Big Books of Spring
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

Questions About Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

by Barbara Demick (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (12)

I haven't ever read anything about North Korea or Russia. I'm also very bad at political facts, events and "who's who"s. Any idea whether I'll understand this book?
Silvia Cachia Mugen, you WILL UNDERSTAND the book. I didn't know anything, or not much about North Korea, and it was an eye opening book, with beautiful albeit pain…moreMugen, you WILL UNDERSTAND the book. I didn't know anything, or not much about North Korea, and it was an eye opening book, with beautiful albeit painful narrations of several people and families through the years. The writer is very clear and writes with skill, I couldn't stop listening to it (I got it on audio).(less)
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Is there anything about travelling in this novel?
Amy This is not a novel, but first-hand true stories of life in N. Korea told by people who have defected. It does tell about their travels and travails a…moreThis is not a novel, but first-hand true stories of life in N. Korea told by people who have defected. It does tell about their travels and travails as they escape a totalitarian regime. It is very compelling.(less)
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Has anyone read the new version with the afterword? I am wondering if it contains more information about the incredible people whose lives she covered?
GS I assume you are referring to the Epilogue. That chapter is mostly about Kim Jong un and North Korea under him. There is also 3-4 pages about how life…moreI assume you are referring to the Epilogue. That chapter is mostly about Kim Jong un and North Korea under him. There is also 3-4 pages about how life has changed for the 6 people whose lives she describes in the book.(less)
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Have any of you watched the PBS Frontline stories on North Korea? They are a good companion for this book
Josh Cleary The book is much more detailed and explores the lives of the average North Korean more precisely. There really is a good counterpart to this book in v…moreThe book is much more detailed and explores the lives of the average North Korean more precisely. There really is a good counterpart to this book in video form (less)
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Anyone who has read this book- is this book appropriate for children? I'm a teacher looking for books on North Korea appropriate for 6th graders (12 year olds). Thank you!
Julia I would hold off until 16+. There is obviously going to be a lot of upsetting subject matter discussed. I myself had trouble sleeping while reading, n…moreI would hold off until 16+. There is obviously going to be a lot of upsetting subject matter discussed. I myself had trouble sleeping while reading, not only because the account was so well written I read well into the night, but also fitful uneasy sleep when I did. (less)
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Unanswered Questions (1)

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