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A review by sweetearlgrey
Nothing to Envy: Real Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick
5.0
I don't think I'll ever forget the contents of this book. Demnick traces North Korea's tumultuous history, from the Korean War to the present day, painting a vivid picture of a nation trapped in a time warp. Through six compelling narratives, we meet ordinary people who dared to defy the regime. Mi-ran, a young factory worker; Dr. Kim, a physician; and Jun-sang, a loyal party member – their lives intersect, revealing the human cost of survival. Each defector’s journey is a testament to resilience and hope.
As I turned the pages, I felt their fear, hunger, and longing. The famines, described with gut-wrenching detail, are haunting. Descriptions of surveillance, the constant fear of betrayal are simply terrifying. Surprisingly, freedom doesn’t always bring solace. Many defectors struggle in the bustling streets of Seoul, alienated by a society that moves too fast. The longing for home, even a home under oppression – tugs at their hearts. It’s a paradox that challenges our assumptions. Despite the horrors, there’s hope. The defectors’ resilience, their small acts of rebellion, and their dreams of reunification, some glimmers of humanity shine through. What a book, and what a terrible regime. I want to live to see the day when all North Koreans are free.
As I turned the pages, I felt their fear, hunger, and longing. The famines, described with gut-wrenching detail, are haunting. Descriptions of surveillance, the constant fear of betrayal are simply terrifying. Surprisingly, freedom doesn’t always bring solace. Many defectors struggle in the bustling streets of Seoul, alienated by a society that moves too fast. The longing for home, even a home under oppression – tugs at their hearts. It’s a paradox that challenges our assumptions. Despite the horrors, there’s hope. The defectors’ resilience, their small acts of rebellion, and their dreams of reunification, some glimmers of humanity shine through. What a book, and what a terrible regime. I want to live to see the day when all North Koreans are free.