Review of In The Shadow of the Sun

Hello. This is Vraj with another book review. I recently read In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O'Brien. It is in the realistic fiction genre. Although this is not the type of book I would usually pick out, for some reason I did and I loved reading it. Here is my review of In the Shadow of the Sun.

But of course, let's begin with a summary of the book (no spoilers):

Mia Andrews is on vacation with her father and older brother, Simon, in the most isolated country in the world: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, also known as North Korea. Mia is an adopted Korean girl. Her adopted family is white and they all live in the USA. Her family is taking a tour of Pyongyang when Mia finds something shocking. Right at that moment, Mia's father gets arrested for supposedly spying on the government, which is a major criminal offense. Mia and Simon are now on the run from the North Korean authorities. They must hide before they are caught and arrested as well. Will they reach safety?

So, here's the actual review:

I enjoyed reading this book a lot. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars. The main aspects of the book which I liked reading about were North Korean everyday life, the detailed descriptions in the book, and Mia and Simon's story. These three aspects of the book were what kept me reading.

Let's start off with North Korean life. O'Brien does a great job adding pieces of information about North Korea, whether that is the daily life of a citizen or the political standpoint of the country. One specific addition she used was interesting to me. Every so often, O’Brien would include a page or two unrelated to the main story, but sharing a small story of someone living in North Korea, and their struggles in living there. These side stories are not part of the main storyline. One example of this is on pages 35-37, where O'Brien talks about a girl named Yoo Kyung-ae. O'Brien gives a small story on Kyung-ae's dancing life, and how her performances must be perfect, no matter what it takes. These little stories give more insight into a North Korean inhabitant's life, which can help the reader empathize with North Korean citizens.

Next, let's talk about detail. The amount of detail O'Brien uses to explain North Korea is so vivid that it makes you feel like you are actually there. One example of this is when Mia is taking a tour of Pyongyang. O'Brien states:

The group followed the guides on a path through a wooded area, up to a rise where the ground opened, revealing a pavilion set on a cliff over the river. Far below, the calm water was a bright mirror under the afternoon sun. In the distance, the skyling of the southern section of Pyongyang shimmered against the sky. (46-47)

This quote from the text explains the breathtaking view of the place Mia and her tour group visited. There are many scenes similar to this in the book, all of which help enhance the storyline. This also shows how North Korea, although normally looked down upon, has some beautiful aspects to it.

Mia and Simon's story in In the Shadow of the Sun was amazingly explained by O'Brien. During the beginning, they barely speak with each other. They only talk to each other when absolutely necessary. However, while on the run, they grow closer. They help each other out from danger, they share food, and many other things, all of which they never would have done back home. Both Mia and Simon realize the importance of each other. This characteristic of the story adds layers to the plot, all of which O'Brien beautifully orchestrates.

In the Shadow of the Sun is a book I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys books with bits of politics, and also one who loves action-themed books. I hope you enjoyed my review!