Nothing to Envy: Love, Life and Death in North Korea

Barbara Demick's series of life stories of and interviews with defectors from North Korea is both an eye-opener and verification of the worst rumors we hear about the "hermit kingdom." The fact that the stories are all true, personal and are followed through to the present makes them all the more riveting,but her selection of stories gives a startling sense of humanity and struggle as well. Westerners may find the details impossible to believe, yet the facts are there and we marvel at the tenacity of the north Korean citizens and especially the bravery ( sometimes luck?) of the successful defectors. We sympathize with them in more ways than one, however, because they may have escaped a "hermit kingdom" but they have traded it for an "alien planet"in South Korea where nothing they believed was true is suddenly assaulting their reason from all quarters. Its the human stories we need to hear from north Korea. We need to put faces to myths and truth before propaganda. Demick's "Noting to Envy" is highly recommended reading.

An eye-opening, in-depth illustration of life in North Korea - from the experiences of defectors. Very illuminating and at times harrowing. Individual life stories were told in a no-nonsense style, without judgement or opinion.

Nothing to Envy,It has been written like a story book more than a North Korea documentary, if you like to know more it is a great read, But it is more like a novel then a Historical / Reality document. The Author has tried to link the historical events to the characters' experience, but some how given the reader a false sense of time, as it jump back and forward. Otherwise a very good read.

This book is one of my favourites. Its well written and very informative.A lot in the book is extremely sad but it really is worth a read.I felt like Nothing to Envy gave a really good look into the lives of different people who lived in North Korea.I have read other books and watched documentaries and I have found this book the most interesting and informative.

Great read. Well researched and written in a style that meant I couldn't put this book down. The author took us through the lives of 6 North Korean people and their families. She skilfully portrayed their lives in North Korea, their motives for leaving and how they managed in South Korea once they had escaped. I recommend this book.

A fascinating look at life in North Korea.

Captures your mind, for me it is heart wrenching The terrible suffering that people had to suffer and those that are still living in this horrific land. Governed by a wicked and government led by a man who cannot be right in his mind.An eye opener to the lives of people living in oppression and starvation in the 21st century.

Gripping, couldn't put it down,thrilling, romantic amazing life story packed with history and brilliantly written.Fabulous for book club discussion and pure pleasure.To think that this is current history too.Fear and greed, dictatorship alive in Korea today.Recommend reading to understand the culture and why these people are so desperate but extremely frightened to look and follow another life.

Through the narratives of defectors from North to South Korea a picture is built of thIs secret country. It is astonishing that in the modern era such atrocities occur and still occur. The time has come for the world to unite and force change. People should not have to live under the authority of mad men.

An extraordinary and personal look at life for ordinary citizens in North Korea. Ultimately, it's a sad story for many of the people whose tales are told here. With this week's publication of 300 or so new slogans for North Koreans ("Let us turn the whole country into a socialist fairyland by the joint operation of the army and people!") the unfortunate story that is this country persists.

An incredible snapshot into life in North Korea. Related beautifully, it's actually hard to read at times - it's almost impossible to believe that much of the narrative describes the 1990s and not the 1890s. An excellent read.

A Blend of personal stories and history, this was a fascinating read from start to finish and opened my eyes to the realities of North Korea.

An entirely readable description of the real lives of North Koreans. I struggled to put this book down and read it in a few hours...