In Barbara Demick's 2010 book, Nothing to Envy, evidence collected from areas across North Korea, unseen and unheard, caused a fascination to "discern what was behind those blank faces." For Demick, the desensitized conformity of North Koreans was clearly unnatural, leading to extensive research throughout South Korea with former residents of the North. Incidentally, In Demick's own words, "I wanted that place [North Korea], to be far from the well-manicured sights that the North Korean government shows to foreign visitors- even if it meant I would be writing about a place that was off limits." As a result, Demick compiled conversations over a period of 7 years to come together in her provocative novel. Over the following weeks, comprehensive analysis of Barbara Demick's Nothing to Envy will focus primarily on personal influences North Korea has had on its citizens and further steps taken to aid in the current circumstances.
