Last Hill of Arirang

About the Book

Last Hill of Arirang is the story of Yu Sun Yi, a Korean woman of irrepressible spirit and strength, and the men, her grandfather, father, husband and sons, whom she defied, dominated, comforted and loved throughout overwhelming political events. Beginning in 1910 with the annexation of Korea by Japan and continuing through the brutal suppression that followed, she experiences the turmoil of cultural change and devastating war.

Dreams of her childhood seem impossible to attain. In her time women are destined to be "inside people" Yet her strong will guides Sun Yi and her family through years of imprisonment, banishment, and even loss of home and livelihood.

Here is an epic story of one family, entwined with fascinating details of traditional customs in the land long known as "The Hermit Nation," and of an indomitable country that will not be conquered.

About the Author

Beverly Johnson Paik, of Swedish parents, settled in California as a child. She studied journalism and Asian history at Stanford University and has been writing since she learned to read. Married to a fellow student, Harkjoon Paik, who left Korea during the war, she has accompanied him through his career as lawyer and judge, all the time gathering material for this story. They have three children, two grandchildren, and live in the Carmel Valley of California.