Nothing To Envy

Nothing To Envy, a compelling book authored by Barbara Demick, is a captivating exploration into the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Published by Granta Books in 2010, this piece of literature is a must-read for those interested in understanding the humanistic perspective of life under severe conditions. The genre of the book is hard to pin down, as it skillfully intertwines elements of biography, history, and social commentary. Demick, an award-winning journalist, brings to life the stories 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. The book is a remarkable testament to the spirit of the human will and the enduring desire for freedom. So, if you're looking for a thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page, Nothing To Envy is the book for you.

A spectacularly revealing and harrowing portrait of ordinary lives in the world's least ordinary country, North Korea. Newly updated in 2013