North Korea's plight seems unreal, fictional— The fact that this has been the reality of North Koreans for so many years, it can rend the heart of even the most unfeeling person. We should not take our freedoms for granted when others risk their lives for what we often want to throw away. Barbara Demick, in the span of 15 years, interviews, builds relationships, and observes closely the lives of 6 North Koreans who have escaped to South Korea.

Updated: I think this book might be considered "mild" in comparison to other books on the subject although I have not read much to compare it. I would definitely want to read other books also. Nevertheless, I feel that I need a break from such heartbreaking topics for the moment. I have heard that there are better books about the plight of North Korea that they also delve on some other serious issues, like the issue of human trafficking and prostitution that this book barely mentions.
I definitely recommend it. You just might not want to read it at a time when you feel down. It is unbelievable what humans can do to other humans. Nevertheless, history is brimming with examples of inhumanity and ruthless leaders. It is even more complex and depressing the issue of what makes humans monsters, as not everyone will agree to the reason for that, and how they rose to their power positions where they were/are able to harm millions of people.