MIJA

Praise for MiJa ‘I found MiJa incredibly engrossing. Some of this. I think, is due to the vividness of the writing, as well as attention to historical detail. I genuinely felt like I was there.’ Julia, BookSirens Reviewer ‘Loved it! Rich storytelling that spans generations … Atkinson’s writing is digestible and thoroughly enjoyable … his characterisation of MiJa’s mother, Boknam, is sublime.’ Kristiana, Reedsy Discovery ‘Beautifully done historical novel … I really enjoyed the plot and am excited to read more from Mark Atkinson.’ Kathryn, Booksprout Reviewer ‘Love a good historical novel. This one has a lot of history and is hard to put down. Good read.’ Rhonda G, Booksprout Reviewer ‘A compelling story … this book deserves wide readership.’ Morag, Booksprout Reviewer ‘Wow, just amazing. This story is the best I have read in a long time. It was so well written that I was hanging on the author’s every word. I really couldn't put this book down. It's definitely been a long time that I have been this invested in a novel, and I read a lot of books. This story was so sad, emotional and atmospheric it almost felt like a true story. It's certainly a story about resilience. It really shocked me in places. It is also inspiring, if MiJa can get through all life threw at her then so can we. I really can't recommend this book enough. It's a fantastic historical fiction set in South Korea. The story goes through so many changes within the country. Through civil War, occupation, failing crops, school changes, kidnap and death. It’s certainly a roller coaster ride. This story will stay with me for a very long time. I know we are only in the end of January, and I will probably read another 400 books. But this book is definitely likely to be book of the year. It will take a lot to knock it off my top spot. I was totally engrossed in this book and read it all in one sitting. The characters were amazing and well developed. Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishing team for creating the most perfect novel. I really hope this author writes more books. I will certainly keep my eyes peeled.’ Claire, Netgalley Reviewer ‘A historical fiction story about Choi MiJa. We follow along on her journey from childhood to adulthood. A difficult adventure that will pull at your heartstrings and root for her survival. A beautifully and poignant story.’ Intriga, BookSirens Reviewer ‘You write beautifully and when you describe a setting it’s absolutely great. It makes the novel a pleasure to read ... it’s extremely cinematic … a great piece of work.’ Development Editor, Jericho Writers MiJa Mark Atkinson Copyright © 2023 by Mark Atkinson All rights reserved. This novel is a work of fiction. All names, characters, organisations, dates, and incidents are a product of my imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual organisations, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Unfortunately, the historical events are true. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Published by Bookmark Publications Ltd, England. https://www.bookmark-publications.com ISBN 978-1-916600-00-3 A Word from the Author I once had the good fortune to work in Shanghai and every day on my way to work I used to walk past the psychiatric hospital. In those days the patients used to sit outside in their pyjamas, basking in the early morning sun. One day, much to my surprise, a frail old man spoke to me in English and asked me if I knew the secret of a happy life. Even more surprising was his reply: a house in England, a Korean wife, and Chinese food. I thought he was crazy: well, he was sitting outside a psychiatric hospital. Many years later I realise he might have been right, and you so often find wisdom where it is least expected and where you expect it, it is so often lacking. My wife has told me many memorable stories about Korea and its folklore that inspired this novel, and I would like to thank her for editing it for cultural authenticity and adding the feminine touches. Mark Atkinson York, England 25 December 2022 Contents Mukho Part I 1. MiJa 2. The Good Citizen Elementary School 3. Jung-sik 4. Mi-soon 5. A Korean History Lesson 6. The Shinto Shrine 7. The Schoolteacher Mukho 29 February 1960 Mukho is a great place to hide if you don’t mind the smell of dried squid permeating your life. If you catch the slow