You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
Amazing quasi-narrative nonfiction explaining the rise of communism in Korea, the split into North and South after the Korean War, and what life is like for North Koreans since through a few defectors’ stories. It absolutely blew my mind to learn the extent of the isolation and brainwashing that’s happening right now (book was published 15 yrs ago) on this very planet. I was riveted start to finish.
Demick provides a harrowing glimpse into the confines of North Korea. It is stunning to think such a place still exists. While the audible version has a rather stilted reader, the text shines through. The research and reporting is still relevant.
A reporter writes the stories of several defectors from North Korea. In the process, she recounts the history of how Korea became divided and how North Korea ended up in the situation it's currently in, which I had never really understood. Hard to fathom the extent to which the government controls every aspect of life there.
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
This book is a must-read: Demick gives a much fuller picture of 1990's North Korea than the graphic novel, [b: Pyongyang|80834|Pyongyang A Journey in North Korea|Guy Delisle|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327884533s/80834.jpg|204166], by deftly weaving together compelling stories of six defectors. I felt like I was listening to a dystopian novel come to life; it is not surprising how one defector feels Orwell's [b: 1984|5470|1984|George Orwell|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348990566s/5470.jpg|153313] accurately depicts the totalitarian regime. There are so many memorable images - a pair of lovers whose relationship consists of letter and walks in complete darkness (because there is no electricity), how starvation enforces the phrase "only the good die young" - but the quote that may stay with me is this famous passage from the Hungarian poet, Sandor Petofi:
Liberty and love
These two I must have.
For my love I’ll sacrifice
My life.
For liberty I’ll sacrifice
My love.
Not enjoyable but a lot of information and I like the people and their life stories. But Im just super depressed by it.
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
Utterly enthralling. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone.
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced