37 pages • 1 hour read
Nothing to Envy
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
336
Book • Nonfiction
North Korea • 1990s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick chronicles the lives of six North Korean defectors from Chongjin as they navigate the challenges of everyday life during the country's economic collapse in the 1990s. The narrative intertwines personal stories, notably a secret romance between Mi-ran and Jun-sang, with the harsh realities of famine, propaganda, and ideological disillusionment.
Challenging
Dark
Informative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
100,938 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Barbara Demick’s Nothing to Envy is widely praised for its poignant, immersive portrayal of North Korean life through personal stories. The narrative is lauded for its humanizing approach, though some critiques mention occasional repetitiveness. The book’s rich detail and emotional depth make it a compelling read on a closed-off society’s hardships and resilience.
Who Should Read Nothing to Envy?
Readers who are captivated by human resilience under oppressive regimes will be enthralled by Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick. Ideal for admirers of Escape from Camp 14 and The Orphan Master's Son, this book offers an insightful and poignant look into the lives of North Korean defectors.
100,938 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
336
Book • Nonfiction
North Korea • 1990s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.