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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
Probably the best book about life in North Korea in general and a must-read if you are interested in the subject. The reader is given an insight into the lives of multiple generations and varying perspectives. This book also provides ample background knowledge about North Korean history and political changes, which affected the lives of ordinary people without their knowledge.
However, I would definitely recommend supplementing this read with more personal stories of defectors and what they went through after crossing the border to China. The stories described in this book seem rather tame or incomplete at times.
I would also recommend reading A River In Darkness that casts light on a different experience of a Japanese Korean family living in NK. And provides contrast to the people of Nothing To Envy who seemed, after all the suffering, to still be relatively well off by NK standards.
However, I would definitely recommend supplementing this read with more personal stories of defectors and what they went through after crossing the border to China. The stories described in this book seem rather tame or incomplete at times.
I would also recommend reading A River In Darkness that casts light on a different experience of a Japanese Korean family living in NK. And provides contrast to the people of Nothing To Envy who seemed, after all the suffering, to still be relatively well off by NK standards.
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Rather than a historical chronicle of North Korean politics and society, this boom is about the deeply felt personal stories of a handful of men and women who were born, grew up, lived and worked in the enigmatic communist nation before eventually escaping to South Korea. As such, it cuts to the core of what really goes on in the head of someone living under this crazy brutal authoritarian regime—their motivations, hopes, dreams, fears and ultimately their ability to push forward under truly horrific conditions. It’s absorbing, enlightening and very tragic, and absolutely compelling throughout. Again, not for the facts and analysis but for shining a light on North Korea and humanizing individuals who are crushed under a system that only values the collective and worships at the altar of the Kim family.
Barbara Demick follows the lives of six North Koreans who ended up defecting, and the stories that unfold give a clearer picture of the reality of North Korea than anything I've ever read. Gritty, intense, and heartbreaking. It's so strange to read these stories and think about what my life looked like at the very same time; it's difficult to believe a country like this exists now.
informative
sad
medium-paced
Read Harder 2017 (done in 2019) - Read a book that is set more than 5000 miles from your location
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Gripping and horrifying story. about worst kind of prison - one that locks you up inside your own head.
Very well written, with decent amount of sources propping the story up. Must read if you're interested in North Korea history - and really recommended if you aren't.
Very well written, with decent amount of sources propping the story up. Must read if you're interested in North Korea history - and really recommended if you aren't.