Barbara Demick

Barbara Demick is an American journalist and author known for her in-depth reporting on North Korea and her book 'Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea'.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Nothing to Envy

    Ordinary Lives in North Korea

    "Nothing to Envy" is a non-fiction narrative that provides an in-depth look at life in North Korea through the eyes of six defectors. The book covers a span of 15 years, during which the country faced a devastating famine. It explores the lives of ordinary citizens, their indoctrination, their gradual realization of the truth about their government, and their decision to defect. The book paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life under a totalitarian regime and the struggle for survival and escape.

    The 3521st Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Daughters Of The Bamboo Grove

    Against the backdrop of China’s one‑child policy, this book follows identical twins born in a rural bamboo grove who are separated—one growing up in China, the other adopted to the United States. A journalist’s investigation uncovers coerced relinquishments and child trafficking and examines the human costs of state policy, the ethics of international adoption, and the assumptions that shape how East and West view family and value.

    The 10688th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Eat The Buddha

    Life and Death in a Tibetan Town

    Set against the backdrop of the Tibetan plateau, this compelling narrative delves into the lives of the residents of Ngaba, a remote town that has become a focal point of Tibetan resistance against Chinese rule. Through a series of intimate portraits, the story explores the complex interplay of tradition, identity, and resilience as the townspeople navigate the challenges of cultural suppression, economic hardship, and political unrest. The narrative weaves together personal stories of monks, nomads, and ordinary citizens, offering a poignant glimpse into their struggles and aspirations in the face of relentless adversity.

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