BOOKS FROM SOUTH KOREAReflections from Prison: 20 Years and 20 Days
Description:
Reflections from Prison is the collected letters and essays written by renowned Korean thinker Shin Young-Bok during his 20 years and 20 days as a political prisoner on a life tariff under Korea's military dictatorships. The letters range from postcards, to tiny characters squeezed onto his daily ration of two sheets of toilet paper. The writings themselves are not overtly political since all the letters went through censorships Yet he does not hide the harshness of prison life at the rock bottom of society. They provide a window onto his personal suffering during imprisonment a life sentence, and how he pulled from it crystal-clear reflections on Korean society, history, and human relationships; finding beauty and hope in adversity. Common themes include his observations of nature (birds, plants), prison life (especially prisoner psychology), human relationships, Korean & Chinese ancient philosophical literature, poetry, calligraphy, self-cultivation, and history.
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