Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden
Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden is the true story of Shin Dong-hyuk. Shin was born and raised in a North Korean labour camp and knew no other way of life than that imposed by the brutal North Korean guards.
Over time, Shin began to learn from another prisoner what life is like outside the camp, and this inspired him plan his escape from the labour camp, the only home he had ever known.
At the age of 23, Shin finally escaped from Camp 14, nine years after witnessing the execution of his mother and brother at the hands of prison guards.
When he finally arrived in South Korea, Shin’s physical state was poor. He was stunted by malnutrition with arms bowed from childhood labor, his back scarred with burns from torture, ankles scarred by shackles, and he was missing his middle finger which had been cut off by guards as punishment
This is the incredible true story of life in a North Korean secret prison camp, and Shin’s improbable escape and journey to freedom. As far as is known, Shin is the first and only person ever to escape from one of North Korea’s prison camps.
Grahame Marks
Secretary of the SMSA
