Life in North Korea: Everyday Life in the Juche Country

Book Review

Andrei Lankov's "Life in North Korea: Everyday Life in the Juche Country" is a rare and profound immersion into the daily reality of one of the most closed societies of our time. The author, with unique experience and knowledge of Korean culture, masterfully combines documentary precision with a vivid, almost cinematic narrative. Lankov not only reveals the details of daily life, habits, and fears of North Koreans but also subtly captures the nuances of their inner world, their hopes and disappointments. Critics note that the book is free from sensationalism and stereotypes: instead, the reader encounters an honest, thoughtful analysis that blends historical perspective with the author's personal observations. Lankov's literary style is marked by restrained expressiveness, and his perspective is defined by respect for human destiny, even when it unfolds under a totalitarian system. This work is considered essential for anyone seeking to understand not only North Korea but also the nature of human resilience in the face of harsh reality.