A well written book. It is an eye opener to the lives of people in the most guarded and secretive government. It is hard to put down, well written and researched book. Well worth reading.

An incredibly compelling, well-researched account of life in North Korea. Barbara Demick's book reads like a novel with passages of strong description and intimate narratives, making it an easy-to-devour book filled with all the interesting facts and nerdy information you'd expect from a good non-fiction read. I had almost no back-ground knowledge on North Korea's history or politics but this book provides everything you need to know to keep up and follow along.

Compelling, shocking and unbearably sad book about the incredible hardships the north Koreans endure. Heart wrenching and enlightening. As difficult as it may be to read we need to inform ourselves and have some understanding of what these poor people have endured.

An insightful book filled with compelling stories of survival and suffering. I especially appreciated the combination of memoir, history and journalistic detachment. An important view into the mysterious hermit authoritarian regime in North Korea.

This book takes us into the lives of 6 North Koreans during the great famine of the 90's. This is something that everyone could benefit from reading; if only to be made more grateful for the lives we have. The book is inspiring and shocking.

A surprise to me, this book, written by a journalist was a heart-rending story of the North Korean people told through 6 represenatives and their families. ditto to Marishkajuko: Fascinating, very well written, accessible - the epitome of a page-turner. Recommended to anyone and everyone.

A rare glimpse into the last bastion of pure communism on Earth. This book tells the story of the dystopian, Orwellian nightmare that is life in North Korea.

Fascinating, very well written, accessible - the epitome of a page-turner. Recommended to anyone and everyone.

Fabulous, compulsively readable account of 6 North Koreans that found a way to defect to South Korea. This book documents the collapse of both industry and agriculture when the Soviet Union no longer supported N. Korea. Starvation, malnutrition and unbelievable suffering. Also, everyone is required to inform on each other if they make an off-hand comment or do anything not supportive of the Party. Shocking. Read this with Jeff Talarigo's Ginseng Hunter, a gorgeous spare book about a South Korean near the border with North Korea. Great Book Club choice.

If you are looking for something that explains the behavior and culture of North Korea, this book is an excellent start. It follows the lives of several people who escaped from the Hermit Kingdom. Not a moment is dry in this one, and I was definitely reluctant to put it down. If you like this one, you may also enjoy "The Aquariums of Pyongyang," though that one is older and not as applicable to the current situation.