Somewhere Inside

One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home

By: Laura Ling, Lisa Ling

Narrated by: Laura Ling, Lisa Ling

One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home

On March 17, 2009, Laura Ling and her colleague Euna Lee were working on a documentary about North Korean defectors who were fleeing the desperate conditions in their homeland. While filming on the Chinese/North Korean border, they were chased down by North Korean soldiers who violently apprehended them. Laura and Euna were charged with trespassing and "hostile acts", and imprisoned by Kim Jong Il's notoriously secretive Communist state.

Kept totally apart, they endured months of interrogations and eventually a trial before North Korea's highest court. They were the first Americans ever to be sentenced to 12 years of hard labor in a prison camp in North Korea.

When news of the arrest reached Laura's sister, journalist Lisa Ling, she immediately began a campaign to get her sister released, one that led her from the State Department to the higher echelons of the media world and eventually to the White House.

Somewhere Inside reveals for the first time Laura's gripping account of what really happened on the river, her treatment at the hands of North Korean guards, and the deprivations and rounds of harrowing interrogations she endured.

Told in the sisters' alternating voices, Somewhere Inside is a timely, inspiring tale of survival set against the canvas of international politics that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the impact on lives engulfed by forces beyond their control. But it is also a window into the unique bond these two sisters have always shared, a bond that sustained them throughout the most horrifying ordeal of their lives.

©2010 Matt Ridley (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Amazing story by Amazing Humans devoting their lives for a better tomorrow for so many.

I have been a fan of Lisa’s since seeing her bright face daily while attending high school. Her story tugged at every heart string I have. I lost my only sibling and relate first hand the forever bond that will never end! I hope to continue to learn more and help more. This is truly a once in a lifetime story! Thank you all.

Took a bit - but I loved it

Initially (even though you know the outcome), I couldn't listen for long periods (I found myself scared along with the characters. . .but as the book went along, I could not put it down. I loved the girl's reading and their fear, concern, and love resonated throughout the book. I great summer read!

Highly Recommend

This story takes you from the depths of despair, to hope, and finally to a happy outcome. ( I'm sure everyone who reads this knows there was a happy outcome) It tells the story of Laura's imprisonment from her and Lisa's perspective. Both sisters are to be greatly admired for enduring all that they did. Their deep love and commitment to each other surpassed their ordeal.

Like many people, I didn't know the full story of what happened to Laura to begin with. It's sad that people might be critical of what she did. However, we all make mistakes for which we regret greatly. She did what many of us do, and that is trust the wrong person. We all get focused on one thing and let our guard down.

I appreciate how from each of them they showed gratefulness toward the people in their lives who supported and helped them in different ways throughout this horrendous experience.

The book is well written and they do a fantastic job of narrating. I highly recommend it!

Incredible Experience

I'm very glad I read this book. It's very well done and a real insight on North Korea. The two sisters voices are very similar. Listen carefully to know which one is speaking at times. Easier to tell after the abduction due to the subject matter. Very well written and informative. I'd recommend it to everyone. I wish our detained hikers in Iran had been as lucky as Laura and Euna.

As excellent as I expected

I adore the Ling sisters. I've loved them since I first saw their reporting in the early 2000s. This book did not disappoint- I finished it in 2 days. I teared up a few times, and I especially loved hearing the story narrated by them. I had extremely high expectations due to my sincere admiration of them, and this book was everything I expected it to be.

Amazing Story from Amazing Women

I got to meet Lisa Ling at a lecture she gave at my university. It was heartwrenching to hear her side of the story and the things she went through. I'm glad now to hear Laura's as well. Both of their voices truly convey what they were feeling and it almost seems like having a conversation with them. I think this is a novel that everyone should listen to especially in this time where North Korea is still an enigma. If we ever want a change in North Kora and our international relations we must understand their country with an open mind. In the epilogue, Laura puts it well when she says how can we change something we know nothing about?

So, please read this. Keep and open mind and just listen.

Compelling

Very compelling and insightful account of what transpired. Wonderfully told by Laura and Lisa. Could not stop listening from the moment I started. And a truly extraordinary experience.

I am so sorry….

My eyes have been opened to the travesty, heartbreak and political corruption that transpires with our foreign partners or enemies.

I wonder how many more journalists, reports, students, religious educators are being held prisoner?

I have always loved following the hard-work, dedication and honesty of Lisa. Her
Compassion and passion are absolutely genuine.

This raw exposure to the brutality and bulling of the north Korean regime made me angry. What they did to these two American women was a disgrace. Laura, I want to hug you, celebrate your life and thank you and Lisa for being so tough. I need to go back and educate myself in international relationships and our America.

Good bless you three and your families who caught for your freedoms and for former VP Gore.

I did have to do a little follow up on your current life and my heart celebrates with your families.

Excellent, engaging, honest - a must read!

Lisa and Laura recount their experience from both sides of Laura's capture and imprisonment by North Korea in a language that is easy to relate to. The look into the North Korean culture and mindset is accurate - and priceless. We see a part of North Korea that few ever have the opportunity to view through the people that Laura meets - her guards, the translator, etc. The political aspect of freeing a U.S. citizen from North Korea is fascinating, and not bogged down by too many details. I will be listening again!

Why I Love Audible: Well Told Personal Story

I’ve had an interest in N. Korea (DPRK) for a long time and I was very concerned for Laura Ling and Euna Lee at the time of the true events in this story. I was so moved ha as soon as this version of the events hit the press I immediately purchased and read the book. One of the pleasures of listening to an audio book for me is when the author(s) narrate. After returning a few titles that I wasn’t satisfied with I thought, I bet the Ling’s narration would really add to that story? As much as one can’t “put down” an audio book I’ve been glued to this story. As Laura and her sister Lisa narrate this deeply personal story it’s impossible not to be moved by the harrowing tale of survival, wits, and 2 sisters love for one another.