Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
by Barbara Demick
Approximately 316 pages
This book offers a poignant look at life in North Korea through the eyes of its citizens.
Difficulty
Accessible
Pace
Medium
Mood
empathetic, revealing
Book club
High
Is this book for you?
Read this if you enjoy
- personal narratives about resilience
- you are interested in North Korean culture
- you appreciate investigative journalism
Consider another book if
- you prefer lighter topics
- you dislike non-fiction
- you are looking for fiction
What it is about
"Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea" explores the daily lives of six North Korean defectors. The author, Barbara Demick, provides a detailed account of life under the Kim regime. The narrative highlights the struggles of ordinary citizens amid government propaganda.
It delves into the impact of the famine in the 1990s on families and communities. Personal stories reveal the challenges of love, loss, and survival. Demick examines the rigid social structure and the role of ideology in everyday life.
The book contrasts the experiences of defectors with the perceptions of life in the outside world. It discusses the risks and motivations behind defection. The author emphasizes the resilience and resourcefulness of the individuals portrayed.
Ultimately, the work offers insight into the human experience within a repressive regime.
Award recognition
2010 winner
Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction
United Kingdom
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