Official Review: The Vanished by Pejay Bradley

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
User avatar
Adetunji Yasarat
Posts: 1
Joined: 28 Mar 2025, 08:34
Bookshelf Size: 0

Re: Official Review: The Vanished by Pejay Bradley

Post by Adetunji Yasarat »

This is an incredible novel that enlightens one more about history. Trust me! What's better than learning and knowing other people history? If you are craving for a politically oriented historical novel, this is your grab!
User avatar
Idah_Kenei
In It Together VIP
Posts: 92
Joined: 23 Jan 2022, 07:52
Favorite Book: In It Together
Currently Reading: Awaken & Grow
Bookshelf Size: 0
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-idah-kenei.html
Latest Review: PRECISION by D.C. Scott

Post by Idah_Kenei »

I have never known the history and relationship between Japan and Korea. From the review, this book seems to offer how their relationship has been and how they entangled themselves from each other.
Sara Christian
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 10
Joined: 29 May 2023, 08:20
Currently Reading: You Got This!
Bookshelf Size: 15

Post by Sara Christian »

This sounds like an enjoyable book as well as informative. Books that are dated back in that time era are so incredibly interesting to read due to the fact of how different the times are compared to then and now. I look forward to reading this book in the future.
User avatar
Amarachi Stephanie Ejike
In It Together VIP
Posts: 448
Joined: 09 May 2024, 08:40
Currently Reading: Sock Lobsters
Bookshelf Size: 57
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amarachi-stephanie-ejike.html
Latest Review: Columbus, Slave Trader by Marcus Wilson

Post by Amarachi Stephanie Ejike »

In "The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley, we see a beleaguered nation and its people, following the life of Kim Embon, who was born at a time of political crisis when Korea sought freedom from Japanese oppresive rule. The plot takes readers through Korea's sociohistorical landscape, their struggle for independence and the price for freedom. The strong sense of characters within the book reveals the sad reality that enslavement come in many forms and sizes. I love the review and I'm quite drawn to read this historical.
Leonie Vermaak
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 1156
Joined: 26 Sep 2021, 09:08
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 805
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-leonie-vermaak.html
Latest Review: Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper

Post by Leonie Vermaak »

I was never fond of historical books, fiction or not, but lately I just can't have enough of history. This seems very interesting, and Im quite eager to find out more about Asian history. Thanks for a great review. Congrats on BOTD.
User avatar
Kibet Hillary
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 4212
Joined: 26 Jul 2017, 01:48
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 3533
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kibet-hillary.html
Latest Review: Sooner Secrets by Shelley L. Levisay

Post by Kibet Hillary »

This quote sounds really true:
“There are two things in life that people want to hide but never succeed — ignorance and poverty.”
As I was reading the book, such statements were quite common and I had to take note of several of them.
Thank you, @inaramid, for the amazing review.
:tiphat: :tiphat: :tiphat: :tiphat: :tiphat:
“It just hurts too much to admit what is wanted so badly when there’s no guarantee of its availability.”
- Dr. Larry Crabb
User avatar
Black Indigo
Posts: 384
Joined: 30 Mar 2022, 10:06
Currently Reading: Relieved
Bookshelf Size: 1104
2025 Reading Goal: 30
2025 Goal Completion: 0%

Post by Black Indigo »

I will give this book a chance as I'm interested in learning about Japanese history and culture. Thank you for the review.
Atieno Magero
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 1357
Joined: 09 Nov 2020, 13:28
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 168
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-atieno-magero.html
Latest Review: 3000 Orgasms by Rebecca Ferguson

Post by Atieno Magero »

The Vanished seems like a very interesting book. Readers can learn a lot about Korean culture from reading this book. This a wonderful Asian historical fiction book that everyone should read. Congratulations on making botd!
Hendrik Myers
Posts: 2
Joined: 27 Jun 2025, 08:13
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Hendrik Myers »

This sounds like a deeply immersive and emotionally layered novel. I appreciate how the review highlights not only the historical weight of the story but also the complexity of the characters and the nuanced portrayal of Korea during Japanese occupation. I’m especially intrigued by the quote about freedom coming in many forms — that really stuck with me. While the slower pacing and abrupt ending might be challenging for some readers, it sounds like the depth of the cultural and historical context more than makes up for it. Definitely adding this one to my reading list.
User avatar
Nazma P
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 238
Joined: 02 Nov 2024, 10:55
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 27
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-nazma-p.html
Latest Review: The Old Stone House by Joseph L Waner

Post by Nazma P »

This sounds like a thought-provoking read. All countries have their own stories of fighting for freedom including mine. So I can relate to this book with the history my country has. It's always emotional to relive those moments. The quotes are intriguing. I personally love reading about foreign history.
Malik Bakare
Posts: 24
Joined: 09 Jun 2025, 15:43
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 0
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-malik-bakare.html
Latest Review: Keys to Harmony by Margalit Jakob

Post by Malik Bakare »

Bradley’s The Vanished immerses readers in early 20th-century Korea through vivid character perspectives, weaving a detailed sociohistorical narrative that captures the nation’s cultural richness, from women’s evolving roles to the brutal struggle against Japanese oppression.
User avatar
Chinazo Anozie
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 1659
Joined: 18 Jun 2019, 06:15
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 469
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-chinazo-anozie.html
Latest Review: If... and other stories by Claire Frieze

Post by Chinazo Anozie »

I don't know much about Korean history, but I'm sure fans of the genre will enjoy the historical fiction The Vanished by Pejay Bradley. Kim and Lady Sougyon sound like intriguing characters.
Victory Ositaorah
In It Together VIP
Posts: 922
Joined: 03 Jan 2023, 09:46
Favorite Book: Is This Really Happening?
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 136
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-victory-ositaorah.html
Latest Review: Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper

Post by Victory Ositaorah »

The Vanished would be worth the time, I would love to learn of Kim's experiences and also the historical context of the book.
Jayshri Chenava
Posts: 5
Joined: 12 May 2025, 21:33
Favorite Book: Chaos, Creativity and Cosmic Consciousness
Currently Reading: Chaos, Creativity and Cosmic Consciousness
Bookshelf Size: 0
2025 Reading Goal: 50
2025 Goal Completion: 10%

Post by Jayshri Chenava »

"The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley won my heart right from the beginning. The mystery in the story is truly captivating. The author's imagination and storytelling are remarkable. Reading such books is always a special experience.
User avatar
Osheen Puri
Posts: 1
Joined: 27 Jun 2025, 12:08
Bookshelf Size: 0
2025 Reading Goal: 50
2025 Goal Completion: 0%

Post by Osheen Puri »

Wow... The way you explain the book was amazing and engaging also. I think I am going to buy this book now. Historical books seems lit big boring to me but by reading your review I want to give this a try.
Post Reply

Return to “Historical Fiction”