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There are currently 21 member reviews
for Your Republic Is Calling You
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Maria P. (Washington, DC)
In the News
Amazingly enough this book has a parallel non-fiction story in the news. As we read about the current situation of the Russian spies returning home from here in the US we can also imagine what the author has constructed in this fictional account. The humanity of the characters is always evident and the differences between North and South Korea are made very clear, and currently we can see how the US handled a tricky situation and how it might have otherwise.
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Carole A. (Denver, CO)
Your Republic is Calling You - or is it?
If a numerical choice I would have given this a 3.5. Young Ha-Min offers an interesting view into the worlds of North and South Korea as well as that of "spyland" why there was nothing outstanding in the thriller/spy/mystery arenas. The actual usefulness of these "spies" was apparent and so left me rather disappointed. The author has a knack for beautiful phrasing and perhaps this type of novel is not his strong suit. It is possible that something was lost in translation. The story revolves around the lives of several people who seem to be inter locked and yet worlds apart. There were times I felt some of the plots were difficult to track. I will recommend the novel to my book clubs and fellow bookies for some beautiful phrasing, interesting insights into North and South Korea and the world of spying. - but not as a fabulous MUST to read.
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Rob K. (Kalaheo, HI)
Secondary Storylines Weaken Plot
The book excels when the focus is on the protagonist, Ki-yong. It's worth reading just to see what happens to this North Korean spy living in Seoul who is ordered home in 24 hours. There's enough intrigue and conflict with his character for a great novel. The description and contrast between both North and South Korea was fascinating. I found myself losing interest in the novel, however, when the story detours and tries to develop the characters of Ki-yong's wife and daughter. We needed to know about them but not to the extent the author believes. I found myself skimming a lot until the action returned to Ki-yong. With some additional editing I think this novel has a chance to be really, really good.
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Anat S. (Sharon, MA)
Spy games of North and South Korea
The book is an account of 48 hours from the time the protagonist, a spy from North Korea who has lived in South Korea for the past 20 years, gets a message recalling him to the North.
It provides an interesting view into the life and culture of both North and South Korea which are playing in a complex and deadly spy game.
The book is written in very choppy, simple sentences and reads almost like a play script. The characters are very shallow and very lonely - no true bonds between people, not even close family members. They survive - performing every day chores, working and having sex, but each one is alone. For a westerner, the names seem too similar and characters get confused easily. Overall, the topic is of interest but the book itself is mediocre.
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Kelly P. (Monterey, TN)
Mildly dissatisfied
I have mixed feelings about Your Republic is Calling You. The concept of the book is excellent, the primary plotline involving Ki-yong’s dilemma is unique, and the insights into the Korean culture (both North and South) alone are worth the read. The structure of the book though bounced constantly from character to character, with some of the characters being nonessential to the story, and this kept me from being able to immerse myself completely in the story. I do not regret the time spent with the book but I do not treasure it either.
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Lisa A. (Knoxville, TN)
Started out strong
I really enjoyed this book for a look into the daily life of a country I didn’t know much about (snacking on dried squid and seaweed?). I was really enjoying the book until about the half-way point, when I felt things started to get strange. A lot of the book was devoted to the in-depth activities of the daughter, which didn’t seem to have much to do with the story. The wife was obviously having some sort of crisis, but even so her behavior was not quite believable. The unfamiliar style of the Korean names also made it difficult to keep the characters strait. I’m glad I read the book, but I was somewhat disappointed after finishing it. It started off strong, but the ending was something of a letdown.
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Marganna K. (Edmonds, WA)
By Page 12...
I knew this was not going to be a book I'd enjoy and I was so correct. Page 12: "The frightened horses dwarf the drivers in their cars, who instinctively shrink away when the horses leap by, their large penises jiggling at eye level." Frightened horses do not leap with penises jiggling -- my guess is this writer has never seen a horse at all. And as far as spies go, I think he should go back to writer's school. The book is filled with nonsense and filler that adds nothing to the story like the above sentence.
I did not care for the characters and only stayed with the book in hopes I'd learn something about North and/or South Korea - very interesting countries in a very interesting time. The main character, Ki-yong, could have been developed and this might have provided some depth to the story. Yes, the novel is about a day in the life of a spy but his daughter's and wife's sexual romps, work days, school chums, etc. do not add anything to this story. The book does not know if it's about spies or soft porn - both of which failed in my estimation.
I would never read another book by this author or recommend this book to anyone. There were moments when I thought something would be developed and the history of Ki-yong's early life did hold some promise. But nothing came of this spark - it died before the chapter was complete and back to the wife and her young lover and his friends. Spare me, please.
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