Nothing to Envy

by Barbara Demick
Nothing to Envy cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Technical:
  • ID: 655
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Reviews
Book Munch · 2023-08-11
profound 4.75

The book is described as a profound and eye-opening experience that makes readers count their blessings. It is praised for its thorough and factual reporting, which avoids sensationalism.

The reviewer was deeply affected by the book, describing it as a profound and eye-opening experience. They mention that reading it makes you count your blessings multiple times, highlighting the stark contrast between the lives of North Koreans and our own. The reviewer appreciates the thorough and factual reporting, which provides a realistic and unvarnished look at life in North Korea without resorting to sensationalism. This balanced approach makes the book both informative and deeply moving, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

Quick quotes

    having been as blown away by it as everyone else has

    my only reaction is one of profound gratitude for the life I lead

    a realistic and unvarnished look at life in North Korea

Reddit - Books · 2023-08-11
informative 4.25

The book is praised for its factual and thorough reporting, which tells the stories of North Koreans without sensationalizing their experiences. It is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the realities of life in North Korea.

This reviewer highlights the book's factual and thorough reporting, which provides a valuable resource for understanding the realities of life in North Korea. They appreciate that the book does not sensationalize the stories of North Koreans but rather presents them in a straightforward and respectful manner. This approach makes the book both informative and engaging, offering a unique perspective on a country that is often misunderstood. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read that sheds light on the human side of a complex and often overlooked issue.

Quick quotes

    Demick's reporting struck me as factual and thorough

    her book didn't sensationalize

    a valuable resource for understanding the realities of life in North Korea

The Guardian · 2010-04-03
moving 4.50

The book provides a deeply moving and disturbing insight into real North Korean lives, offering a stark contrast to the fleeting impressions of tourists. It's a powerful account that highlights the resilience and struggles of ordinary people.

This review emphasizes the emotional impact of the book, describing it as both moving and disturbing. The reviewer appreciates how it goes beyond surface-level observations to reveal the true hardships and resilience of North Koreans. They highlight the book's ability to humanize the people behind the political rhetoric, making it a compelling read that stays with the reader long after finishing. The reviewer also notes that the stories are told with such depth and authenticity that they provide a unique window into a world that is often shrouded in mystery.

Quick quotes

    Yet the stories it recounts are moving and disturbing

    it surely tells us far more about real North Korean lives than a fleeting tourist

    a powerful account that highlights the resilience and struggles of ordinary people

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