Nothing to Envy

Incredible in both its topic and its approach. Nothing to Envy depicts life in North Korea, which is harsh, brutal and oppressive. Demick's approach is clever enough to mention. North Korea is notoriously controlling of any visitors, especially journalists. To get under the skin of North Korea, Demick focuses on defectors from one particular city, narrowing and focusing the scope.

The portraits of the defectors hit right in the heart. Each individual story builds up to a rich exposition of how North Korea came to be, their people, relationships and struggles. Some are skeptical and silent, some are loyal and loud. Some are ideological, some are simply looking out for themselves. These contrasts were most pronounced in the chapters on the famine, which were heart wrenching, and in the aftermath of defecting to South Korea.

Note: I read the Danish translation titled I ly af mørket which translates to Under the cover of darkness. Given Mi-ran and Jun-sang's early meetings in the dark, I find it to be a poetic and beautiful title.