Page 2 of 4
There are currently 24 member reviews
for The Young Will Remember
-
Donna M. (Kennesaw, GA)
The young will remember by Eve J. Chung
This is the captivating story of a war correspondent's experiences while accidentally stranded in North Korea during the war. The story itself is fiction but is based on real events not well known in 2026. While Ms. Chang presents the awful realities of life in a frozen war zone with accompanying starvation, injuries, fear, sickness and death during the winter of 1950, the book is also deeply human. We witness unexpected kindnesses and connections among people that elevate the story into an unforgettable reader experience.
Particularly moving to this reader is its expression in so many wars occurring right now. The book is totally engrossing. We see the worst but also the best in humans. It's an important book, especially I think for the young. Very highly recommend.
-
Charla W. (Biloxi, MS)
Strong women are unconquerable
This book by Evie J. Chung is every bit as good as her book of Shandong, if not even better. It is 1950 and Ellie Chang, a war correspondent is a Chinese American. The flight she's on is shot down in North Korea and everyone on board is shot dead by soldiers. Ellie is spared because of a Korean lady mistaking her as her daughter. Although Ellie isn't killed by the soldiers, she is trapped in North Korea during a raging war. She's taken in by Emma, the lady mistaking her for her daughter and the Korean family that she's staying with. Emma is desperately trying to find her daughter who has been drafted by the Japanese into the Comfort Stations which are systems of sexual slavery, also known as rape stations. Emma is determined to find her daughter as the war rages all around them. Ellie is determined to get back to her family in the US. This is the story of their journey through an unbelievable period of history.
The story in this book is full of cruelty, death, starvation, betrayal, heart break, fear, and bravery. But, it is about wonderful people, perseverance, and unconditional love. It sheds light on just how strong women can be, especially when it comes to the love they have for their children. I highly recommend this book.
-
Barbara B. (Harlingen, TX)
The Young Will Remember by Eve J Chung
The Korean War is raging. War correspondent Eleanor Chang is American born with parents from Taiwan. The medi-vac plane she is traveling in is shot down i North Korea and attacked. She escapes into the countryside. Eleanor is rescued by local family. Together they all struggle to find a safe haven away from the South Korean. North Korean and American armies. Their goal is to reach Japan.
The winter weather is brutal, food and shelter scarce and people to trust are rare. They are able to muddle through communicating speaking Japanese, Korean, Chinese and English .As they walk the forbidding terrain promises are made. Promises are kept.
This is a look at the Korean culture and the story of civilian chaos during a war none of them wanted. I am recommending it to my public library and other readers I know.
-
Ruth K. (Greensboro, NC)
A must read
I loved this book. It was a difficult read at times, but I couldn't put it down. I initially thought in the first few chapters that Ms. Chung was going to give me another wartime love story. Thankfully this was not the case, because I feel that there wasn't a place for that in this particular story. I wasn't very familiar with the Korean War and had to do a little research to put the political climate of that time in context. The descriptive writing really made me feel like I was there and living Emma's experience. I appreciated the author's ability to offer an unbiased view of the events. None of the parties ever win in a war and we are quick to villify the enemy.
"People everywhere are the same," I finally said, channeling my friend Machiko. "Regardless of their nationality, they can be kind, and they can be cruel. The world has many selfish leaders, stupid leaders, and terrifying leaders, but it is largely filled with people who want to be good. It doesn't matter where you are in this life. Just pick somewhere where you can live and do good— where your nation does not depend on the ambition and whims of a single man, where you can change your leaders when they fail you."
I am recommending this book to everyone. It covers a time in history mostly forgotten and yet very relevant, particularly with what's happening in the world right now. It will stay with you a long time.
-
Susan L. (Alexandria, VA)
A Journey Home
This book revealed the conflict between the peoples of war and those running them. It spoke of family, home, and loyalty. It dove into the atrocities that happen during war and the devastating effects on the people who endure them. But it also offered hope in the continued fight for justice and for a final reckoning. This book will make you feel and rage and want to fight. It doesn't let go. It calls into question the concepts of right and wrong, us and them, and righteousness vs. compassion. It captured the women's experience of war particularly well, I think, and the reality of what that does to a nation.
-
Robin S. (Tall Timbers, MD)
The Young Will Remember
Wow! What an interesting read! This book affected me so much, I had to take a few days off after reading to write this review. The Young Will Remember by Eve J. Chung is a historical novel that takes place during the Korean War, 1951-1953. It's a story of a young female war correspondent for an American newspaper who gets trapped in the North Korean territory during the war. While this novel is fiction, many of the actions portrayed were events that actually occurred during this time period.
Characters are so well defined, I became emotionally attached to their lives. I empathized with them through their decisions & actions. The first few chapters felt slow & non-engaging, but pushing through was well worth the journey. I knew nothing & had never read anything about this war. This book clearly exposed the causes & horrors of such a crisis.
Overall, I have to say it was one of the best books I have read this year (2026) & as soon as it is officially published, I plan to buy copies for my book clubs. It's definitely a book to share & discuss with others.
-
Ann H. (Boulder, CO)
What an Educational Read!
It hasn't been 100 years but I don't really remember the Korean War. Interesting the author pointed out that there seems to be a war every 100 years due to the fact those that would remember are dead and gone. We often say we must learn from the past but it appears we don't. This book stimulated my thinking/worries regarding political involvement on the "world stage" as well as in our own country. As in the book, women play a very important role while organizing friends and neighbors to fight against harmful governmental decisions/coverups. The author helped me realize, more than ever, that "homegrown resistance" can have an effect. Women don't wear a uniform but they often find themselves fighting the battles their husbands face. This book would be a good one for book club discussion.
Book Reviewed by:
