This is a quietly astounding book. The author tells of life in North Korea through the eyes of six people from the same area who defected to South Korea. Life there is unimaginable, perhaps due not to communism itself, but how it was 'doled out' by The Kim 'dynasty'. Hereditary communism .....is something that causes suffering for all but the elite.

The six people interviewed were from different socio economic groups, as well as raised in different levels of belief and support in and of the regime. It takes some longer than others to realize the situation they are in. The stories told during the famine will make you cry, it is almost incomprehensible that so many people suffered in this day and age .

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A fascinating view of life in North Korea. This book chronicles the life of former residents of the totalitarian regime and their flight to escape. The best book that I have read in a long time. You get to see how the North Koreans have to live and struggle to find enough food and heat resources to sustain life. Many don't make it and starve to death. People are required to spy on everyone and report if anyone complains about the government. They must report to work every day but get no paycheck for months and years on end. Electricity is sporadic and generally reserved for the capital Pyongyang. It makes you glad that you live in a capitalist country.

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