A review by saluki
Nothing to Envy: Real Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick
5.0
I've watched many Korean Historical Dramas over the last few years after my first viewing of Jumong. Yet it is my admiration for King Sejong and his dedication to producing the modern Korean alphabet for the everyman so his working class people would be educated and could communicate with each other by reading and writing that I found an extraordinary accomplishment. He dedicated his life to the working man over his court ... hence my interest in Korean history and culture was cemented.
Now I actively seek news about Korean history, culture and current affairs.
This book underscored how desperately cut off North Koreans are from the world, living an isolated, misinformed, poverty stricken existence - and that applies to those within the 'more desirable' positions within North Korean society too. A satellite photograph of South Korea gleaming brightly with light is evident enough of their superior technological advancement of the last few decades, yet the black expanse of North Korea, save a tiny white dot at Pyongyang, put goosebumps on my arms.
Barbara Demick investigates differing viewpoints from those who have managed to escape their previous totalitarian existence.
It is understandable to see how some people are brainwashed by the North Korean propaganda and it takes a large learning curve for them to realise their misconceptions about the world. And, it is heartbreaking to understand how difficult it is for them to adapt to the modern world or South Korea. Yet, among this bleak existence, for one person, there was the wonderful first blossoming of love or at least first romance ... albeit in the dark ... a platonic love that took place over a large period of time with secret meetings and hushed talk that couldn't happen under normal circumstances.
Demick is painstakingly accurate about time, places and events. The interviews blew me away. To learn so much about an otherwise isolated part of our planet was an exercise in humility and one that makes this working class woman realise that compared to many on the planet she really lives like a queen!
A true eye-opener and the testimonies or interviews will stay with you ... never to be forgotten.
Now I actively seek news about Korean history, culture and current affairs.
This book underscored how desperately cut off North Koreans are from the world, living an isolated, misinformed, poverty stricken existence - and that applies to those within the 'more desirable' positions within North Korean society too. A satellite photograph of South Korea gleaming brightly with light is evident enough of their superior technological advancement of the last few decades, yet the black expanse of North Korea, save a tiny white dot at Pyongyang, put goosebumps on my arms.
Barbara Demick investigates differing viewpoints from those who have managed to escape their previous totalitarian existence.
It is understandable to see how some people are brainwashed by the North Korean propaganda and it takes a large learning curve for them to realise their misconceptions about the world. And, it is heartbreaking to understand how difficult it is for them to adapt to the modern world or South Korea. Yet, among this bleak existence, for one person, there was the wonderful first blossoming of love or at least first romance ... albeit in the dark ... a platonic love that took place over a large period of time with secret meetings and hushed talk that couldn't happen under normal circumstances.
Demick is painstakingly accurate about time, places and events. The interviews blew me away. To learn so much about an otherwise isolated part of our planet was an exercise in humility and one that makes this working class woman realise that compared to many on the planet she really lives like a queen!
A true eye-opener and the testimonies or interviews will stay with you ... never to be forgotten.