The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee captivates readers with a gripping account of her defection from North Korea. Praised for its heartfelt narrative and deep insights into North Korean life, the memoir also faces criticism for occasional pacing issues and lack of broader geopolitical analysis. Overall, it remains a powerful testament to resilience and courage.

Readers who are captivated by stories of resilience, political intrigue, and personal transformation will enjoy The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee. Fans of Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden and In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park will find this memoir of defection from North Korea equally compelling and thought-provoking.

In The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story, Hyeonseo Lee recounts her journey from North Korea to China and eventually South Korea, starting as a curious teenager who only intended to visit China. Her journey becomes a harrowing survival tale as she navigates life as an illegal immigrant, flees danger, and ultimately secures asylum in South Korea, reuniting her family and advocating for North Korean defectors. The book includes topics such as human trafficking, brutal assaults, and near-deportation experiences.

Inspirational / Challenging / Mysterious / Emotional / Adventurous

- The Girl with Seven Names is an autobiographical memoir detailing Hyeonseo Lee's harrowing journey from North Korea to freedom, highlighting her resilience and resourcefulness. 
- Hyeonseo Lee made a notable appearance at a TED conference in 2013, where her talk about escaping North Korea garnered millions of views and heightened global awareness of the regime's human rights issues. 
- The title The Girl with Seven Names signifies the multiple identities and names Hyeonseo adopted throughout her perilous escape to avoid capture and secure her freedom.

**Hyeonseo Lee**  
A courageous young woman from North Korea who navigates a perilous journey through China and eventually to South Korea, demonstrating resilience and ingenuity in her pursuit of freedom.

**Lee’s Mother**  
A resourceful woman who defies societal expectations in North Korea, ultimately undertaking a challenging escape through China and Laos to reach South Korea.

**Lee’s Father**  
A North Korean military officer who transitions to a trade role, leading to significant conflicts and personal challenges that affect his family dynamics.

**Min-ho**  
Lee’s younger half-brother who becomes inadvertently involved in his family's escape from North Korea, demonstrating loyalty and adaptability.

**Uncle Jung-gil**  
Lee’s supportive uncle in Shenyang, who provides shelter and guidance during her time in China, although their relationship becomes strained.

**Aunt Sang-hee**  
The wife of Uncle Jung-gil, who is part of Lee's extended family network in China.

**Geun-soo**  
A Korean-Chinese heir with whom Lee is initially expected to marry, but she ultimately decides to pursue a different path.

**Ok-hee**  
A fellow North Korean refugee and friend of Lee, who shares a mutual reliance and support system while planning their asylum journey.

**Dick Stolp**  
An Australian who displays altruism by assisting Lee’s family in Laos, exemplifying kindness and support for their transition.

**Kim**  
A South Korean real estate heir who plays a significant role in Lee's move to South Korea, and offers her consistent support despite societal barriers.

**Brian**  
Lee's American husband, who inspires her to become a public speaker and advocate for North Korean human rights.

**Mr. Ahn**  
An illicit trading partner of Lee's mother in China, who assists Lee during her initial escape and her subsequent efforts to help her family defect.

Hyeonseo Lee

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Girl with Seven Names and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Girl with Seven Names Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Introduction-Chapter 8

The Girl with Seven Names Part 1, Introduction-Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-18

The Girl with Seven Names Part 1, Chapters 9-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 19-26

The Girl with Seven Names Part 2, Chapters 19-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 27-36

The Girl with Seven Names Part 2, Chapters 27-36 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 37-43

The Girl with Seven Names Part 3, Chapters 37-43 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 44-50

The Girl with Seven Names Part 3, Chapters 44-50 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 51-Epilogue

The Girl with Seven Names Part 3, Chapter 51-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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The Girl with Seven Names Key Figures

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Themes

The Girl with Seven Names Themes

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The Girl with Seven Names Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Girl with Seven Names Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Girl with Seven Names Essay Topics

The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story

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