestigious university in Japan where he befriends a group of Korean students with an intense passion to liberate their country from Japan’s increasingly aggressive hold. The story focuses on Embon’s development from a spoiled aristocrat to a fervent patriot, in a particularly chaotic and dangerous era in Korean history.

I enjoyed reading this book. While it addresses many solemn and dark themes like oppression, war, and death, I appreciate the realistic take on a period where such occurrences were unfortunately commonplace. In the early chapters, the story is told from the perspectives of multiple characters. This may initially cause some confusion, as the reader is introduced to characters who seem to have no relation to Embon. However, the author brilliantly brings these characters and perspectives together as the spotlight gradually shifts to Embon.

The author also does a fantastic job in developing Embon’s character. He doesn’t begin as a typical war hero willing to die for his country; in fact, he initially feels uncomfortable being around more patriotic Koreans and would even try to avoid them. As the story progresses, however, he has his own revelations and acts upon them, together with his friends.

I like that Embon’s development throughout the story is a realistic one. He isn’t a fighter who wins battles for his country; mostly, he and his friends stay hidden in an office, translating Japanese documents. I also appreciate that the author portrays Embon as a human being with mental and physical limitations. Even near the end of the story, he still has desperate thoughts, albeit brief ones, of giving up and returning home to his mother.

There is nothing I particularly dislike about this book. While the book has an abrupt ending, I, for one, feel that it is appropriate. In my opinion, it offers a poetic summary of war. Even if the author doesn’t finish the story with a sequel, I am satisfied with the story ending where it does.

All things considered, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Its fast pace and well-researched information make this book a quick, educational, and interesting read. It is a well-edited book, apart from a few negligible errors. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Korean history and would like an engaging introduction to the key events that happened during that period. As the story contains some gory and violent content, it may not be suitable for young or sensitive audiences.

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The Vanished
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