Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
by Barbara Demick
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick holds a highly rated rating of 4.42 out of 5, based on 37.3K reader ratings. First published in 2009. The book spans 316 pages.
About Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
Nothing to Envy follows the lives 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. Taking us into a landscape most of us have never before seen, award-winning journalist Barbara Demick brings to life what it means to be living under the most repressive totalitarian regime today—an Orwellian world that is by choice not connected to the Internet, in which radio and television dials are welded to the one government station, and where displays of affection are punished; a police state where informants are rewarded and where an offhand remark can send a person to the gulag for life. Demick takes us deep inside the country, beyond the reach of government censors. Through meticulous and sensitive reporting, we see her six subjects—average North Korean citizens—fall in love, raise families, nurture ambitions, and struggle for survival. One by one, we experience the moments when they realize that their government has betrayed them. Nothing to Envy is a groundbreaking addition to the literature of totalitarianism and an eye-opening look at a closed world that is of increasing global importance.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Barbara Demick |
| Published | 2009 |
| Pages | 316 |
| Kindle Price | $9.99 |
| Genres | Non-Fiction, History, Biography & Memoir, Travel, Biography & Memoir |
| Average Rating | 4.42 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 37,284 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea?
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea is categorized as Non-Fiction, History, Biography & Memoir, Travel. Its primary genre classification is Biography & Memoir.
Is Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea worth reading?
Based on 37.3K reader ratings, Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea has an average score of 4.42 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated."
How many pages is Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea?
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea has 316 pages.
Who wrote Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea?
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea was written by Barbara Demick. It was first published in 2009.
What is the ISBN for Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea?
The ISBN-13 for Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea is 9780385523900.0.
How much does Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea cost on Kindle?
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea is available on Kindle for $9.99. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
