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

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring sad medium-paced

4.75

This was such an interesting educational book and was presented in such a human way that kept me captivated. The stories during the famine were so devastating and read like historical fiction during WWII, the fact that this could happen during a non war time and is even more unspeakable.

I learned so much about the government and daily life. I appreciated the updated afterward in my edition about what the last decade has been like and the changes with new leadership. Seems definitely different but just as horrible for the average North Korean Citizen. 

I really appreciated getting know some of these true characters, all had such heartbreaking accounts of tragedy and death, but the fact that these people were so unbelievably brave, resourceful, and able to find kindness from others and now have changed their lives was incredible. I can’t imagine dealing with that pain or starting over. Also was interesting to read about the defection process and how the different countries handle it. 

I was so happy how well Mrs. Song adjusted and that she was able to have this improved life after all her hardship. Mi-ran and Jun-sang’s story was reminiscent of Past Lives

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death