Bruce Cummings is a courageous man: holding some uncomfortable truths in a country which is so uneasy about its imperialist policies is nothing short of heroic. Sure, he can expect all sorts of bigots to label him anti-American, communist-lover and other similar stuff. Yet, the book is well argued, with hard facts and that is its main merit. To give an insightful account on the significance of the Korean War on is 50th anniversary. But Cumings does more than this. He also gives a compassionate account of the importance of acknowledging the injury caused to the Korean people by US interference and imperialist policies and to acknowledge the responsibility the US still has in maintaining a fragile and dangerous status quo. This book is not so much about history, as an urgent call to engage, understand and accept that Korea belongs to Koreans and that it is up to them, wheteher South or North, to decide what they want with as little outside interference as possible. It is a call for the US to accept that the DPRK is another country and stop behaving in a colonial way that perpetuates a Cold War situation out of date. It is a call to learn to say sorry and correct past mistakes to pave the way for a brighter future that all of humanity deserves. Surely, those who prefer war mongering and gung ho imperial politics may find it weak, those who believe in peace will appreciate his effort. Well done Mr Cumings.