The Last Exiles

Jin and Suja meet and fall in love while studying at university in Pyongyang. She is a young journalist from a prominent family, while he is from a small village of little means. Outside the school, North Korea has fallen under great political upheaval, plunged into chaos and famine. When Jin returns home to find his family starving, their food rations all but gone, he makes a rash decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life.

Meanwhile, miles away, Suja has begun to feel the tenuousness of her privilege when she learns that Jin has disappeared. Risking everything, and defying her family, Suja sets out to find him, embarking on a dangerous journey that leads her into a dark criminal underbelly and tests their love and will to survive.

In this vivid and moving story, award-winning filmmaker Ann Shin offers a rare glimpse at life inside the guarded walls of North Korea and the harrowing experiences of those who are daring enough to attempt escape. Inspired by real stories of incredible bravery,The Last Exilesis a stunning debut about love, sacrifice and the price of liberty. (From HarperCollins Canada)

Ann Shin is a writer and filmmaker from Toronto. Her documentary films includeMy Enemy, My BrotherandThe Defector: Escape from North Korea. My Enemy, My Brotherwas nominated for an Academy Award in 2014. She has directed programs for several television networks, including CBC. She is also the author of three poetry collections.The Last Exilesis her first novel.

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Interviews with Ann Shin

2:50Ann Shin on The Last Exiles

Ann Shin on the inspiration behind her novel, The Last Exiles.