Nothing to Envy follows the lives of six North Koreans over fifteen years—a chaotic period that saw the death of Kim Il-sung, the unchallenged rise to power of his son Kim Jong-il, and the devastation of a far-ranging famine that killed one-fifth of the population.
Taking us into a landscape most of us have never before seen, award-winning journalist Barbara Demick brings to life what it means to be living under the most repressive totalitarian regime today—an Orwellian world that is by choice not connected to the Internet, in which radio and television dials are welded to the one government station, and where displays of affection are punished; a police state where informants are rewarded and where an offhand remark can send a person to the gulag for life.
Demick takes us deep inside the country, beyond the reach of government censors. Through meticulous and sensitive reporting, we see her six subjects—average North Korean citizens—fall in love, raise families, nurture ambitions, and struggle for survival. One by one, we experience the moments when they realize that their government has betrayed them.
Nothing to Envy is a groundbreaking addition to the literature of totalitarianism and an eye-opening look at a closed world that is of increasing global importance.
I’ve read one book on North Korea already so was expecting the same from this one but it was a complete surprise. Well written with excellent insight and forethought on the internal workings of the elite circle in North Korea. You felt his pain and struggle in his journey and his dilemma in his political and social views and how he was shaped when growing up. Really enjoyed the book.
Incredible first-hand account from perhaps the most high-profile North Korean to successfully desert. As a member of Kim Jung-Il’s “inner circle”, he offers rare insight into the most secluded country on earth while giving his personal view on current geo-political relations. Absolutely could not put this one down
Of all the books I’ve read about North Korea, this one stands out due to the former status of the author in the regime. It’s gutsy and extremely gripping for a tale under non-fiction genre. You are literally struck with a new found appreciation for the freedom which was readily given to you, the moment you were born and you didn’t have to fight for it. A MUST READ!
Beware of some strong language. This is a book of a North Korean defector and the inside workings of the hermit kingdom. Freedom is so precious that many attempt escape from their repressive homeland, but few make it. Even fewer escapees pen what they know, due to the fact that family and friends left behind will face certain disappearance.
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