A review by ramonasultana
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick

4.0

I have learnt so much about North Korea from this book. It is difficult to understand how an entire country’s population is so closely monitored and controlled by the government. Minimal electricity and water supply, unable to watch tv programmes made outside of North Korea, prisoners of war, working 15 hr days with no wages, seeing your children and relatives die of malnutrition. And snitches everywhere! It is profoundly sad and sometimes shocking, a real eye opener of what is expected of people and how they are brain washed. This book is so deep and moving, it gives insight into the lives of 6 North Korean defectors, their life in North Korea, their escape and their life afterwards. I am very thankful for being born in a free country.